Saturday, July 21, 2012

What Was I Thinking??

So the other day, the kids' nap time rolled around and I was trying to decide what to do. I mean, I have a huge list of things that need to be done, but none of those sounded fun so I sat down for a minute to browse around on Pinterest, looking for something to sew. I'm not even sure what I saw, but I decided that I needed to start a Christmas quilt. Right now.  Maybe it's all these Christmas in July things going around lately, or the fact that when December rolls around I always regret my lack of holiday decor. Whatever it was, I somehow could not let another day go by without starting a Christmas quilt. You know, because I have nothing else going on in my life right now...

And just what pattern did I choose? Elizabeth Hartman's Sparkle Punch. I love that pattern, but couldn't I have gone with a simple patchwork? Of large squares? Seriously, there are like 800 something 3.5" squares to cut. And did I mention cutting is my least favorite aspect of this fine art? I was all gung-ho about this thing yesterday but today I'm not so sure. I've cut about 75% of the prints for the stars and still have all the background to cut. 


Should I keep going? I had pretty much talked myself out of continuing, but then I looked back at the original Sparkle Punch quilt and I like it so much that I hate giving up on it. It would be an excellent Christmas quilt. But having another unfinished project laying around is not what I need right now, either. I think I'm going to go browse around a little and see if I can come up with another less time-consuming pattern to make. Any suggestions?

23 comments:

  1. Make sparkle punch stars in groupings and scattered around instead of across the whole quilt. Then you don't have to make as many.
    And buy charm packs for the background neutral and just cut them in stacks down to the 3.5" size. Maybe a little bit more expensive, but if it makes it easier then it might be worth it, no?

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    1. Like this: http://www.flickr.com/photos/76284563@N04/7342975700/in/faves-67824990@N07/

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  2. keep going!!!!! You will love it when it is done! I made one and it does not take long once you get going. http://cathy-blueberrypatch.blogspot.ca/2012/01/wonky-scrappy-little-star.html

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  3. Sew Festive has some really great ideas! Maybe you can use the already cut pieces and make some really fun throw pillows to scatter around the house. I love Christmas pillows so much. You're such an overachiever Toni! :-)

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  4. Wow, Toni! If you are already 75% done, I'd keep going! The sparkle punch is so gorgeous, you'll love it in the end. Maybe you need a day off from the cutting process. ;-).

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  5. Maybe just slooooow down a little bit. :) Take it easy, don't feel like you have to finish it tomorrow. I do realize you have a new baby coming in the near future but Christmas is still 6 months away so you DO have some time. Work at it a little bit here and there and in no time, it'll be done. And really, I have a feeling with the sparkle punch that the cutting is the hardest part, and you've made a good dent in that part it sounds like.

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  6. The cutting and trimming is always the most tedious part -maybe do as suggested above and have a few less stars in the quilt or make a matching starry pillow or table runner?

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  7. hhh i love that pattern, what a great idea for a christmas quilt - i'd say keep going.. but take it slow! you got a lot going on, but if it satisfies the itch, scratch away :)

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  8. What they say - maybe fewer stars, but stick at it - you will love it when it's done xxx

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  9. But you've cut more than half of it and you love it so why not continue? Who cares if it doesn't get finished for Christmas 2012 - you may have a few more important projects to think about but, someday, I'm sure you'll be so proud you saw it through.

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  10. It is a really great pattern and would look great as a Christmas quilt; just got to keep going I think!

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  11. ROFL, you nut! I'd go with maybe a cosmic burst if you don't wants to keep cutting. I have 26 retro flowers to cut later though o.O

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  12. That darn Pinterest. Who invented it anyway? I think it does something to our brains! Good luck on the quilt, but really if it gets done it gets done. After all, August is creeping closer all the time!

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  13. Can you cut some of the background fabric and make up some blocks? Then go back to the rest of the cutting bit by bit? I used to cut all the fabric before starting to piece, but lately this is what I do and it makes it easier on a big quilt. Its such a fab pattern :-)

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  14. I'd say take SOME of what you've cut & do a small sparkle punch (about a 36" square or something, then set it in some major negative space - you'll have the pattern you like without as much piecing, but can still make the quilt any size you like. Good luck whatever - it'll be beautiful!

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  15. Cutting is the worst! Well, so is basting...I say if you love it go for it, but only if it makes you happy. I get bogged down in tedious patterns, but am always glad I pushed through it when it's finished! And who says it has to be done for THIS Christmas?!

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  16. That is how I felt cutting out all of the Swoon pieces and background pieces.. ugh.. but I vote to keep going! You'll love it when it's done. You do have 6 months after all.. and once the cutting is done, it will be all fun from there. :o)

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  17. Keep going - you will be glad you did when it is finished - you can work on it a bit at a time if the whole thing is too overwhelming...

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  18. I agree with Heather. Don't shelve the quilt, but you also don't have to finish it immediately. You might be able to do a little here and little there once the baby has arrived. Christmas is still a half a year away! ;)

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  19. Keep going! You caught the bug and were motivated enough to get through 75% and as you said, that is the least enjoyable part for you. You can do this...:)

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  20. Girl, you know I have nothing to offer here...today's the first time in weeks I've turned my machine on! I can't wait to see what you make though--even if it is next Christmas! ;)

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  21. This post totally made me laugh, because I have gotten myself into the same situation in the past! Momentarily blinded by how gorgeous a quilt is, I've cut into the fabrics and then realized that it will take me approximately a million hours to finish (or so it feels that way)! This quilt is going to be amazing! And I'm sure you'll be so happy you slogged through once it's done. But in the meantime, you're in good company here, and you can complain about all those little pieces and seams whenever you want :)

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  22. Love Love Love the fabrics- keep going!

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