Welcome to another Needle and Thread Thursday, y'all. There are definitely ups and downs to being a one-project-at-a-time girl, and this week, the downside has come into sharp focus. Most times, I have my next quilt idea all figured out before I even finish my current one, but there are times (like right now) that I don't, and with no other projects in the works to give me a spark, I've been at a sewing standstill. My usual fallback for these times is to pull from my scrap jars, but I completely emptied those with my Strata Squared finish a few weeks ago. So, onto another strategy, new fabric!
There was a time when I purchased bundle after bundle and made quilts from single collections all the time. These days, I prefer to mix my own fabrics and palettes and work from my stash as much as I possibly can (not knocking either method, by the way). I've actually been doing a pretty good job of keeping my fabric habit under control, and my stash is getting noticeably smaller, which is a good thing. That being said, a new fabric collection that I really love almost always gives me the creative jolt I need, and this 365 Fifth Avenue collection by Bari J is oh so luscious (photo courtesy of Lady Belle Fabrics).
I'll mix in a few more blender fabrics from my stash, because I just can't help myself, but just like that, I already have a plan for these, and it's going to be awesome. What do you do when your inspiration is lacking? How do you pull yourself out of a sewing slump?
One great way to get lots of inspiration is by browsing others' projects. Whether it's through blog links or Instagram, the web is a treasure trove of eye candy, and last week's party had some great links, like this flag quilt shared by Nancy at Grace and Peace Quilting-
And this quilt by Sew Yummy is a stunner with that black background-
This penguin quilt by Anja Quilts is just adorable!
Carole at Fresh Off the Frame linked up this cute little quilt-
This scrappy beauty is by Linda at kokaquilts-
And finally, I love this quilt by Sew Preeti Quilts-
Okay, friends! Let's get this party going!
ooh that Bari J fabric is gorgeous. I have just the right hand pieced quilt in mind. What fabulous inspiration you've shown today - thank you.
ReplyDeleteLove the quilts you've picked this week! I try to have a few projects in different stages so that when I'm feeling uninspired I have something to work on. When I'm feeling great, I try to get another one started if my number of WIP is low. I always leave my projects out though so they don't become lost in the closet.
ReplyDeleteOne project at a time is DEFINITELY the way to go, Kelly!! Not that I've ever been able to maintain that much self-control...
ReplyDeleteYes, a gorgeous bundle of fabrics, look forward to where you go with these! I tend to have a few things on the go at once, never get bored that way! Thanks for including me in your line up of inspiration today!
ReplyDeleteLots of beauties here!
ReplyDeleteNo quilty finishes to share here. I've been using fabric to weave chair pads! And I'm finishing a crocheted afghan. Ahh, the only joy that comes during a pandemic - catching up on WIPs and UFOs! Moving from project to project is what keeps me motivated. Like you, I prefer to sew a mix fabric collections. If a quilt is too matchy, everything appears as the same value, and that's blah. Hope you have good time with your next project.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing these beautiful quilts!
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to sew my stash. But need to keep some fabric in reserve in case of a future pandemic/other event. LOL
ReplyDeleteThank yyou for sharing
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