If you follow my blog you know that often times I've suffered from major loss of sewing/quilting MOJO. I've wasted lots of time questioning why I quilt (the closets are overflowing with finished quilts & flimsies). Close friends have listened to me moan and groan about why I continue to sew. I keep thinking I should be doing what everyone else is doing (sew alongs, etc) rather than following my heart and simply sewing. Because I have those self doubts I walk into my sewing room only to turn around and walk out because I don't want to do what everyone else is doing but I feel I should. Does that make sense? Additionally, I question why I continue to blog - sometimes there's just nothing to blog about because I'm not quilting and this is suppose to be a quilting blog. :-)
When I realized that September was National Sewing Month I decided to challenge myself to sew and blog every day in the month of September. Guess what? I did it - yes I did sew every day and I did blog every day. Some days I didn't sew much so I didn't have much to show or say but I did both...didn't want to be a failure in my own eyes. :-)
While I was measuring, cutting, piecing, embroidering by hand, etc I had lots of time to think. I've come to the conclusion that I sew/quilt because it really is a true passion and does "put a smile on my face and a song in my heart". Quite frankly I have no right to question what I enjoy so much. You have no idea how much fun I had - it was incredibly eye opening for me.
This is not to say that I won't have the self doubt or allow my MOJO to suffer ever again but I can say that I'm determined to continue to have fun.
I hope you'll continue to visit this silly blog of mine as I continue my quilting journey. I have plans to do lots of sewing/quilting in October - sew alongs with a couple of friends, projects that hold so much anticipation.
My husband, Ron (aka Mr Daze) is the most incredible husband (yes, I know, yours is too) .... every day he'd say "you have to sew today - get busy". This man could care less whether or not our home is tidy or if I'm going to cook a meal - "let's just fend tonight", he says.
Today he helped me take pictures of my September projects throughout our community - lots of pictures ahead. Thank you so much, Sweetheart, for spoiling me for almost 36 years. :-)
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| The Sweet Life - our home in the desert |
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| Betsy's Closet - pieced in Sept. |
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| Spools (quilted in Sept) |
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| Under Wrap Quilt - Blitzen by Moda |
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| Ruffles - Halloween scraps |
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| Vintage Holiday - Vintage Modern by Moda |
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| Lincoln - Cinnamon Spice by Moda |
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| Speck - Little Bites - Marmalade |
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| Joy(ful) Gifts - Joy by Moda |
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| Mite - Little Bites - Clermont Farms + |
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| Tea Party - Marmalade by Moda |
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| 2008 FQS Designer Mystery blocks (still searching for finishing kit) |
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| Snowmen A to Zzzz.... by Crabapple Hill Studio |
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| The End - "3 In A Row" - Reunion by Moda |
I appreciate all your support and encouragement as I played through the month of September.
I did notice that I gained a handful of followers - thank you and welcome.
I have a surprise for one 'cheerleader' - come back tomorrow.
I'll post the CTTY winner tomorrow, as well.
Enjoy a pieceful week.
In Friendship!
51 comments:
Wow Darlene, what an amazing post!! You did a fantastic job in reaching your September goal. Plus you found the JOY of quilting in your heart, which is what it is really all about. Bravo, my friend!
I love a good challenge, I had my own silly little challenge in July. Sometimes I would be struggling to have something to post about. Then there was the comment from Mary on your blog one day asking if there was something in the AZ water, LOL., that gave me a good giggle. I truly enjoyed your quilt photos, just perfect in the desert settings. Your hubby is a sweetie and a keeper. You made some really beautiful quilts in September. Thanks so much for sharing them with us each day.
Well, Darlene, I was going to beg you to stop torturing yourself over quilting (!) and just love it but then your story ended happily lol. I'm envious of your sweet husband :-). And the dolce vita sign...is that your subdivision?
Great post, amazing pictures!!!As I can see your were very busy lady during September.
Cheers, Jana
Wow ... good on you. I enjoyed reading all your posts and seeing your wonderful creations in September ... such an inspiration. Keep doing what you enjoy and others will be inspired too.
What a beautiful post Darlene. I think you did an amazing job to get all that sewing done in one month.
