Quilted Gifts
It may not be a surprise – I like to gift quilts. However, this project became more about how to complete a quilt without burning out. Can you relate?
This month’s project inspiration is the Henry Quilt I designed and made for a nephew who graduated from high school this year. I had to laugh. Years ago I collected some fabrics with a basketball theme with a quilt for Henry in mind. However, after years of sports, Henry landed on Baseball as his sport over Basketball. Yikes – my fabric collection was in vain. Oh well, I say…these fabrics will find another purpose someday, right?
I have to tell you a little story. Last weekend Rick and I went to a couple of Henry’s baseball games. In conversation, I had to confess to Henry that I attended his graduation reception without a card or gift. (He didn’t admit that he noticed – what a great young man). I proceeded to tell him he was not forgotten and I had been working on a quilt to send him off to college. From my phone, I showed him a picture of the blocks on my design wall. His reaction was perfect – I knew instantly he would enjoy his gift.
Henry Quilt
From my stash, I picked a fat quarter bundle by Moda Fabrics (Isabella Wovens) and proceeded to toss some ideas around for blocks. I had been contemplating this quilt and had some pictures of quilts displayed in quilt shops I recently visited. “Keep it simple and quick,” I told myself. Unfortunately, I landed on designing something more complicated. Ok – it was a lot more complicated. After a full day of cutting and sewing, I only had 5 blocks completed. The pattern called for 27 blue blocks and 53 woven blocks. I was overwhelmed. How was I going to get this quilt done?
After setting it aside for a few days I convinced myself that I needed to see this as a challenge and dedicate a few hours to it each week. There is nothing wrong with sewing a challenging pattern and I didn’t have to take the easy way out (scrap the idea and start new). Sonya, buck up and do it!
Avoid Burn Out
My strategy on how to complete the quilt without getting burned out…
- Pattern adjustments – I simplified the block pattern to use fewer pieces without changing the actual block design (which translates into time-saved cutting and sewing)
- Efficiency plan – e.g. cutting multiple block pieces at the same time and sewing the blocks using the chain piecing technique
- Scheduled sewing time – I actually put it on my calendar
I am happy with the result and glad I re-evaluated my process. When I presented Henry with his quilt he was appreciative and amazed. The many hours I put into the construction of his quilt faded away. A smile on his face said it all – all was wonderful. In the end, I could praise God for the not-simple things even though I would prefer simple.
Entrepreneurship flows in Sonya’s blood. Some businesses include an artistic rubber stamp manufacturing business, opening and running a bed & breakfast, having a fabric and yarn shop, and currently growing her professional longarm quilting business. As a serial entrepreneur, she loves to mentor and coach small businesses. She misses farm life, loves to travel, and enjoys her husband, children, their spouses, and of course the grandkids.