Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Time for a Change

You know, it's funny.....or maybe not so much.  I have seen people come and go in blogs.  Some quit and come back and some stay away for months and then re-appear like nothing ever happened.  I used to wonder about that and question what happened in their lives to make such a change.  BUT, maybe it wasn't that at all.  Maybe it's because they ran out of steam......maybe their creativity left.  Can you imagine?  Glory be that should ever happen to me!!!  AND, because of that, and because I have felt lately that I have been somewhat pressured, I have decided to start doing what I love and not what everyone wants me to do.  (Talk about rebel, huh???)  I suppose I'll still join in some swaps......after all, I really have trouble staying away, but after wondering if I should join this round of the Mug Rug swap and then joining but then getting a partner who really doesn't love what I like to do best, I've sorta re-vamped my thinking.

So today I am going to show you the last (or maybe not really the last...but close to the last) obligation projects.  Then, from now on, or until the crazies are out of my brain and on fabric, I am going to do doll quilt sized wall hangings of various things that I have wanted to do.  Some of these creations might be for sale.  After all, I can't keep them all....what in the world would I do with them all????  They will be a one of a kind creations, never again to be produced by me.  (Remember though that the original drawings are here and some day, after I'm dead, my kids might sell those.  LOL)  With that being said, let me show you some of what I've been doing:

First, two blocks for a very special project that a Flickr friend is organizing for a special lady who has been going through some tough times in her life.  She asked for flower and/or heart blocks:

Hearts

Flower Block

Then....another mug rug.  I should have named this, "Sea Glass".  It really reminds me of it.  First, I strip pieced various colors of solids to a 1 1/4 inch strip of white.  I later trimmed this thinner once I sewed it to the block:

Strip making

Random squares mug rug

The back

I haven't the slightest idea which mug rug my partner will get yet.  Maybe this one, or perhaps the one I showed you on my last post.  Too bad I can't make something of whimsy though.  :(  I really love making those the most!!!

So, that's it for now.  I sure hope you like the new "ME".  I'm excited and anxious to have fun again.  I've really missed it!!!  I hope you've missed it too!!  
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45 comments:

  1. Mary on Lake PulaskiMay 3, 2011 at 5:23 AM

    Love the Sea Glass colors! Yes, go do YOUR thing and have fun. Life is too short.

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  2. West Michigan QuilterMay 3, 2011 at 5:24 AM

    I so love your blog and seeing what you do. You are my inspiration. If you ever need a swap partner who loves what you do, let me know. Please continue to blog and show us your lovely work.

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  3. MargaretMay 3, 2011 at 5:25 AM

    I'm so glad you've decided to go with your heart! Isn't that what it's all about? The joy?!?
    Go for it!!!!
    Margaret
    ps-I frequently read your blog, but never commented before.

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  4. MicheleMay 3, 2011 at 5:31 AM

    Love all those cuties! I've been using your single fold binding tute a lot. Thank you for that!

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  5. Elisa (AKA scrapcat)May 3, 2011 at 5:32 AM

    It's a good time for a change... and I support you as long as you keep posting those whimsical beauties! They are my favorite posts to read in the morning! Take care!

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  6. UnknownMay 3, 2011 at 5:38 AM

    Yes, I like the new you :o) Do what you enjoy and love - be happy! Hope you share it with us!

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  7. Cindy SharpMay 3, 2011 at 5:42 AM

    I'm looking forward to reading about the things that you love.

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  8. MarieMay 3, 2011 at 5:44 AM

    I think we are in the same place - I have not blogged in almost 2 months because of these very issues - I think the new me is about to come through VICTORIOUS. I can't please everyone so I choose to please myself.

    Hugs - Marie

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  9. MommarockMay 3, 2011 at 5:45 AM

    You always should do exactly what you want to do! Where is the FUN in doing what you have to do? The quilting pleasure is in the fun.. and if you take the joy out of it.. then boo. Keep the JOY Carol, it shows so clearly in your work, and when we see it.. we feel the joy as well!!

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  10. Carol- Beads and BirdsMay 3, 2011 at 5:52 AM

    Good for you!! Your work is from your heart and crazie brain ~lol~ and its the best. Do what you love and be true because we love you and your crazie brain!! especially your birds....oh, and your flowers...o, don't forget your patchwork...o, cripe see! we love it all!!

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  11. JenMay 3, 2011 at 6:14 AM

    Is it wrong that I'm excited by this? You're too talented and creative to get bogged down by swaps where people aren't happy. I LOVE the new YOU!! Actually, she's not new; she was in there all along. =)

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  12. PennyMay 3, 2011 at 6:32 AM

    I love your doll sized quilts...looking forward to seeing them!

