Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Lost my mojo. Photos brought to you by Instagram.

That's right, ladies and gents, I've lost my sewing mojo. I was on a roll, going strong for the first couple months of 2013, but I've hit a wall. And here's why.

Back in January, I shipped my Gradated Mod Mosaic quilt out for quilting services. I was hesitant, but also excited. I gave clear instructions for the directionality of the top and backing, including pictures for the quilter to refer to. Unfortunately the quilt came back with the backing flipped 90 degrees. {Sad face.} At first I didn't notice that it was on wrong so I squared it up in preparation for attaching the binding. Then, I just happened to turn it over on the side where the label was and saw that it was on sideways. I notified the quilter, let the issue settle for a night, and then requested a refund since I decided to unpick the entire thing so I could fix it. (If I didn't, it would always bug me. Plus, I think the quilt was stretched too much during the quilting because it looks poufy and it shouldn't.) The quilter was quick to return my money, and while I felt like a jerk asking for it, I was happy for the quick response.

I've been slowly chipping away at unpicking the quilting. It's slow-going and has left me feeling a bit deflated about this hobby of mine.

unquilting

I've tried moving on to other projects, like this Lucky Square quilt for the mister (pattern by Jessica of Sew Crafty Jess). I've finished all 63 blocks and am working on the sashing strips. Hopefully, I'll have a finished top soon.

luckysquaresprogress

I also threw together my first pair of PJ pants since high school. These Transformer PJs were for my obsessed 6-year-old's birthday.

Transformers PJ Pants

The Middle has also been asking for a new Easter dress, just like the one I made her last year. I found that it's fun to sew for your little ones when they're excited for what you make them.

I made the mistake, however, of sewing this dress when she was asleep and not trying the bodice on her before finishing the dress. It was a couple sizes too big.

Mary's Sash Dress Pattern by Jennifer Paganelli

But, take 2 worked out great. Adding a contrasting zipper to the back was the best way to have the bodice fit around her chest without the neck needing to be big enough for her large head.

Mary's Sash Dress Pattern by Jennifer Paganelli

I also took the time to do some therapeutic sewing. This "always" pillow was inspired by Amber of One Shabby Chick. While it won't be staying at my house, it was really cathartic for me to make. "Always" is particulary meaningful to me at this point in my life.

always

Hopefully, I'll finish unpicking the quilting and make some quick progress on the Lucky Squares quilt so I can get back in the swing of things and keep moving forward with knocking out my WIPs. My goal is to finish all my in-progress quilts by July. That'll free up the latter half of the year for new projects and Christmas sewing.

13 comments:

Emily said...

OH no! Unpicking. If it helps at all, I get a little smile on my face thinking about my friend who calls it "frogging" because you "rip-it, rip-it!" Hopefully the frogging goes quickly.

Katie B said...

Well, there's nothing like having to unpick the stitches out of a whole quilt to suck the sewing mojo right out of you!!!

Jessica Kelly said...

oh no! such a bummer about having to unpick :-( I've only ever had one quilt quilted by someone else, and its was so nerve wracking! Glad she was quick to respond and give you your money back. Can't wait to see your Lucky Square come together, and your daughters dress is adorable! It doesn't look to me that your sewing mojo is lost at all!

Barbie Mills said...

This still makes me sad for you. =( If you'd like some more help unpicking I'd be happy to help any time! The kids could play and we could unpick.

The dress looks super cute with the zipper, and I'm sure your son LOVES those pants.

felicity said...

I want to ditto Katie's comment - it's no surprise your sewing mojo up and left with the prospect of all that unpicking! :( So sorry this happened, Brooke. I hope you get back in the saddle soon.

When my mojo is lacking, I find that committing to just 20 minutes of stitching per day really helps me get over that initial "I don't wanna" feeling.

Hugs.

Sharon said...

O no! I cannot believe you are unpicking a whole quilt. You will be glad you did, but it's so discouraging! Reward yourself with a fun new project or fabric treat (-:

-A said...

Oi, how deflating! I'll toss in my own offer to help unpick.

Lee said...

Wow, Brooke, I am SO sorry about this. That really, really sucks. I've had to unpick some stitches done for my by a long-arm quilter (fortunately not a whole quilt), and it took FOREVER. That's such a beautiful top too. Good luck.

Deonn said...

Oh, heartbreak! I know the feeling. I had to pick out the stitches from a client's quilt! It looked fantastic on the top, but there was a problem with the tension which created loops on the back... ugh! I had three teenagers at the time who had to practice driving with a parent for 40 hours apiece, to get their driver's licenses. I told the girls to get in the car, we were headed to the store. And when we turned right at the intersection, we ended up at the store all right. In Wyoming. I got all the stitches ripped and the girls got in some good drive time. :) It will all work out, you'll see!

Little Lady Patchwork said...

I would be heart broken as well!...and I would also pick out all of the quilting because it would bug me too!
Stefanie

Unknown said...

How heartbreaking. To find your back flipped, and needing to unpick too. I always insist that my clients mark the top end of their quilts and backings by placing a safety pin at the top end of each piece. Also the poofy extra fullness in places on the backside doesn't appear to be caused by overstretching.

Anna and Sarah said...

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Purryl and me, our daily muses said...

I love how the colors compliment each other. It is beautiful!

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