Stitching the pieces together
Comments
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All you ladies are amazing. I have been busy with my quilting and have actually sold a few to people with more money than sense. I still cannot believe that one young mother and her Mom bought one of my crib quilts for $800.00!!!! It was a pretty quilt but geesh, it cost me about $90 to make. I wasn't even trying to sell it. I had just taken it to a friend, who works at Belk's, to show and they were in the store and wanted it. I told them it really was not for sale and I was planning on entering it in a quilt show and they said they would pay $800 for it and I said SOLD before they could change their mind! I have plenty of time to make another one for the show. Wouldn't you know it was one I had not yet taken a picture of, but it was the "One Fish, Two Fish Pattern" which is very easy to make.
Right now I am making stuff for the Christmas in July show at my local quilt shop. I make things for them for display and they give me huge discounts on material, supplies and even machines. Plus when the display is taken down I get what I made to keep.
I have both daughters and all 7 grandchildren here for a couple of weeks. The 3 oldest grands are at camp this week and Kaitlyn, the middle one, will be at camp next week. The weeks of camp are out annual family get to gether time. Oldest daughter and her 3 will be here until the end of July and the younger one and her DH and 4 girls will be here until this next Sunday. So not much sewing not getting much done this week.
Hope everyone is having a good week. Happy 4th of July to those in the USA! Happy day to the rest of you amazing ladies.
AJ
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Elisimo, I was thinking that quick Turning Twenty variation batik quilts made from sale bundles would be inexpensive to make to sell. They are modern looking too, so appeal to a broad audience.
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Shell shine, Melissa is right. Cleaning a machine can be expensive. The only advantage is that the old machines were sturdier, but the new ones have tons of features, and can be really fun to use as they often take a hand in telling you what to do.
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My machine when I started quilting was a little plain Kenmore. It sews very nicely but it cost about $100 and I wouldn't spend $75 to get it adjusted if it goes wonky.
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I got very lucky and found a used Janome Memorycraft 6600P for $350 at a sewing center.
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Hmmmm - really good feedback - still haven't opened the box - need to clear some space for it in my "junk room." Probably much better idea to but a new one. I'll let you know when I open the box up!!
Thanks for the guidance.
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Hi, I have been lurking here for some time. I am stuck and really NEED help!
I was diagnosed with BC in October 2012 and finished active treatment on April 2.
Before that, I was a years-long avid quilter. It was a passion, like it is for many of you.
I have now recovered almost full energy but cannot get interested in quilting at all. I've tried small pieces, thinking that would help. I tried a gift lap for someone dear to me. I've tried a small art quilt, taking a class, visiting quilt shops. Nothing.
It's like the quilter in me was removed with my breasts. I miss that passion.
Has anyone else experienced this or something akin to it?
Help!
Thanks in advance,
Peggy0 -
Peggy, are you still feeling overwhelmed or are you possibly depressed?
Depression makes you lose interest, even in things you love.
Or right now if you are still on mental overload it might just seem that one more thing to do is just too much and overwhelming.0 -
Peggy, I agree with Melissa!! I went a couple of YEARS before I was able to pick up my art again. Not sure if it was depression or lack of confidence, or fear that I had lost that, too. It's in your blood, it will come back!!
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I'm over a year out and have just recently begun painting again.
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Peggy - I can relate. And I wish you luck with getting back to your passion.
I'm about 2 1/2 years out and sometimes still have a hard time going into my sewing room. I don't understand my swings in interest. I have 2 or 3 lifetimes of fabric stashed away, more ideas for quilts than I can even remember, but I can go weeks with not wanting to sew. Then when I do get in the "mood" I can sew almost around the clock. I've made about 50 lap size quilts for a sick kids camp in the last 6 months. Made cute nightgowns and pjs for grandkids, dresses, shirts, and other quilted things since my recovery. But right now I walk in that room, look around and leave. I so much want to make things for family as a "remember me" gift. I just get stuck.
Let's hang in there together. J
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Thank you all for the most helpful responses.
I may be expecting too much too soon.
Today I went to my favorite quilt shop's annual sale (2 hours each way). Did something i have never done before. I have been trying to make a quilt for one of my BC friends and blocks sit on my design board mocking me. I went into the store today and there was a store sample completely finished and for sale. It was PERFECT for my friend so I bought it. The woman who made it checked me out at the cash register. Turns out she made it and had the most fun doing it.
Never thought I'd buy someone else's quilt when I could clothe half of my neighborhood with my stash. But a load lifted off my shoulders and then I had fun shopping for myself. Since I hadn't been there in a quilt shop in over a year, all the sale fabrics were new to me.
Now that I've heard from some of you, I'll stop putting pressure on myself to "create." Thank you so much!
Hugs,
Peggy0 -
Peggy - Welcome to our little corner of the world. I am 3 years out and there are times I sew like a crazy person and other times I don't even feel up to going into the sewing room. It really goes in cycles and when it is on I am good and when it is off I am okay too. I have found that when I don't feel up to it not to worry about it. Soon I will be back again and feel refreshed and have lots of creative ideas that I would not have had if I had tried to force myself to keep sewing. I am really crazy, because when I don't feel like making the effort to even go into the sewing room, I go outside and pull weeds in the flower beds and yard or just take a nap. Just keep lurking if you want, but do let us know how you are doing and when you are ready to be creative with your quilts again, let us see or at least hear about what you are making.
