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Wednesday, May 10, 2017

When Things Just Don't Work

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, friends!  I really debated with myself on whether or not to share these two preemie quilts with you.  In fact, if I'm being totally honest, I really struggled with myself on whether to even finish them.


To give you the full story, I need to back up a few weeks.  In the midst of finishing up my book manuscript, I decided I wanted to work on something easy and stress-free, and decided to make a class sample of my Interference pattern.  I pulled a group of fabrics from my stash in a palette that I really loved, even if it was a little different from the norm for me, and I got super excited for a fast finish.


Even now, as I look at the stack I pulled, I think this color combination is awesome.  Unfortunately though, these fabrics didn't translate into a quilt I loved- at all.  I made a lap size quilt, measuring 55" x 66" and...I hated it.  I don't know if the colors and prints were just too busy or if the problem was something else, but I just didn't like the result.  Even though several of my guild members thought it was great, it never grew on me.  The quilt top sat in my cabinet for a few weeks while I decided whether to finish it or cut the whole thing up into scraps (no kidding- I almost did this).

Luckily, before I cut the entire quilt apart for scraps, inspiration struck.  Instead of calling this quilt a total loss, I split it into two preemie size quilts, and I will donate them to our local children's hospital with my guild this fall.  Though I never grew to love this one, the fact that several of my guild members loved it means that it is donation-worthy (I would never donate a quilt that everyone agreed was a total mess).  All in all, these little preemie quilts feel like a win (though I still need to make an Interference class sample).

Before we get to last week's highlights, I want to offer an apology to those of you who tried to link up but had trouble, or noticed that the linky list was missing altogether.  The problem was with the server of linky service itself, and it should be fixed now.  Thanks for your patience!

At last week's party, Sew Not Often Enough shared this beautiful finish, called Cool, Cool Water.


This gorgeous quilt was linked up by Michelle at From Bolt to Beauty-


and last, but not least, check out this lovely medallion quilt by The Lilac Cat-


Okay, ya'll!  let's party!

1. You can link finished projects or WIP's , but just keep it about quilting and sewing!
2. Link to your specific post (not to your home page!) to make it easier for others.
3. Please remember to spread the word and post my button or a text link.  
4. Spread the comment love far and wide!
5. Following me is not a requirement to link, but is so very appreciated!

*If you're new to the party, here's a helpful tip for linking up- select "Auto Crop"  when selecting your thumbnail photo.  For some reason, trying to crop your own image results in the dreaded "white question mark box," and we definitely want to see your awesome work!  :)







23 comments:

  1. I think your quilts turned out great! I haven't really had much to share the last couple days so I am linking to a post from about 4 days ago or so where I shared a finish.

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    1. Karen thank you for posting your beautiful postage stamp quilt (PSQ). I love PSQ's and yours is just awesome with all of the applique. I know I will get mine completed one day. :)

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  2. I don't know, but my first thought was I love these 2 quilts.

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  3. These quilts are wonderful; I love the fabric and the pattern which I just ordered now from Craftsy. It's another great pattern you designed! I'm sure the recipients are going to love the quilts.

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  4. Sure glad your guild members talked you into keeping that quilt and then thought of cutting into 2 smaller ones! They are beauties and some lucky babies will be happy to snuggle into them. I do love that pattern!

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  5. Kelly though you were not feeling this former quilt it is so good you pressed through and created some beauty. These 2 preemie quilts will be much loved by some family and will certainly brighten a room.

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  6. One of the ugliest quilts I ever made ( in my own opinion) is the first one everyone seems to love when they are looking at my collection of quilts. I actually named it the "SnUGLY Quilt". I think your preemie quilts are wonderful! I love the colors and the pattern, everything about them! They will definitely be loved and appreciated :) :)

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  7. I think most of have made a quilt we ended up not liking for one reason or another, it doesn't matter how much others tell you it's good if your instincts tell you it's not you don't really believe them. I admit they are not of your best (as you have made some stunning quilts) but they are certainly far from bad and well worth keeping. I have a jelly roll race top I really enjoyed making, there were six of us and I was second, such fun, but I really don't like my finished result and one day I will cut it up for whatever. But salvaging is in itself a challenge, and as quilters we all like to challenge ourselves, it's how we grow. They are nice quilts, just not exceptional, and they all certainly be appreciated. Just remember, we all like different things and what you don't like in your own quilts or others, someone else will love.

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  8. I love the Interface baby quilts. So cute. Definitely worth donating to your local guild for the children's hospital.

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  9. Oh, been there, done that! High five to you for finishing them, I know how difficult it is to finish a quilt top that doesn't "sing" a sweet song to you. I think your baby quilts are striking and someone who needs a "quilt hug" is going to be thrilled!

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  10. Great idea to cut the quilt in half and make charity quilts. Hope your next quilt turns out to your liking.

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  11. Oh wow! I think they are gorgeous!!!

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  12. I'm so miffed as to why you don't like these! The color palette is fantastic and they look so bright and cheerful! I absolutely love them! But I do know the feeling all to well of not loving it yourself. Been there done that.

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  13. I think they turned out just fine! Most of us have been in that same boat - not in love with a quilt for one reason or another. I admit what makes me the most mad about when that happens is all the time I wasted!

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  14. Your quilts are fine, but the reason they don't sing is the fabrics are to simular. For example the aqua could all be exchange for each other. Same goes for the most of your other choices. The babies and mothers will love having a homemade quilt.

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  15. I think it's a matter of personal taste; I like your quilts and I certainly think they're donation worthy. I'm glad you found a solution that makes you happy.

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  16. First,Thanks for the spotlight of my quilt. Secondly these are Stunning, and loving where they are going.

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  17. I am so in love with the color combination of these little quilts. I think they are awesome. Glad that you didn't scrap them and that they are going to a great cause.

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  18. I really like them! However, I understand what you mean. I made this exact pattern for a sweet girl's graduation gift and while I loved the fabrics, the quilt did not look like I wanted. My husband did like it, so I guess it's just personal opinion, but I so understand you.

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  19. Interesting how different fabric in a pull can look from fabric cut and sewn together. However, I am in with those who like the quilts. I do wonder if I like them better as two than I would as one--maybe what is "too much" in one works in smaller doses.

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  20. It's wonderful that you have turned one quilt you don't like into two lovely quilts for donation. They really are lovely.

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  21. Kelly, I love how you pulled all those colors together....and it's such a fun pattern. Two babies will love 'em!

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  22. Just my 2cents worth here -- I LOVE the colors, I LOVE the fabrics, I LOVE the pattern, I LOVE the 2 baby quilts, and I know I would have LOVED the quilt as a whole, as well!!! Great job, Kelly!

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