Sunday, January 19, 2014

Unexpected...

What to do?  My Christmas quilts are done.  My baby quilts for the hospital are done.  I don't have any deadlines that I need to meet. My 500+ HSTs for a swap are done and bagged.  I have three quilts cut out…

  • My wonderful Cherrywoods in a tote 
  • A One Block Wonder waiting.
  • Bonnie Hunter's mystery has all the parts done -- although I have no desire to work on it.
I wandered into the guest room where my Lollypop Tree blocks sit and unexpectedly decided that kind of color and process was just what I needed! I can't rush.  I can cover up with a quilt if I'm chilly.  I can stop whenever I need to.  Each element is a "completion".  I can work for five minutes or five hours if I want to.  And -- the Australian Open was starting last weekend and this makes for a "quiet" way to watch tennis (or at least replays).

It was the right decision.  It's been a good week and I have once again been reminded why I ordered this pattern within a week of happening upon it.  Many of you have read about this journey in other posts and I'll spare you the details again.  For those who are not familiar with Kim McLean and her marvelous patterns, here's a link to some eye candy that can take your breath away.
This quilt requires 16 blocks and each block takes me days to prep.  I am not fast.  The process I am using is not fast. I don't want to rush.  I want to enjoy the process of choosing all the different fabrics, cutting them, prepping them, and gluing them.  The color is just what the doctor ordered on a  gloomy winter's day.

I have four stitched and one more prepped.  Period.  That's it.   Right now it seems reasonable to think that I will spend a few days later this week prepping another block or two. Who knows what will seem reasonable later this week but for now, that's my plan and I'm sticking to it.  
I hope you are working on something that has wonderful colors and the process is as much fun as the completion!  

Jan

25 comments:

Heather said...

The colors are pretty amazing. I've been knitting a lot lately for the covering up in a warm blanket reason, but you've inspired me to pull out my appliqué project again.

Lesley said...

Your blocks are gorgeous!

OPQuilt said...

I have a Lollypop Quilt in my closet, and I can totally relate and empathize to what you said about taking time--lots of time--to prep each block. Finally one day I decided I wasn't cleaning up until they were all prepped and pinned. It took me a long time, but I left the sewing room a mess and just cut and pinned and cut and pinned and got that part behind me.

I loved immersing myself in it. It took me longer to stitch each one, and even longer to set the blocks (I did nine) in a quilt. My goal this spring is to get it quilted, but like you, I don't want to rush it at all!

Your blocks are GORGEOUS and I loved looking at them!

I'm cheering you on--
Elizabeth
opquilt.com

Lori in South Dakota said...

enjoying the process is what quilting is all about. And I love Lollipop tress!

Nann said...

Such pretty blocks! Isn't it great when a design decision just pops into your head -- and you know it's absolutely right?!

Rhonda said...

Your blocks are wonderful. I've had this pattern for a couple of years but haven't even started it--what beautiful inspiration you've provided!

Denise :) said...

Jan, these are beautiful, beautiful blocks -- I love the full array of colors they represent! You can't help but smile when you look at them!! :)

Rhonda said...

Good for you. I think the "process" is the best part...choosing fabrics, cutting, pressing...even thinking about the process. I know you're having a great time!!

Rebecca Grace said...

These lollipop tree blocks are lovely and look like so much fun! When you say that you use a prep process that is time consuming, what is that -- starch and press, something with freezer paper, or something else? I'm an applique newbie and it's fascinating to me how there are so many different methods out there.

Gari in AL said...

Wow. I had forgotten these blocks but once again I am blown away. I'm not sure I would have the patience to stitch all those little circles but I would love the choosing of fabric and the prepping process. Keep going, you may get me yet.

Ramona said...

I have looked at the lollypop pattern a number of times and just haven't ordered it. Your blocks are beautiful... love your color choices. Maybe one day soon I'll order the pattern. Happy Appliqueing!

Melinda said...

I have this pattern but don't know if I will ever actually make it. Beautiful quilt.

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

Beautiful blocks and even though this is taking some time it will be well worth it! Thanks for sharing.
Freemotion by the River Linky Party Tuesday

Val's Quilting Studio said...

There is just something so relaxing a bout applique quilts. I just finished a quilt and it's so rewarding to have it done. I've always wanted to make a Lollipop one...they just look so fun! Enjoy your slow stitiching...

Unknown said...

These blocks are gorgeous and I love your color pallet! I don't have much experience with appliqués (aka none!) but maybe one day I'll magically become patient and start! Great work!

Wendy @ Wendysquiltsandmore said...

I really admire you for doing this pattern. I've admired Kim's patterns for quite some time. I know that it will take a long time. Your work looks lovely and I'm sure you're enjoying it.

Wilma said...

Those blocks are so pretty, I love the colors and I most certanly envy the way you must be feeling. The story you tell just relaxes me by reading it. Thanks for sharing.

Plum Cox said...

Nice to hear of you enjoying the process on this pattern - and with such great looking results!

Its nice to work deadline free sometimes, isn't it?

Jill said...

I love your lollypop blocks. Your choice of vivid fabrics against that wonderful polkadot fabric makes it yummy! I have just begun collecting Kaffe fabrics.

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

What fun!

Muv said...

Fabulous colours! No wonder you are enjoying making these blocks.

Christine S said...

Very pretty!

Sue Daurio said...

Not one, but 4 gorgeous blocks!

Gina Loomis said...

Absolutely gorgeous!

Susan@Organized31 said...

You are so wise to take your time and enjoy creating each one of your beautiful quilt blocks - it shows in how gorgeous the result is. Thanks for sharing at Inspire Us Thursday on Organized 31.