After much pondering over to send or not send this quilt off for the flickr DQS, I have decided not too. A girlfriend came over today, just popped in too drop off something and she saw it on the wall and I could see on her face how much she loved it. Really loved it. Appreciated the work in it. And it is her birthday in a few months so I am going to leave it hanging there until then. And then watch her face when she unwraps it. Of course when she was viewing it this morning I said nothing of that and told her about doll quilt swaps. She thought I was mad!
So with that decision finally made it was time to turn my attention to what I would now send.
I had made these stars during the week. Using scraps from my white tone on tone stash for some interest.
So with the four completed it was time today to think layout. I was originally thinking in an arch but it would have made it too long so I played it safe and just sewed them in a square pattern.
Nice and safe as you can see! Then the border...... after thinking wonky flying geese I thought nope, little squares in a row, inspired by this block here.
So I sewed a long strip about 7 inches long, then sliced it up into four strips.....
And sewed it to the stars. Frames it nicely, I like the colour against the white. So all ready to sandwich and quilt during the week.There has been a few emails going behind the scenes and messages on flickr about swapping and not sending if your partner hasn't commented on what you have made. Just want to point out I don't expect gushing over my quilt, not at all. But I do expect appreciation for the hours gone into making something special. I have been in a lot of dolls quilt swaps, a lot. One of the last ones I sent, I got the feeling it wasn't appreciated and that was a bit hard to swallow as I know a lot of people would have loved that quilt. Maybe that is just the risk and joy of swapping? So rather than take that risk again, I'm keeping a quilt that was originally made for someone else and give it to someone I know will love it. That's all I really have to say about that. I have a quilt to sandwich. :)
20 comments:
Another cute one! I think your friend will be thrilled to have the first quilt. And you can visit it!
I think it would be hard to send it off when a friend loved it so much!
A couple of years ago I participated in a swap that focused on paper piecing. We swapped directly, exchanging quilts. I didn't hear from my swap partner for a month (the length of time for the swap), so I contacted the swap leader. When my partner finally contacted me, I decided to wait until I received her quilt before I sent mine. I'm so glad I did! I spent a dozen or more hours designing and executing my quilt, and when hers arrived it was - and I know this sounds harsh, but you really should see it - AWFUL. Beyond ugly. It looked like she took a pile of leftover scraps and randomly sewed them together. The binding was more scraps, sewn on so poorly that there were several large gaps where it wasn't attached on one side. I use it for a cat bed. I ended up adding simple borders to a paper pieced practice block I had laying around and sent that to her - and she by FAR got the better end of the deal even then. That quilt is one of the reasons I got out of swapping. I feel like far too often either I put more effort into the work than my partner, or the person who receives it doesn't really appreciate it.
Both are lovely. I understand what you're saying. I recently participated in a small swap, nothing extraordinary but I worked really hard to give her what I thought she wanted, and was pleased with the results. Never heard a word from her - no thanks or that sucks or anything, not even after messaging her to ask if she received it.
So I just want to say that your new quilt is amazing too! The colours you have chosen are so cheerful and they go together so well. And the tiny squares for the border are wonderful. So I totally adore your other quilt, but this not a "second" choice, even though you found it "easier" to do, this new one should wow anyone!
I know what you are saying and thatis exactly why I stay away from swaps. I recently swapped just fabric with someone who was coveting my kaffe fabric. The exchange was very disappointing and I felt like I was getting some of her ugly leftovers. Very disappointing. Probably better to find your own swap mate and do it on your own!
I do think your star doll quilt is lovely, let's hope you get some feed back!
The colors really pop on the white fabric. My favorite block is the reddish/pink one.
Your friend is going to thrilled when she opens her gift that you worked so hard on. I think it is so special to give a gift that you know is truly appreciated, loved, etc.
I totally understand your point. I'm looking forward to hearing all about your friend's reaction to your gift. I want to be there!!
Good call Helen. I'm 100% supportive. The DQS specifically states the expectation of people participating throughout the swap. It's your partner's loss (and - while a shocking thought - perhaps she has a thing against rainbows or spikey points and really didn't care for it and will be happy you kept it!). Sounds like your friend will be over the moon with her birthday gift and the best part is you'll be able to visit your lovely work often! Sharing with people who appreciate your effort just feels good.
I think you've made the right choice!
Good choice - it's always good to know your hard work is being well-loved! You might want to check out Another Little Quilt Swap - they just did round 5 and hopefully will do a 6th - it's very low stress, because you don't have an assigned partner, you make a quilt, post pics, and then everyone lists their top ten or so. Kate then figures out who gets what, and you get something you love.... I don't know how she does it, but it works!
Great idea
Good for you, Helen. When I saw this on your Flickr stream, I knew exactly what was going through your head and I completely concur. Besides, now you have a great recipient for the beauty of all beauties......and I am thrilled for both of you!!!
Helen, your quilts are gorgeous. I can't imagine someone not being thrilled by anything that you make. Really if someone can't be appreciative, she doesn't deserve your work.
this quilt colors just makes me happy.
I smiled at the first star and then just kept getting happier! what a wonderful collection of fabrics.
thanks for sharing it with us.
Love those wonky stars - you work in such an interesting colour palette.
Swapping is a risk - but I think it's worth it overall. And I do hope that people appreciate my work - but I often find my hardest critics are my family... they give me such a hard time about giving things away to strangers... we just have to trust the quilting karma.
How could anyone NOT like a Helen special? I absolutely adore my quilt and now its hanging on the wall, I smile at it everytime I leave the room (is it sad I sometimes stroke it???) LOL!!
Good on you - I'm verging on the same decision myself. This quilt is stunning too, just without the huge investment you made in the other.
I LOVE this! I think these are my favorite colors to use in a quilt -- they're SO happy!
I don't swap. As fun as it sounds sometimes, I don't think you ever get out what you put in -- at least that's my experience.
That being said, I'd swap with YOU any day!!! :)
Oh I am so sorry your feel the way you do about your quilting partner, but I do understand. Last year I felt my partner did not appreciate the quilt I sent. I have loved both of your quilts, and I think there are many that have them in their favourites so may be this could be your consolation.
Post a Comment