As anyone who has ever moved can attest to, moving is tiring and challenging and time consuming. And I’m not even talking about the actual move itself (although it is all of those things, too). I mean the learning a new city and a new job– figuring out how to get around town, where to go to get your hair cut or to see a movie or to get some takeout, and learning new work skills and beginning new research projects– all of this has left me with less time to sew than I like! We’ve been in Boston for a little over two months, and some things are starting to fall into place, but it takes time to find a comfortable pattern to our days.
When I can’t find time to sew regularly, I feel a little off. A little frustrated. Creatively backlogged and unproductive. And I have been sewing, just not at the pace I’m used to. I like to see my ideas realized, and sometimes that means sewing like mad to get things done. But lately I’m just so dang tired I haven’t had that finishing power I’m used to.
So: here it is. My halloween quilt. Exactly 1/2 of the quilt top is done. The other half? Still needs to be cut and sewn. And now that halloween is here and it’s not finished, well, it may just be waiting around for a while. In my head, this is already done! I even know where I want to take a picture of it, I can see it so clearly! But, I just didn’t quite make it.
I have a number of other ideas (and upcoming birthday and Christmas gifts!) that I am dying to get to work on– I just need that drive to finish my projects to return! And in the meantime, I have begun hand quilting my single girl, and I am really loving it. This hand quilting thing might be around to stay!
Well said, Natalie. Perhaps give yourself the freedom to move on to what you do want to work on without regrets and know that you can return to things that are waiting when you’re back in the flow. The hand quilting is lovely! It’s a great project for when I feel tired or lazy.
Your hand quilting looks fabulous on that linen, which I adore linen. Can’t wait to see your single girl all finished!
Both projects are fantastic! Do you prewash your linen?
The Halloween quilt will be ready just in time for next Halloween just like you planned it, right? Your hand quilting looks beautiful. I haven’t tried hand quilting yet but this is just one more example of why I should try it.
Moving is a huge effort. You will find a new rhythm over time… be patient and enjoy exploring and learning!
oh, i know exactly what that is like. moving, having a baby… amazing how life can get in the way of our sewing goals, huh? i’m finally getting to be okay with giving myself a little leeway in the sewing department. i have to continually tell myself that there are productive times and not-so-productive times and that’s okay. all that said, i love your halloween quilt, and as marla mentioned, it will certainly be ready in time for next halloween! and your hand quilting is just gorgeous!
Hang in there Natalie, it’s so impressive that you’ve made the big transition of grad school and a big move! It’s good to have your hobby to keep you sane when you do have a spare moment now and then, even if it’s not as often as you’d like – I can relate.
My best friend moved to Boston a couple months ago to start as a professor at Northeastern. She’s having similar difficulty finding time to sew. Perhaps you two could have a craft night! (I’m sure Boston isn’t big or anything and you two are probably totally neighbors… >_> )
Moves are tough! If it makes you feel any better, I too have a Halloween quilt that I recently started and is no where near finished (and don’t even ask me about the Valentine’s Day quilt I started in July 2011!). Best of luck to you!
Oh the hand quilting on that is genius!
I think this would make a perfect Halloween table runner as it is:-) Hope you’ll join us for more sewing time. I know how cranky I get if I don’t get in my requisite sewing time;-)
Beautiful hand stitching!
What is that you are using? Pearl cotton? Embroidery thread?
the progress photos or better the projects are wonderful. And be warned: getting children it’s the same. Finding a routine, getting to know each other, I have too many things in my had and too little time to sew. Or like you I’m too tired to go to the sewing table. So I can understand how you feel.
Hang in there – you’ll get back in the groove! I love your Halloween quilt – halloweeny but not too much so. The hand quilting looks fantastic too. Looking forward to seeing you at QuiltCon
I like the linen-looking background fabric of your spiderweb quilt. It’s an unusual choice and it looks classy. The hand stitching also looks great. I’m in awe of anyone who has the patience to do this!
Your Halloween quilt is looking great. I usually don’t like Halloween fabric, but I am sad I passed this set up. Good luck with moving time.
Truly, I can only understand that predicament in theory. I’ve always lived in the same 30 mile radius, but I love that you are doing something new. You’ll find your new rhythm! I love the partial halloween quilt; perfect! And the hand quilting looks awesome! I made more progress this week on my blocks. Right about halfway, I think!
Oh gosh, and I’m just waiting to move! We are really, actually, truly suppose to be closing on Friday morning and then it’s a mad dash to get everything moved and unpacked in time for Thanksgiving????!! Yikes!
Love seeing your wips — I hope you find the time you need to make some progress.