I’ve had this revelation a few times– my lesson # 3 is that I really like to make stuff for myself. This might sound obvious (or selfish), but when it comes to crafting, I tend to put others first. After making a small practice quilt to get the basics down, I gave away the next 9 quilts I made. Don’t get me wrong– I absolutely love giving away gifts, especially those I’ve made myself. But once in a while, I need to make something for me. (All of the photos in this post are of quilts I’ve made for others. Not one of them live with me anymore!)
I have had the opportunity to make a few commissioned quilts, and have been selling scarves I’ve made from recycled sweaters as well as a few other sewn goods at art galleries and craft shows. And I love doing all of that, but I have to remember to do it in moderation, because when I get overloaded with projects for everyone else, I sometimes forget that this is what I choose to do with my fun time!
I also have to admit– while I can’t imagine living without my Google Reader, and I absolutely love seeing what everyone else is working on, sometimes I feel like I can’t keep up with it all, and I have to give myself a pass. I choose to sew and to blog about it simply because I like to, and when I remember I get to choose what I want to make, when I want to make it, and whom I’m making it for, I am able to get back to the basics and I find I have more energy and inspiration for my projects. So here’s to making something for yourself from time to time!
Greenleaf Goods 
Such a pretty stack of quilts!
I also often feel far behind other quilters in the “race”. 😛
I love your little lessons learned, they are very inspiring! Here’s to a wee bit more selfish quilting and a bit less self-imposed pressure.
I like this. I often end up only finishing something because the baby is due, or the quilt show is that week.
Luckily, my last baby was so overdue that I actually did finish something for myself, too!
I love your work!
Can you please share what type of ink or technique you used to add titles to some of your book blocks in one of the photos?
Thanks!
I’m making a quilt I plan on keeping now and it’s so nice to not have a deadline and to feel free to change course and experiment. Really enjoying the process. Why don’t we do this more often?
What a gorgeous pile of quilts – you have been busy, lady! It was great to meet you the other night and we’ll have to get together soon to talk (and maybe swap?) fabric and patterns!
Hooray for making things for ourselves! I couldn’t do without google reader either. Seeing what others can do makes me want to go and sew!
Good reminder. That first stacked picture is pure lovely.
I think most of us like best sewing for ourselves–however I think that most of us tend to sew for others first anyway. Apart from the ridiculousness that would ensue if I made 50 quilts for me in my house 🙂 – it feels wonderful to see the happiness people have who “get” that I took my time and made them something with my own two hands–that took more than 30 mintues.
That said, I noticed I was in a total sewing rut last fall, unhappy, feeling like a chore and very stressful instead of relaxing and comforting like I know it can be. And, after much relfection, I realized it was because I hadn’t sewn a single thing for myself in months and months. So I put all of my other people stuff aside and sewed for myself for a while–and felt like all was a peace in the world again.
So true! This is a great perspective. It’s so hard to remember that this is a hobby (for most of us at least) and something we should enjoy doing. I definitely think it’s great to slow down, refocus, and make something for yourself from time to time. Thanks for sharing!
What a great post. I came across your blog through the Quilt Festival (and I LOVE your book quilt by the way) and have been scrolling through, enjoying what I’ve found very much! You’re an excellent quilter and I aspire to be that good! Thanks for this inspiring post!