Hugs, AJ
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Peggy, give yourself time. I've been done with surgeries for about a year now, but am taking an AI. I have zero energy. I've opened up my sewing machine, but the only thing I've done so far is mend a pair of pants. I'm getting creative urges, but not enough to actually do anything yet. I'm planning to begin doing stuff after I retire this fall, when I have more time and don't have to expend what energy I do have on working and commuting.
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I'm not on any BC medication, didn't need chemo or rads, had BMX and reconstruction Jan-May, and I feel like a wet noodle. NO energy. Lost my job last summer and have been in grad school full time since then, but still - my "get up and go" "got up and went." Have just started interviewing for a career change - Hospice Nurse Practitioner - looking forward to getting my mojo back!
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Shellshine, baby steps. A BMX and reconstruction over 5 months is a lot and not so long ago. Takes time for your energy to build, your body to gain back it's flexibility and strength. Heck, some days I have 'mojo' and some days not.
Have been gardening which I enjoy when the sun it out and no wind blowing, even though it's winter here but for some reason has zero desire to finish the stained glass lamp laying on my work table in the studio. I could work on it when the weather is bad, but don't. I know my love of my glass work will come back, as the ladies here have shown me, so I don't feel so stressed out about not caring about it.
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Shellshine, I don't know which flavor of reconstruction you had, but I had a DIEP, and speaking from experience, that is a WICKED hard surgery and takes a lot of recovery time. Give your body time to mend and don't expect too much from it too fast. Like justagirl said - babysteps.
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I'm back! We were so busy on vacation I didn't have any time to complete any planned sewing! We never do touristy stuff so I thought I'd have plenty of down time. This trip we did several things and spent the 4th "party hopping" with the kids, the day after was a full day trip into the "big" city to have the babies' pictures taken, a floating trip down a river, and a visit to an old mining town turned to an "art colony sort of place".
Now that we're back home we can relax!
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Meece - the art colony sort of place sounds interesting!
Garden - I haven't heard the term "wicked" since I lived on the east coast in 1974! We used to say "wicked bad," to describe the intensity of something. Good memories. My recon was the TE / gummie implant type.
Hearing that others have projects sitting around with no energy or motivation, sorry it's happening to you, too, but good to know I'm not the only one!
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It was difficult meandering through store with a toddler in tow, and an infant in one of our arms at any given time. So, distracting, that I was holding on to Patch's "tail" and he led me into a witchcraft store. NOT my cup of tea!
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I posted a wee bit ago about making a covering for a Christmas tree. I have NO SKILL to get pics into the computer and sent on. Sorry. No question in my mind, once you saw pics, with your sewing minds, it would take over. Bummer. BUT just the suggestion to a sewer is all that is needed:)
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I'm so glad I found you. I have at least 3 lifetimes of projects stacked in my "craft room". I was knitting like mad until a month ago. Now, no interest at all. Have at least 5 projects on needles. And stacks of fabric for quilts. The county fair is coming so I hope to get some things done to enter. So glad I'm not alone.
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Welcome, Juliaanna. Hope you get inspiration to pick up those needles again. I haven't entered anything in the county fair in over a decade. I really would like to try it again.
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Sas, Are you trying to cover a decorated artificial tree? How big is it? Have you thought about using plastic drop cloths used for painting? They make a cheap version that's thin and lightweight. You could throw it over the top and gather in at the bottom with string or something.
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As I remember, Sas "dresses" her tree. I'd still love to see it.
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Good morning Artistasistas. I have a question for you. I am getting stirrings to start sewing again after 30 years of dormancy. I am heading back into the work force soon, and am thinking of designing and sewing some dresses and blouses. I can't seem to find the type of clothes I want to wear in a new job, or they cost hundreds of dollars. Just need to clean up our junk room to make a sewing studio corner.
Where should I start, once I get the sewing machine oiled, conditoned, or a new one bought? I have made a couple of men's shirts and dresses in the past. Would like to eventually make my own designs. Perhaps I should go try on high end design clothes, see which designs flatter my shape the most, then start with some patterns? Does anyone know how to get a dress form that matches your body?
Here in Hawaii it is almost always hot and sticky. As a Hospice Nurse Practitioner, I will be traveling to pt homes by car, so need short sleeved dresses and shirts that are professional but breathe. I have chest scar from heart surgery that I like to cover, and will try not to have to wear a bra (post reconstruction).
Maybe I'llgo on line and start looking at patterns for inspiration.
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Hi, Shell. There are some websites that show you how to make a dressform using duct tape - check those out. I think you have a good idea about trying on some styles to see what flatters you the most. I would also look at getting one of those sloper patterns first and make it out of gingham or some inexpensive material. The idea is that it will show you where you might have to make alterations on a standard pattern. For example, I am long-waisted. So anything I make needs additional length in the bodice.
Good luck and have fun
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From someone else who recently started sewing again after 30+ years, start small & simple to get back in practice or you will get frustrated. It does come back, but it takes a while. I had the hardest time sewing a consistent straight seam. Maybe a simple summer top that doesn't have set-in sleeves or an A-line skirt.
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Shellshine---I'm happy for your renewed interest in sewing. The ideas given above are excellent. Another idea for a dress form that I've heard about is to use plaster of paris type stuff and have someone slap it on you and smooth it out. Then cut it off either straight down the front or back. Sounds like a girls' party to me. and messy. Good luck. Thinking Hawaii........aaaahhhhhh.
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I have been looking for a dress form as well, they are quite expensive.
This is the type of form my mother had when we were little. It had a sort of slip cover of green stretchy fabric. There were little metal bars where you could expand or retract the form.
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