Keep up the beautiful work, you are an inspiration.
life is a journey of discovering ourselves and what we are about and what our purpose is and i think you have been doing that and what a special man you have there Darlene a true soul companion,take care and enjoy life my friend.xx
Oh, my goodness, look at all you accomplished!! And each one is delightful. I know where you are coming from! I've lost my mojo before, esp. for blogging!! Have a happy day, karen
I've been out of touch--- but loved this post. I think most of all, it makes you human. Love it when you write about hubby. These hubbies that encourage quilting are special. I can think of a million reasons to quilt--I'm great at justifying my madness--- I'm just glad you've decided to keep doing it.
What an amazing post! What a fantastic month! What beautiful quilts! What a sweet hubby! But most of all...I'm doing the dance because you are so happy...there is a song in your heart!
I'm so impressed with your dedication to your challenge and with the awesome results that came from it! I so wish I had discovered your blog before the first of September, I think I would have taken up the challenge with you. Maybe you should do a challenge now for others! Congrats!
I completely identify with your sewing/quilting journey. You got some amazing things accomplished. I'm impressed! And my sweet boy and I are also going to celebrate 36 years together next month. Good for you!!
What a great month you have had!! Thanks for including the rest of us in for the ride, it has been a real joy. Hope you will continue on with your blog even if you don't have a completed project to share. I love quilting blogs for the projects but its just as intresting to follow along with the quilter herself!!
Great Post! I don't always sew, but I sitch (cross stitch, crochet, make hexies,) something nearly every day! I admire a lot of quilts online, but I really do want to make the more traditional patterns. And while I'd like to hop all the blog hops, it's just too time consuming. So, like you, I have to decide what *I* enjoy doing, and concentrate on that. If it ain't fun, it ain't worth my time. And you can put anything you want in your blog. I also use mine as a travelogue.
As you say, we sew because it makes us HAPPY! Congrats on your great month! Keep the smile in your heart!
Obviously sewing makes you happy, why question it? Your work is beautiful, you're quite prolific and very talented. Do what you enjoy! ;-> Toni Anne
geeze louise you sewed up a storm in September!! Great photo shoot too!
keep doing what you're doing-
Seeing all the pictures in one post makes me realize that you got lots and lots of sewing done this past month. And put together some wonderful quilts. I am glad you enjoyed the time spent doing it.
I read somewhere recently, and I'm paraphrasing here, "A friend sings the song in your heart when you've forgotten the words." All of your friends here will sing for you if you ever get lost again! You had a beautiful month! xox
I always look forward to your posts...love what you do and share! Your quilts are outstanding...always so inspiring. Thank you!
What a wonderful post, Darlene!!!! It made me feel really good and importance of following our heart. All your sewing is an amazing inspiration!
You had a great sewing month, that's for sure! I think we all need to remember that sewing and quilting is supposed to be fun! It shouldn't be about keeping up with everyone else or doing what everyone else is doing.
You did great in september. looking forward to seeing your new projects.
congratulations! on your adventure and accomplishing so much. I appreciate your honesty and we all go through the same thing, at least I do. I so enjoy seeing what you do and you are very inspiring.
Great photos of your projects.
Darlene, Quilter's Block is a real thing. I've been suffering it myself and I finally figured out why. I have too many unfinished projects. I have some I got stuck on and some I just need to settle down and either quilt or quilt by check. And then I feel guilty for buying more fabric-and buy I must. Seriously, Moda needs to quick putting out such awesome stuff!
The kids are staying with the grandparents tonight so hopefully I won't be to tired to sew and I will be able to get back on track.
I mean QUIT putting out such great stuff.
Arrrgh.
Darlene, Quilter's Block is a real thing. I've been suffering it myself and I finally figured out why. I have too many unfinished projects. I have some I got stuck on and some I just need to settle down and either quilt or quilt by check. And then I feel guilty for buying more fabric-and buy I must. Seriously, Moda needs to quick putting out such awesome stuff!
The kids are staying with the grandparents tonight so hopefully I won't be to tired to sew and I will be able to get back on track.
Ah yes, self judgement...I am my own worst enemy in this arena though I'm working on it. Sewing really helps rejuvenate. Your finishes this month are quite amazing and gorgeous. Feel good about them. Most of us can't keep up that kind of pace for too long but it sure is nice to see when it happens. Thank you so much for inspiring us!
Amazing! They all look beautiful, what a great job. It's amazing what we can accomplish when we set goals. I enjoyed reading your blog each day and seeing your progress. I'm so inspired. Thank you!
