09 November, 2013

Whatcha Waitin' For?

At long last "Sturbridge Strawberries" is hung in our family room. If you've read any earlier posts you  might remember that I pieced this quilt back in 1997. Why has it languished in the "to be quilted" pile? Probably because, if the truth were to be told, I suffer from quilting paralysis; that inactivity prompted by fear... the "I can't quilt well enough to do it justice" kind of fear that stops me dead in my tracks most of the time. It's irrational to think this way; not because after I have actually quilted something I think it's all that, but because I have to admit, even to myself (and who's harder on us that ourselves?) that it's not all that bad!
Sturbridge Strawberries, quilting detail

Chicken Soup #1 is off the rails and ready for binding. Chicken Soup #2 is being quilted today. I'm pushing myself into action and really enjoying the rhythm of forward momentum. I continually ask myself "whatcha waitin' for?" and really wonder why there's no genuine answer. So, I've decided it's high time to be far less critical of myself and more accepting of every effort that displays progress... how about you? Whatcha waitin' for?
Life is Good!

19 comments:

KaHolly said...

Well, youi did an absolutely beautigul job!! Keep on!

Janet O. said...

Words of Wisdom! I guess I could say I am waiting for time, but even that is pretty lame.
I love the orange peel design you used. Wonderful job, Mrs. G.!

julieQ said...

Focus...and look what you are doing with yours!! Wonderful!!!

Jocelyn said...

Sooooo pretty!!

lindsey said...

That looks wonderful and what a lovely family room!

Anonymous said...

Looks beautiful there well done!

Linda in NC said...

Sturbridge Strawbwerries looks lovely hanging in your family room! Your "whatcha waiting for" message is one I need to hear regularly as that "not good enough" paralysis sabotages my quilting regularly. Thanks!

45th Parallel Quilter said...

It looks beautiful in its new home ... kudos to you for a wonderful and beautiful quilting job. Your post was what I needed today to get myself into that sewing room and just get BUSY with all the projects and tasks I've been postponing for one weak excuse or another. THANK YOU!! Linda

Quiltdivajulie said...

AMEN - that paralysis you speak of runs rampant!! Good for you for your progress!!

Susan said...

Beautiful quilting! Sturbridge Strawberries is perfect for your family room.

Unknown said...

Yay!

StitchinByTheLake said...

It's so beautiful! I am my own worst critic so I sometimes have that same paralysis. I'm trying hard to get past that. blessings, marlene

sandra said...

the old saying "finished is better than perfect" is true. Also as my mother-in-law says, when I point out a mistake in something I've made,"a blind man would be glad to see it"

AnnieO said...

Beautiful! I think the quilting portion is often the hardest part if this hobby! But a crooked line or wobbly stitch won't take away from the color, warmth, or love the finished quilt brings!

Paula, the quilter said...

Looking at that beauty hanging on the wall made me turn my head to look at the blank wall behind me. I have always wanted to hang a quilt on that wall, but it goes from the cathedral ceiling to the basement and has stairs beside it. How do I get a hanging system up without maiming myself or others? It's a puzzlement.

Doniene said...

Wise words!! We must push forward, never fearing failure, not expecting perfection, but striving to do the things that are before us! Progress is good!!! Enjoyed very much, your last few posts!

Life IS good!!!

Blessings

cityquilter grace said...

it's beautiful mrs goodneedle....would fit right in at sturbridge village!

Carol said...

It is absolutely beautiful...and you are so right we are our own worst critics. I'm thrilled that you overcame the paralysis and just did it...the orange peel is so wonderful! And your Chicken Soup quilts are going to be so loved...nothing better than a quilt when you don't feel good...or any time actually...

LizA. said...

Lovely. It's good to know I'm not the only one that suffers from this dilemma.....