The Pursuit of Happiness Project
My first project of 2021 is part of my ongoing pursuit of happiness, so to speak. For me, this means any new quilt project. There is no doubt that many of us are happy 2020 is over and we are onto new and hopefully improved experiences in 2021. We can’t control or predict the future. But, we are the stewards of our own happiness.
Pursuit of Happiness
Gretchen Rubin wrote a book back in 2008 called The Happiness Project. In it she shares her experiences from deliberately spending time focused on pursuing happiness. She is an entertaining writer and I enjoyed the book. An updated 10th anniversary edition was released in 2018 with additional content. I may need to check it out.
If you know anything at all about me by now, you know that quilting brings me happiness. The joy of beginning a new quilt, whether inspired by special fabric or that unique pattern I designed or discovered, starting a quilt is always filled with joy and excitement.
One of my favorite happy places to start are the local quilt shops in my area. I love the displays and new arrivals of the latest fabrics, new quilt patterns and sample quilts. I appreciate all the work I know the owners put into making sure we quilters have the best choices available for our projects.
Why Quilting Makes Me Happy
I might be a bit weird, but I also enjoy cutting out my quilts. The glide of the rotary cutter along the ruler, the sound as it cuts the threads of the fabrics. Sheer joy. Some people don't like this part, but I do. I think this is why I start so many projects. Humm ?
The project I'm working on this week is the one all of you helped me select the fabrics for a few weeks ago. So far, I have the parts cut and I'm getting ready to start creating the strips for parts A and B. I still need to sub-cut the "D" parts.
Piecing is enjoyable, too. Seeing that first block come together is always an exciting experience. Then, the first row is created and so on. As the quilt grows, seeing the full quilt come together. I enjoy this part a lot.
Those Borders
You also know that borders are often my stopping point. This is where many of my tops end up in UFO storage. Yeah, not my favorite stage in the quilts process. But, once they are on, you can bet I'm very happy.
I haven't figured out a good way to keep myself moving forward when I hit the border stage. If any of you have suggestions, I'm open and ready to hear them ;-)
Quilting the Quilt
Who wouldn’t love quilting on a Gammill long arm? This is another part of creating a quilt that I truly love. Whether I’m previewing in SAM on the computer or stitching out the design, quilting the quilt is one of my favorite parts. I’m a “watcher”. I get simply mesmerized by watching the needle move up and down across the quilts as the pattern magically stitches across the top.
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Um, Bindings
Can we talk about bindings? Again, not my favorite part but give me a football game or a Hallmark movie and I can get those bindings done. I have quite a stack of bindings to complete and the footballs season is almost over. Time to start checking out the History and Science channels.
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The Finished Quilt
There is no greater happiness than a finished quilt whether a gift or for sale, A commission or a sample. Seeing the completed quilt is pure happiness. Ok, I can top that. Seeing the happiness on the face of the quilt recipient.
What about quilting makes you happy? What brings you joy?
Until next time,