One from the vaults...

I bet you're all wondering if this most recent blog-hiatus was some sort of WGA solidarity move or something.  No giant strike beards growing here. I promise.  Rather, life, as it does, got in the way.  And also, typing is only now beginning to NOT be a pain in the wrist.

I plan to sew again this weekend, and I have been sneaking in a little bit of knitting at a time on my Clapotis, usually with the ice pack strapped to my forearm.  That seems to do the trick.  But the knitting is kind of dull to look at.  I did buy a ton of yarn online lately, and maybe some fabric too- but the fabric has a purpose already, so it doesn't count.  I guess those who can't, even temporarily due to injury, can get their crafty mojo on by buying supplies?

I hate blogging sans photos.  But I miss posting.  And then- I remembered- I took some photos of a quilt way back when, and I never shared!  Woo-hoo!  New photo content!

Remember this project?

Well, I got it all pieced. Way back when actually.  (Way back when meaning Jan 6th...)  I didn't share it because I decided it still needs work, and I should just hold off.  Well, 6 weeks later, no work done, I guess I might as well pull it up and share it now.  Here's the pieced top in my bedroom.

What needs work??, you may be asking yourself. Well, look again and YOU tell me.

That lighter purple stripe ain't a border.  It's snakes on a bed peaking out from underneath.  This quilt is nowhere near wide enough for my taste, even if I were to add a border (called for by the pattern.)  I'd like to go borderless, however.  Which means I need at least one more and maybe two more rows width-wise.  The quilt is plenty long enough.  I may rip off the bottom row and stick it to the side.  And then see if I still need one more row.

I have had such ambivalent feelings about this quilt from day one.  I thought I loved it.  In my head it looked really different.  Then I started it, and I wasn't sure.  I felt pure hatred for it over a few days, and then returned to ambivalence.  So I'd really appreciate some honest feedback before I put any more time into it.  What do YOU all think of this quilt?  Keeping in mind that I'm a purple ho...

I promise something new and interesting soon, really.  I'm just sort of running behind on everything lately, and I've decided not to stress over that fact.  Part of that whole new and improved me thing.  The Hubby and I do have a big date tomorrow night- and before that- I have a manicure and massage scheduled.  Yum.   

Comments

[mikawendy]

Instead of ripping a row from the bottom and sewing it to the side, how about turning the whole thing 90 degrees? Or do the proportions not work out then?

[Judy L.]

I just ordered a bunch of that Lorna's Lace Sock yarn too. I put a note in there that you referred me so I hope you get some credit for it.

Thanks!

[LauraJ]

Honestly, truly, I think that quilt is amazing! In all it's purple glory. You know the quilt I'm making (green blue beigey thing) yeah that one. Well I somedays I loathe it, somedays I love it, somedays I can't stand it. In the end though when it's all said and done you will love your quilt. Yes it needs to be a little wider, aside from that I think it's fantastic. And yeah borderless would be the good way to go with a dark purple binding. Just my 2 cents worth. Maybe a nickel considering how long this comment is. Have fun on your date! :D

[Carol E.]

I love it! I didn't realize the blocks were so big until I saw the photo of it on the bed. Just add one more row to the width, quilt that baby and start snuggling under it. I love how the reds here and there pop.

[Cheryl]

Why change the size? It can be a good, end of the bed or nap on top of the covers quilt. If it were my quilt... I would also go borderless (I really should post my thoughts on lazy borders), but I would add a red binding so those bits of bed pop a bit more. And maybe some appliqued circles. You are a purple ho and I am a circle mama! Have fun tomorrow!

[Cheryl]

Bits of red... not bits of bed. Although, if you don't change the size you get that too!

[Ruth]

I love it, but then I'm a purple ho... too. Another row would work better than borders I think IMHO.

I figured you weren't posting because your wrist was sore, glad to know it's doing better.

[cher]

you should add on to it and revel in how great it is! really Sam, it is a fun quilt...and all those wonderful fabrics in it...what is NOT to love???

[Miss Scarlett]

I really like the simplicity of this quilt - it lets you enjoy the colours more -- something less distracting about it.

Should I say, it lets you enjoy the purple more?

Hope that sprain is better soon -- and laughed at your WGA reference!

[amy]

One more row and you're home free, that's what I think! It is a very striking quilt. I love the peeks of Kaffe prints surrounded by COLOR. Did you happen to see SNL last night? It was crazy-funny. The writers had been saving up for that one!

[Ellen]

I really like the quilt. I like how the colors work together. I understand making a quilt and how you thought it'd look is different from the reality of what you get. I've done it a few times.

I do like this top your working on. It looks like one more row length wise would be enough.

[Flippytale Quilter (Christine)]

I really like the spontaneity of this quilt and the rhythm it creates. I can I do one inspired by it? I've been working on a idea for a group project for some women that I meet with every other month.

So, fixing your love/hate quilt project that I really love .... naw .... If you want to put a border on it to make it wider do something improvisational with the bits left over from the blocks, it will add to the depth of what it there.

[Evelyn]

It is sooo pretty, and so almost done - how can you not fix it to the size you want? I am going through the exact same things with one of my quilts (purple strings) - need to add 2 more rows to get it the "perfect" size to my tastes! Take care of that wrist now - no overdo-ing. Enjoy your date!

Cheers!

Evelyn

[Lil]

Oh Samantha, why being ambivalent, this quilt is a beauty and I especially love the red fabrics, they add a special kick to the whole piece

[Amy]

I am ambivalent about mine... But I have seen several that I have liked. I think it is a nice show case of your purples... Can you live with abandoning so many of them?

In the end, just do it - it is not like the blocks are hard or that you don't have any purples...

[Angela]

I'd say go ahead and add the row and finish it. It's lovely (though I totally understand about being ambivalent about your own projects -- I get that way about mine as well, remind me to show the one that's been waiting for its binding for a year because I'm kind of hating it). I also think borders are a no for this -- enjoy the blocks and the fabrics.

[jamie]

for me, i think it is the red. not sure if there is too much? or just strong of contrast? or not enough? But somehow it feels like it the red is what is throwing it off for me.

Overall, i like the quilt. But if you move to "hate" it, you should start cutting up the squares and free form it with additional fabrics and create a whole new quilt out of it. Then you could either minimize the red - or add a lot more and see which direction you like best.

Good luck.