Monday, November 11, 2013

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

Linked up with:

Connie at Freemotion
.myquiltinfatuation
Sarah at confessionsofafabricaddict
crazymomquilts
richardquiltstgiffriday
freemotionquilting


22 comments:

  1. Your critic sounds like a joyless soul. Good for you, keeping perspective and faith. I love your quilting style!

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  2. Thanks Jessica! Yah...this person is a professional quilter, who creates beautiful work...so I'm sure my whimsical style is a little different for them. LOL!!

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  3. it's so cute, Val! your letters look amazing, and I really loved your patriotic quilt. I just can't believe that someone would say such a thing! It's so good that you're smart enough not to listen!

    :) Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation

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  4. It's lovely. Beautiful bright colors. And great quilting. I've yet to venture into FMQ but I will soon.

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  5. Love the quilting Val and the lettering came out perfectly! You did a great job - Congratulations! BTW, I also love the loopy stars on the aforementioned post! Great way to quilt that top. Poo-poo on the nay-sayer. Follow your heart girl... Hugs, Karen

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  6. I think you did a great job on this one and pooh on the critic. Everyone doesn't always have to do the same thing.

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  7. I am with Jessica on this one, that person has a joyless soul definitely! That quilt looks awesome as does the Live, Love, Laugh quilt top, well done. I am so pleased you found your grrove again :)

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  8. Okay, now you are singing my song, just start! I happen to love Mary Englebreit and love the words quilted into your project.
    Sure looks good to me... and as for other opinions, well there are a lot of judges out there, some are paid to do it and some just like being judgmental. It's an ongoing exercise to not let others effect one's confidence. LeeAnna Paylor
    lapaylor.blogspot.com

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  9. As always it is such a joy to see one of your lovely improv creations!The quilt with the words is awesome. Your story reminded me of when I was selling tickets for a raffle quilt at the quilt show. I asked her if she wanted to buy a chance for this beautiful quilt. What is beautiful about it!I was so taken back by this quilter's comments. Later I learned she was a winner of many quilt shows. She maybe a winner in making quilts but in essence a loser! The quilt you made is darling and so is the quilting. Keep on keeping on with what you do. It is always wonderful.

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  10. What a neat quilt and love seeing all the different FMQing on it! Your work is always beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
    Freemotion by the River Linky Party Tuesday

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  11. This is such a fun quilt... what's not to love about it!?!

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  12. I love your quilting! The words are so fun!

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  13. Beautiful quilting! Such a fun quilt to look at and discover new things.

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  14. Val, I love your work, you are doing a great job! I understand how crushing it can be to see or hear people's negative words, but stay strong and don't give up!

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  15. Very imaginative quilt I think!!

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  16. Thank you so much for sharing at Needle and Thread Thursday, Val!

    :) Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation

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  17. Very cute--I love the quilting. I bet you were going through "withdrawals" not being on a longarm for 6 weeks (I know I would be).

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  18. Just start! That's what I need to tell myself all the time. Great advice.

    Not only was that rude comment offensive, but it's also just plain wrong. I know everyone differs in their preferences, but I thought your Star quilting was excellent and just right for the project.

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  19. What great quilting! And I agree, just jump in and start! I'm glad you didn't let the negative comment get to you. I'm sorry someone was mean :( thanks for linking up. :)

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  20. I'm grateful for your blogging/quilting support!! Love it!

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  21. I went to see that criticized quilt and can only surmise that critic is obsessive/compulsive and doesn't like anything out of line. It is a beautiful quilt, Val. I think the quilting makes it even more special. Thanks for sharing the life love laugh quilt - that is a great way to make letters. I plan to try that soon.

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  22. Your idea book is a good idea. The quilt is great. And it is too bad someone criticized your Project Linus quilt, I looked at it and I think the quilting works so well on it.

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I have to admit, your comments make me smile! Thanks for sharing and for letting me know you stopped by. I Hope your day is awesome!

Val:)