So many pretty things. Thanks for sharing.
What a month of quilty goodness it was!!!
Setting goals and meeting them--with incredible spousal support--what could be better for the soul? Your passion for sewing does come through and I'm glad you've not given it up when the occasional droughts and doubts strike. I enjoy seeing your beautiful work and reading your thoughts and doings! Congrats on fully participating in National Sewing Month. Thank you for sharing it with us--the quilts are all gorgeous!
They are all so beautiful and you are such an inspiration.
Awesome! Congratulations - good job - well done... show-off. ;)
I sometimes think the Internet has been the best thing to happen to quilting and the worst thing. There is so much inspiration to be found, shared and enjoyed, but somewhere along the line, some of the individuality gets lost. Not intentionally or purposefully but because of distractions, sensory overload and self-doubt. We won't even go into the whole competition thing.
So again - congratulations, well done and good job. You said you would do it and you did... though I bet you didn't REALLY sew EVERY day... yeah, right, sure.
Love seeing your parade of quilts! That is so sweet that your DH helped you take the pictures and keeps encouraging you .... a keeper for sure! Thanks for sharing the quilts with us.
I love the conclusion you came to! Good for you! It's OK, even important, to have something you do just because it makes you happy. No other excuse needed. And there is no "should" in sewing - what everybody else is making is what everybody else is making - you make what you want. Sometimes the two will coincide but that's OK too :)
It's awesome how much you got accomplished during the month of September, amazing and congrats! You're right, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks about quilting, it's your choice. I go through those same ups and downs and at times I'll go weeks without going into my sewing room, but I always know I'll miss it, it has made my life complete. You're lucky to have such a support spouse, mine is just like that when it comes to quilting, and it's wonderful to have that support.
An excellent month! I often question myself just like you do. But, sewing just makes me too darn happy to give it up - even if I am awash in quilts. And, Yay, Ron!!
Wow!! I think you must be on some kind of quilting viagra!! Send a little my way will ya!! Good for you, Darlene!! Amazing work!
P
So happy to hear you will continue to follow your quilting bliss wherever it leads. You should always follow your heart! BTW...I am volunteering to be your husband's next wife...he's a keeper!!
Fabulous eye candy to see...thanks for showing your wonderful quilts.
Wow. You did an amazing job. I'm sure glad you didn't make us choose which of all those gorgeous quilts is our favorite. I'd be sitting here for an hour trying to figure that out. LOL
Good for you and I agree. Quilting makes me happy and that is all that matters. I have been very lax in blogging lately but am still quilting, mostly finishing older projects. You had a very successful month, so be proud of the beautiful work you do!
I'm glad you are here!!!! I love your blog. What a clever idea to photograph your lovely quilts in natural settings - makes them all the more special.
Wow! That was lots of sewing! Really impressive! I'm sorry I missed lots of those posts......lots was going on here in September........I'm looking forward to reading through them. Your pictures are lovely. I love the area :-) I'm assuming you don't have much humidity.......I've about had it with humidity.
I love your blog - and can't believe all you accomplished this month. So impressed!
I am so happy your MOJO lasted all month :)!! i love the way you took the pictures, what a great group of beautiful quilts. And I'm glad you've stopped being hard on yourself. I so hope our paths cross one day :).
Fantastic show and tell Darlene! I am in awe of all that you accomplished! I love the ornament quilt, just got the pattern for that one! Your BOM Rehab blocks are great too! Way to go!
I only know one official cheer: lean to the left, lean to the right, stand up, sit down, fight fight fight!
I can't believe I missed this post. You are fantastic and I wish I could do a 1/4 of what you accomplished. I thoroughly enjoy your blog. Carol is right there must be something in the AZ water. I love seeing the quilts in the desert setting. Thanks for your silly blog:-)
You certainly did September proud....amazing, wonderful, terrific, beautiful (ok, I could go on and on) projects!! I love all the pretty spots you showcased them in. Great job Darlene!!!!!
I am celebrating that you have discovered that it is OK to sew because you love it! YOU are the master of what and how and why you create and you create gorgeous, inspiring one of a kind quilts! And what a treat for the heart and eyes this post is! It's like your own art gallery exhibit! I take my hat off to you! Everyone should find something that brings them such joy!
I've always said that sewing keeps me sane. I find it relaxing and it makes me happy!
Thanx for inspiring the rest of us.
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