Do you ever look back on your hobby, which maybe you are trying to turn into something more than a hobby, and think to yourself “wow! I never thought I could do that!”? That’s where I am at today. It is no secret that I am selling my patterns. It is no secret that I have submitted to a couple of magazines and even been accepted to a couple (coming soon to a newsstand near you). Sometimes though, I look at the things I am making and I just can’t believe the designs are from me and that I have come far enough in my sewing to actually accomplish turning them from digital images into real life quilts.
I am a mostly self-taught quilter. My mom taught me the basics and the rest I have learned very much on my own. The only class I have ever taken was a color theory class and while it was helpful I couldn’t say that it helped with my actual quilting, though I did truly enjoy the experience. This may not seem like a big deal to most people, but when I look at my current project and see it coming together, I am quite proud of myself. Are we allowed to be proud of ourselves these day? Well even if we aren’t, I am going to say that I am.
Here are all the pieces for my next quilt cut out, the paper pieced sections are pieced, and I actually have two whole blocks pieced together too!
I am super pleased with how this quilt is coming together. My goal is to piece the second two blocks and have the top assembled before my guild meeting tomorrow night. Wish me luck!
So just for today, I am taking a step back and appreciating how far I have come in my quilting journey. I am excited for what comes next!
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, this block, quilt, wall-hanging option. Your work is amazing and I just love seeing your designs come to life.
Can’t wait to see it. Your quilt is so beautiful. I have seen your abilities grow even in the little time we have been doing the guild.
Very cool! I have had fun watching your journey on this project and am quite impressed. I am glad to hear you are taking a moment to pause, reflect, and enjoy where you are, too.
That’s a fantastic design!
Nice to see more new Designs from you. I enjoyed “testing” for your Flowering Lonestar pattern. You should be proud and taking a step back to recognize your successes is Fun to do!
Hell yeah you should be proud of yourself! I think that’ s a really amazing design. I think I’ve been following your blog less than a year but I’ve seen quite a few things that have been really fabulous, and I love that you are continually pushing yourself – very inspiring!
It’s a masterful design. Not taking classes probably allows you to explore and develop your own style more completely. You aren’t learning what someone else considers right or the only way. You are making your own way, and a beautiful way it is. If you can’t be proud of yourself, then I’ll be proud for you. 😉
I ADORE this block pattern!!
I am proud of you, too! It is very hard to follow a dream. Wow, it is paying off!!
XX!
Great reflection. Now I’m even more excited for this pattern. Keep it up!
You have every right to be proud of yourself!
OMG look at it coming together!! It looks fantastic. 😀 And you have EVERY right to be proud! Sing it, sister!
Here is a virtual pat on the back! This looks so hard and not only are you making it, you designed it! You have every reason to be proud of yourself! Not that it means much but I am proud of you especially since your Husband is deployed and you do this and run a household! XX girly
Very nice. Taking a step back sure puts things in perspective sometimes. You’re doing fabulous!
You are so dear! You have come a long way in the past few years. You preserved with your interest in quilting during Anne’s health and your husband’s deployments while being so far from home. The new block is stunning! Take time to do a little “happy dance” with Anne!
Of course you’re allowed to be proud of yourself. My goodness, wouldn’t like be an awfully boring, humbug old world if we couldn’t take pride in our accomplishments.
I too am a mostly self-taught quilter. I learned all the basics of sewing in Junior High Home Economics but everything else I have taught myself along the way and when I started quilting, I had a whole new set of skills to learn.
Congratulations on your upcoming publications!! And on all your patterns including this one.
It’s a awesome unreal feeling isn’t it. Love your latest pattern.
Love your new quilt! I am very proud of you and you should be too!
Gorgeous pattern! I’m glad you’ve taken a moment to realize what you have accomplished — it’s wonderful. Good for you!
Looks great! Good luck with the rest!
I’ve been gone this week and am just getting caught up with my reading. You have come a long way and deserve to pat yourself on the back for all your accomplishments. And if you feel funny about doing that, I’ll do it for you – WTG!!!!!!