Thinking about writing a book proposal...well, it's a great idea. Unfortunately it kind of crushed my mojo after a week or two. Quilting started feeling like a JOB and stopped feeling fun. I know that being a grown up is not all about fun, but as I've said many times before, quilting is one of the few things I can control. The laundry keeps getting dirty, the dishes still pile in the sink, and kids still get hungry. They even need regular baths no matter what they will tell you to the contrary.
For some reason, it's easy to get sucked into the idea that making quilts for people you love is just not enough. I started quilting to have something I could hand down to my children and I started blogging to share what I was doing, pay it back with a few tutorials, and hopefully inspire (as in "hey, if she's doing this, it can't be that hard!). When I lose sight of that things get un-fun really quickly. I genuinely love quilting and I don't want to ruin that by turning it into a contest.
So that's on my BACK burner for now. Maybe one day. I am happy to report the creative juices started flowing again.
Here are my 70s blocks. I think I will just do a plain checkboard but I'm thinking now I could probably do an irish chain. Oh, and that 24"x36" olfa mat? That's new. I found it standing up at my favorite thrift store and carried it to the front. I was prepared to plunk down whatever they asked. They went to get the manager who said "oh...gee...this is a really nice one. We're going to have to charge you $2." I snapped it up with a quickness. Now you know why it's my favorite thrift store.
Haha...$2...I'd take that nice one too! =) Great find!
ReplyDeleteI understand how something enjoyable can stop being such when you do it for money. I sold cookies at Christmas one year, and baking went from being relaxing to stressful.
ReplyDeleteI think I am going to have to find a thrift store. I would love to replace my mat with a find like that (after I ruined the one I have).
I'm so with you on quilting turning into a "job". Glad you recgnized it and your creativity is coming back!
ReplyDeleteJennifer :)
PS... nice thrifting find!!
What a deal!
ReplyDeleteGlad you are sticking to fun. If someone wants your patterns in a book so badly, maybe they would be willing to write it.
I just got a mat that size using a gift card and a 50% off coupon, but still had to plunk down $25 for it. Great find on the mat! And I can't wait to see what you decide for the quilt!
ReplyDeleteSo good that you know your limits - that's a pretty valuable gift to give yourself! And your cutting mat....SCORE!
ReplyDeleteThe best drug around for lifting the spirit is a good thrift store find! Woo hoo!
ReplyDeleteI found a 2 sided cutting/ironing mat at a garage sale today for 25 cents. It's the tiny one, but, it will be great for taking with me for small projects. I love 'finds' like these. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteI find that I feel so guilty if I just try to create and am not finding a way to pay back my family for my hobby. I always am thinking that it can't just be a hobby as it's too expensive for that.
ReplyDelete