Ok, so I know that title may be a little cliche, and maybe not so creative on my part, but I am truly starting to appreciate that saying. Like everyone else, I have my up days and my down days, and today while sewing (yes, I actually did some sewing today :cD ) my mind started to wandering.
With all the pressures of life that weigh me down, why do I not try to find the joy in the simple, everyday things that I do? Why do I put more pressure on myself? I'm going to focus mainly on my quilting, but these thoughts apply to other areas of life as well. My blog used to have a UFO list. I started thinking why do I daily remind myself of what I haven't done? Do I really need to be reminded of all those things? Didn't I enjoy the process that produced those "UFOs"? and Why shouldn't I continue to enjoy that process? I haven't pieced many blocks of late, and I truly enjoy that process. I love to challenge myself with more complex blocks. I love to see the level of accuracy that I have been able to reach with the more simple blocks. I love playing with new fabrics. What is the harm in having some orphan blocks? Having a few more flimsies in the closet waiting for the quilting never hurt anyone did it?
Why do I stress over perfect points? Why not just enjoy the creative process? I really don't think when we are remembered by our family and friends the conversations are going to start with "Boy do you remember the perfect points her/his blocks had?" or "I'll always remember her/his perfect quarter inch seam allowance?" As time goes by and life continues to hand me challenge after challenge I am beginning to more and more appreciate the process and to be happy to be able to create things of beauty, things that will be used, things that will be loved whether they are "perfect" or not.
So tonight I broke out some block kits from a shop hop I participated in last fall, and just enjoyed cutting the fabric, peicing the blocks, pressing the patches, heck even the 'frog stitching' I had to do. Let me just say it does really help to read the instructions BEFORE you start stitching :cD...found that out tonight. lol Are my points perfect? Some are, some aren't. Are my seams perfect? Well, no. Hence the not-so-perfect points ;cD But after some thought here are the truly important questions (to me, at least) Is my stress level down? Yes. Do I feel happier? Yes. Do I feel like I accomplished something? Yes. And I know in the end when this quilt is finished the recipient will love it. Not because it has perfect points. Not because of its accurate seams. Not because of the consistent stitch length of the quilting, but because it is something that is beautiful, and made especially for them with their favorite colors and fabrics and the best effort I could put forth. And the fact that it will be appreciated makes me feel happiest above all others. I know I have UFOs sitting in my closet, and drawers, and boxes, and... well, you get the picture. But I know that most of them will get done eventually, and I will no longer feel guilty about having them or starting a new project. I will focus on the joy the process brings me, and continue to quilt on. Quilt on my quilting friends!! :cD
13 comments:
And so say all of us - lol ! Well said. Having fun is what it's all about although my UFO pile is a bit big - lol !
Good for you! You are right, we enjoy it and someday our children and grandchildren will reap the benefits. We're getting quilts finished, just not at lightning speed. I always tell my mom, don't worry, someday we'll look at that and say, "Aw, that was when Momma started loosing her mind!" LOL
great post. isn't that why we do it...cause we love it as opposed to creating more stress in our lives. good reminder for me!
Very inspirational blog entry, and beautiful quilt blocks! You are right "why" do we dwell on the UFOs in our lives? I actually enjoy the box full of *orphan* blocks that once belonged to my MIL, they are fun to look at and I cherish everyone of them. I can only hope my children and grandchildren feel the same when the time comes to go thru my boxes of UFOs and Orphan blocks!
Good for you!!! Its so nice not to stress and just enjoy the process! I do have a great aunt though that would obesess over those points AND point out to you that they aren't perfect - hence, we don't show her much when we see her! All that matters is that it comes from the heart! Hope you are feeling better and not so stressed soon!
Beautifully written! And I love the blocks!
Great for you - the process is much more fun when I don't obsess (and funny - they come out better when I don't stress out over "perfect."). Take care and I'm thinking of you!
Kris
i see i am not the only one that felt moved by this post. wow. so many places i read that made me think i had written it myself. lol. way to motivate me to get back to what i love about it, not the pressure to clean out my closet. to heck with perfect points i say. and i must mention, those are absolutely beautiful blocks. very lovely. i'll be back to visit again.
renee
Well said! I think that I am not cut out to be a stashbuster, not that I don't do my level best, and use lots and lots of fabric...but this is what I do, I love it, I am sensible about it, and I am going to keep on doing it! UFO's and all...I don't feel guilty! :)
I have lots of UFOs too, and they often weigh on my mind. But everything gets done eventually, one thing at a time! BTW...the colors of those blocks you just did are beautiful! :0)
Beautifully said.. and it certainly hit home with me.
The blocks are wonderful... someone is going to be a very lucky person to receive such a beautiful gift!
Well said!
I try to remember these same things while hand quilting and letting go of the PERFECT stitch and remember instead the PURPOSE of the stitch...which is to hold the top, batt and backing together.
have a great day!
Wow I'm glad your not stressed about missing points and seams. I try not to. The colors are wonderful who would notice them anyway?
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