FMQ: Live, Love & Laugh

After not being behind my long-arm for almost six weeks, I spent the weekend playing! I used only FMQ as I worked on this quilt top from/for Project Linus. I needed to do this. I needed to follow my own creative flow.

Before I start to quilt a top, I always sketch it out. I like to accent the fabrics with my quilting and will take a few days to practice by doodling. This was my first time creating big flowers and pebbles.My FMQ is by far perfect. But whenever my lack of confidence would try to sneak in, I'd intentionally remind myself to follow my own advice and that is: "TO JUST START!" "Every great adventure starts with a beginning. You can't be your best at something right away. It takes time and practice to develop confidence in a skill.." My daughter told me I sounded very Mary Engelbrighty! (LOL!!)

So as I worked on this quilt, I continuously reminded myself to have more fun as I learn to quilt...to follow my creative flow. I didn't even plan on doing the letters! I got tired of doing pebbles and thought it would be fun to add a message to the quilt...no chalk! I just went for it! (Now THAT was fun!)

 This quilt helped me find my groove again and rebuilt my confidence. Someone (not a blogger) told me a few weeks ago, that I ruined a quilt. It was this quilt: A Star Studded Finish!  (Funny thing is, I'm really proud of my skill progress  on that one...so I was shocked when they made such a comment!) Luckily, I was able to keep this person's opinion in perspective and I was able to stand up for myself. But in the back of my mind, it reminded how important it is to be kind and supportive of each other as we all work to develop our skills and find our own style.

I hope you all are living well, loving  much and laughing often...especially at people who don't always appreciate your quilting style! LOL!

With smiles!

Val:)

PS: And then I get emails like this:

(After I dropped the Star Studded Finish off to Project Linus)

Hi, Val,
  Somehow I never got this note sent to you last week!  Where did the time go?
  I wanted to let you know that EVERYONE was in awe when they saw your quilting on the quilts I turned in for project Linus!  Especially, the Halloween quilt!  Wow!  Donna asked if you would quilt for other people. I told her, yes, definitely!  She might have a quilt or someone in mind that needs something done.  I'll ask her. I plan to call her later this week.

   Thank you, Val.  Have a great week!
   Hugs,
   Judy

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