Atomic Habits as applied to quilting

Atomic Habits by James Clear is an amazing book that opens up avenues for actually getting things done.  Like Moses with the ten commandments this lays it all out in a step by step way.  It inspires all kinds of things I can get done...clutter-no more...over eating-no more...for me, it has been a revelation.  I've from time to time maybe thought about applying some sort of these ideas, but it's good to see them laid out in order.   

So, with my new found knowledge, my goal is to try to apply thing to my quilting life.  I've been a quilter for over 30 years at this point.  I've probably finished well over a hundred quilts in that time, but the list of projects I can only dream of finishing has grown too long for this gal to finish without an intervention.  With the help of this book, I am going to adapt new habits for quilting. 

The first thing to know is it is not about the goal at all it is about making the process enjoyable.  I used to be a triathlete and I really enjoyed training.  I would go to different trails to run, swim in lakes or pools, and ride and ride and ride my bike around the lovely Kentucky countryside.  So the process of training was always enjoyable.  

Quilting is a solitary craft, for the most part.  We recently moved and downsized into a sewing room for me that was maybe a third the size I had in Kentucky.  I have learned to adapt and it's been too bad.  For the first time in my life, I actually have paid to have someone quilt some quilts for me.  I can still manage small quilts and wall hangings, but it is easier to "quilt with my credit card" now. 

Atomic Habits as applied to quilting:

Happy Sew Lucky Sew Along
Tattoo Quilt paper pieced Block of the Month

                      Tula Pink Fabric-hosted by Pink Door Fabrics

Make it obvious.  I have chosen 3 projects to knock off my list. When I walk in my studio they are right up front on my design wall, so I'm reminded what I need to do.  

Farm Girl Vintage
I'm using my fabric stash 
48 blocks when done

Yoda for Paul

Original collage quilt by me 

 

The next way to enjoy the process of quilting more is, Make it Easy. 

When I walk in the Studio, the work is on the design wall.  So I know where I left off.  I try to make 2 blocks from the FGV everyday.  The Tattoo quilt is a BOM so I have to wait for it monthly.  When I finish my 2 blocks, I cut out the next days blocks, so it's easy for me to set down and finish a block.

Make it Satisfying.  I have devised a visual cue that is enjoyable for me.  I have a large collection of costume jewelry.  I put 48 pieces of the costume jewelry in a jar and every time I complete a block, I remove a piece of jewelry from the jar.  In time the jar will be come empty.  

I've also made a commitment to myself to work in my sewing room for at least an hour.  It's cliche but, time flies when you are having fun, and it seems true for me.  We are hopefully soon, at the end of the Covid 2020/21 scare.  We've been hunkered down for over a year now.  We were one of the early ones that took it seriously.  

Reward myself is another habit of the process that I have developed.  I finished the Yoda quilt and I treated myself with a new Creative Grids Ruler.  

My list is long, my desire is great, my hope is to bust a few of these projects out this year.  The only fabric I plan to buy this year is the Tulsa Pink Curiouser and Curiouser quilt kit that is called the Mad Hatter Tea Party.  It is offered by a new quilt shop in Cattoosa, Oklahoma called Southern Comforts.  

BJ Designs at the Tulsa Quilt Show!!!

     I have been making this horse quilt pattern, "Race the Wind", for several years now.  I get a charge out of making it every time.  It's so much fun to put a new spin on the pattern.  This is one I made for my oh so awesome nephew, Kole.  He got married last weekend and he has always liked the quilt that is not really similar, but sort of, that is hung over my fireplace
     Like all patterns, I make them my own.  When I teach classes I tell my students that patterns are only guidelines to bend at your will.  Sometimes they take this instruction a little too far, but, you know, it's kind of good they embrace the idea...smile.

Thank you BJ for giving me years of pleasure with your wonderful pattern designs!!

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta and visiting Chelsea

Our youngest, Chelsea, is completing her masters degree in geology at the University of New Mexico. This year we visited her while the Balloon Fiesta is going on. It's a week long celebration featuring hot air balloons. We got up VERY early, 5:30am,you have to be there very early for the Dawn Patrol. If you go, you must get there to see the Dawn Patrol. It's so cool to see hot air balloons flying in the dark. It's very dangerous to fly in the dark, but, I was told the 550 plus balloons need to be able to know the direction of flights, etc for safety reasons. The people in charge of the safety and tell the balloonists when it is safe to ascend are called zebras. Then, once the sun begins to rise the other balloons begin to unfold and inflate anticipating the Mass Ascension.

You old time hipsters out there will recognize this balloon. They even had a quilted balloon. This is the raffle quilt made by the local quilt guild, all proceeds going to different charities.

I think there is probably nothing more exciting for fabric enthusiasts, than to walk out amongst a sew of brightly colored fabric rising around you like being in the middle of a bright colored bubble bath.

Making signs for Quilter's Day Out

I've been up at the Oldham County Resource Center for a while this afternoon, making signs for Quilter's Day Out on March 17th. Of course the clovers, it's St Patrick's day, and leprechauns. We must post the rules for the Think Green Quilt Challenge. We also have a prize tote bag, filled with fabric, if you vote-you entry is the ballot you vote with. So it should be a fun day. But, quilter's like things easy and I'm making sure the signs are large and easily read. Every town should have a resource center with die cut machines and banner/poster makers. They also have button makers and machines for laminating.

Now all I need to do is add a four inch sleeve to my quilt. I had hung this quilt with 3m photo hangers in my living room, but we asked everyone to put the usual sleeve for hanging in quilt shows on the backs of their quilts and even though I could pull some strings, since our group is hanging the show, it's only fair to do what ever one else is requested to do, so I will.



Making a 4 inch sleeve: Measure the width of your piece at the top about 3/4 inch from the top. Cut a piece of fabric 8.5 inches wide by the length of the measured width-minus 2 inches. Sew the tube lengthwise wrong sides together. Press the seam open, centering it. You don't have to turn it right side out or clean finish the ends, as it is on the back of the quilt and no one will see it. Iron the tube flat and include a crease, across the length, of one half inch-just tuck in the fabric in the middle-on the side that is not to be sewn to the quilt-this allows room for the bar that hangs the quilt so it does not create an unsightly bulge on the front of the quilt. Now that your tube is ready, center it so the tube is one inch from either side-3/4 inch from the top. Whip stitch at the top and bottom. You are ready to hang your quilt or enter in any show that comes up. I do this for my bed quilts as well, because some day, someone may choose to use it as a wall hanging and it will be ready.