Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Ladybugs Resurrected

While blog wandering recently I happened upon this quilt. Birds sang, bells tinkled, nerve endings tingled----temptation beckoned seductively, "you know you want to!" But, in a display of supreme self control, I beat that monster down. Joseph's Coat has many charms, not least among them those clean, clear, singing colours, the really neat way those circles go together [yes, I read every word of the multi-part tutorial, which only served to increase the temptation] and the fact that it is applique.

But no. Not now. Not when the teetering pile of UFOs has not diminished one whit in the past year. At some future date, when that pile has been beaten into submission, it may be feasible. Until then, I'll just have to be strong.

The most immediate reason I shouldn't start a major new project now is this:





Started tentatively for Number One grandson,[eight years ago!] it was still not finished by the time he arrived, at which point it became apparent that
#1---he was a boy, and maybe the quilt looked a bit girly; and
#2---as he grew it became obvious that, not only was he a boy, he was a vroom-vroom kind of boy, attracted to machinery, and trucks [which he famously and hilariously mispronounced] and other things that made growly, gravelly noises. Back to the drawing board to plan a vroom-vroom kind of quilt. Which was accomplished with the able assistance of Rise who was visiting at the time.



IMG_3511
Originally uploaded by Mollybawn




And so the ladybugs and flowers slowly sank into the UFO pile. And then, a year ago, grandson number four was born, and came to visit at Christmas. I'd been embarrassed by the rushed quilt I'd made for him when he was a newborn, so consulted with his mum, who loved the ladybugs, and thought they'd go beautifully in her garden-themed nursery. You'd think I'd have gotten on the ball in the new year, but until now, lethargy.

Last week I spread it on the dining room table, thinking if it's out I'll start quilting it. But it intimidated me. The actual quilting of a project is the part of the whole process I'm least adept at. I gave it a wide berth, avoided making eye contact with it for a week. The weather was cold, my fingers were stiff and achy, and it just seemed too overwhelming. The first step is the hardest. Finally, today, I boldly grabbed the needle and took the first stitch. And then a second, and a third, and before I knew it I'd quilted a whole block!




I love how it looks and wish I'd started ages ago! It also helped that the weather warmed up and loosened my fingers. I have nineteen applique blocks to go---agh!--- and then the matter of the plain alternate blocks, but at least now I know it can be done. The question is can it be done in time for the little man's birthday at the end of the month??

Meanwhile, I'm adding Joseph's Coat to the list of quilts I'd like to make before I die, but after finishing at least a few of the projects in The Pile!

18 comments:

Thimbleanna said...

Oh Miss Molly! I feel your pain -- I SO want to do Joseph's Coat! We should set a goal -- when we complete, say, three (or pick a number) of our UFOs by such-and-such date, we can start Joseph's Coat. We'll spearhead the remedial group!

Love LOVE those ladybugs. I think they're from a book I have? SweetiePie goes to that book when she visits -- she wants a nursery someday like the yellow one in the book. Your quilting it GORGEOUS!!! there's absolutely NO substitute for hand quilting!

StitchinByTheLake said...

Molly the block is wonderful - I always want to hand quilt until I get started. Then I realize that it's so painful for my arthritis which is just crazy because I can embroider or applique all day long and not hurt. Cute ladybugs - my granddaughter would love that. blessings, marlene

Anonymous said...

The quilting looks absolutely amazing! Sometimes when we procrastinate just long enough the feeling of actually starting the task sooo sweet.

Ali Honey said...

Fabulous quilting Molly. Yes you can do it...well at least try...Good luck!

riseoutofme said...

Something lovely about handstitching ... all the time and focus that goes into it ... I remember the peace and serenity that came with the harvest wall hanging .... Sigh ...

Connie said...

hand quilting is wonderful. enjoy the quilts.

Pauline said...

lol Molly - who knows, maybe there will be a quilting bee in heaven. You are a very talented needle woman. I don't have the patience for a quilt!

Anonymous said...

The quilting looks awesome! GREAT job!!!

I planted radish, lettuce and carrot seeds today. Just wanted to share that with you. ; )

That darned Joseph's Coat has been tempting me too... Look away!!!

SmitoniusAndSonata said...

Congratulations on denting the UFO pile with such style ! I'm just adding to mine . Today , because I was on my own , I even hauled everything out and started planning another quilt . Perhaps THAT'S my new hobby ?

raining sheep said...

Goodness it is beautiful! I love how you are quilting it. I do love the lady bugs. I made one smaller quilt in my life time and I fear it will be the only one. I have recently been buying handmade things rather than making them.

jkhenson said...

I love the ladybugs! That breathed spring into the internet and lo and behold, it arrived here, outdoors, as well! :) Thanks for the burst of color and garden friends! :)

silfert said...

I'm with you on the UFO's! I'm slowly getting the pile cleared, so I'll be cheering for you.

And I also looooooove those ladybugs!

Pam said...

Oh, jolly good. Posting every second day! I shall look forward to that.

What is it with this UFO business? Why do you start another one before the first is finished? I'm not sure I understand.

Of course, I have three first-quarters of novels written, but that's because I lack time and, well, yes, conviction that they're not total piffle (and I also lack clear ideas what happens in the middle...). But you have time and a design, no?

Anyway, what you've done is LOVELY!

Pam said...

Re your comment - Irish? I couldn't possibly say...

What happened to this posting every second day business?

Anonymous said...

It is looking sooo good! What a neat hand quilter you are!

Meggie said...

I have no idea why I was listed as Anon in my comment!
I also meant to say, your Vroom Vroom is lovely too!

Thimbleanna said...

Happy St. Patrick's Day to my favorite Irish Lassie!!!

Birdydownunder said...

Happy St Patricks Day Molly Bawn :)

I too love Joseph's Coat, I put my name down. I made the templates but I guessed it was going to be a long time in completion. Because
I laminated the templates.
oh I must go start it.