I think I was a little hard on it when I called it the quilt of doom. Honestly, it's soft and sweet. A simple little tie blanket in very summery gingham and linen, for a family with a home on the coast. I can't blame the quilt. The problem was the making of the quilt. And then the thinking about the making of the quilt. Major Sewing Lesson Learned #1: Do not write a letter to anyone that refers to making a quilt as a thank you gift. No matter how much you want to. Or how much they deserve it. (Which they do.) Because things happen. And you might not expect to suddenly start looking for, buying, or renovating a house, and every time you think about the unfinished quilt you break out in hives, ruminating on what a big jerk you are. So you don't sew anything, not for yourself or the new house, over the course of the entire year.
Thankfully, in early December, I took a vacation, brought home a dog (with separation anxiety, huzzah!), and then it snowed. So it wasn't until I was completely housebound that my feelings softened and I made friends with the idea of a tie quilt, instead of doing it by machine. I spent the better part of the month with swollen fingers as a result, but it took the pressure off, and that was the important thing. When all was said and done, I spent a scant 12 hours on it, which is pretty much nothing in quilt time. Everything held up just fine in the dryer (there was much bated breath regarding the ties). And it turned out kind of lovely. More importantly, I never have to worry about it ever again. Thank. Friggin. Goodness.
Although I have a backlog of craft-related posts to share with you, posting may be a bit scarce here in the weeks ahead. I will be guest posting over at the always inspiring, Habit, for the month of February, and cannot wait to see what will come. Molly and Emily have created something truly special with this project, and I hope you'll visit me there. Be well, friends. Oh, and happy Friday.
All love,
*Andrea
yes! i am so excited you'll be over at habit. this is definitely my favorite new blog and i can't wait to see your contributions. it's so simple, yet so genius. it's perfect, in fact. very good news indeed.
oh yeah, nice quilt :)
Posted by: julia | January 30, 2009 at 06:42 PM
It looks great! It's good to start the New Year getting things crossed off the list, no?
Posted by: Nadia Lewis | January 31, 2009 at 12:22 AM
tie quilts are my favorite. love the gingham and linen and very much looking forward to following habit in the month of february. xoxo
Posted by: shari | January 31, 2009 at 11:36 AM
so happy to have found your blog -- what an enjoyable read for me. came across it by way of habit - am very curious to know the titles of the books in your large pile re: photo on 1/30. I can make out Harry Potter, Eldest and Eragon, and the Mysterious Benedict Society, as well as some travel guides, but am curious about others. Always looking for good books to add to my shelves. :)
Posted by: audneal | January 31, 2009 at 09:50 PM
Love Habit! And the quilt, definitely not the doom and gloom you say. But I understand the weighing of a project on your shoulders. Take care!
Posted by: Juneau.Eco.Mommie | February 01, 2009 at 10:08 AM
so excited that you'll be with us at habit this month! and i have a quilt on my mind. but i don't think i'm ready to put it in writing yet!
Posted by: emily | February 01, 2009 at 06:43 PM
Been working so hard these days. Would love to make a quilt. Miss you birdie. Wish we lived closer. ("I need you so much closerrrrrr" love, love, love that tune) I love your enthusiasm and your words. You are such a good writer. Peace mamala!
Posted by: Carolina | February 04, 2009 at 08:44 PM
Love, love, love the quilt! Must add you as a link right.now!
xo
Posted by: Morgan | February 08, 2009 at 12:46 AM
Love, love, love the quilt! Must add you as a link right.now!
xo
Posted by: Morgan | February 08, 2009 at 12:46 AM
I am really loving the simplicity of this. I find it to be very inspiring.
Posted by: aklb | March 02, 2009 at 12:45 PM