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  13. ShelleyMay 3, 2011 at 6:33 AM

    Yeah....what they said!!
    Do what you love!!

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  14. Vic H.May 3, 2011 at 6:33 AM

    I think you made the right decision. A lot of swappers seem to be unhappy....Do your own thing--that is what we love about this blog!!

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  15. WendyMay 3, 2011 at 6:41 AM

    Good for you! I'm happy you'll find your joy again in something that makes your heart smile!! Can't wait to see your one of a kind creations :) :)

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  16. JessicaMay 3, 2011 at 6:43 AM

    Don't worry about what other people think. Your work is beautiful and I love reading your blog!

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  17. Jane's Fabrics and QuiltsMay 3, 2011 at 6:46 AM

    I love your blocks! and yes do what you love! That is what quilting is all about after all! and if you are happy it will no longer be a job, but will be fun!!

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  18. Keep Stitchin'May 3, 2011 at 7:06 AM

    First of all, I just LOVE your work! You have the most creative ideas and I love your little works of art!
    Secondly, I know what you mean and I agree with you! I started out quilting making mostly smaller quilts; wallhangings and lap quilts, but for some reason I switched and felt every quilt had to be a queen size after that, because they seemed more 'useful'. I wasn't having as much fun,they started becoming a chore. Now I am going back to smaller quilts and having so much fun!

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  19. Needled MomMay 3, 2011 at 7:15 AM

    The change will be good for you...go for it. I think we all need that once in awhile.

    The sea glass is absolutely lovely.

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  20. LynnMay 3, 2011 at 7:44 AM

    Good for you, I find as soon as you "have" to do something it takes all the fun out of it! Besides, I like the 'crazies that come out of your brain' best:@)

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  21. MariQuiltsMay 3, 2011 at 8:41 AM

    I'm with you on this.

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  22. SusanMay 3, 2011 at 8:52 AM

    Go for it!! Do what makes you happy!!

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  23. SueMay 3, 2011 at 9:17 AM

    Good to hear you are following your inner rhythm. I think you will feel more free with your new direction. I like both mug rugs. The colors remind me of a tropic island sea and sky. Refreshing. Clearing away the cobwebs that trap us into routine! (smile)

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  24. BahamaDawnMay 3, 2011 at 11:23 AM

    WOW!!! this post could have been written on my blog.....it is exactly how i feel!!! do what brings you joy!!

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  25. Vroomans' QuiltsMay 3, 2011 at 12:39 PM

    I always quilt for fun. I only do a few swaps that I feel will be 'fun'. Commission work is limited. I also enjoy making charity quilts, that is fun and fulfilling. But just grabbing a pile of strings and add scraps and letting what is in the mind explode - that is the true fun.

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  26. Carolyn P.May 3, 2011 at 12:46 PM

    There are things that everyone "Has to" do, ya know like taxes, laundry, diapers. But the things you do for your art need to be from your heart or it isn't art, it's an obligation. Everytime a "Has to" project is finished, I need to just do something for me.

    Are there swaps that match more of you?

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  27. AnnieofbluegablesMay 3, 2011 at 12:47 PM

    Oh Whew!!! by the title, I was afraid you would say you were tired of blogging. I'd just die if you stopped showing us your creativity. And as for the doll quilts, I will keep my eye out for an etsy site where you will sell those babies. I LOVE your work. I wish I were the recipient of this exchange, I'd surely be so HAPPY to receive it.
    So I'm glad you are sticking with blogging and doing what makes you happy. It shows through on your wonderful work. <3
    ~a

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  28. micheleMay 3, 2011 at 1:00 PM

    Whew! I thought you were going to quit blogging! I don't care what size quilts you make, as long as you keep showing them to us!! Love your stuff and it always makes me smile.

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  29. PoppyprintMay 3, 2011 at 1:07 PM

    C'mon Carol, you hafta admit you have had some fun, too!?! All of those amazing Mini QT swap quilts, your DQS creations, your mug rugs. I bet you had a good time making most of them - how could you not? They were SO you with your crazy fun birds and girls. And don't get me started on what seemed like a hundred awesome pin cushions!!!

    I hear ya that swaps can get tiring and somewhat lacking in the fulfillment department. I hope you have a great time making projects that are truly yours and yours alone. You've got so many ardent fans, I'm sure you'll have no trouble at all selling your creations!

    btw, I love 'sea glass'!

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  30. JacquelineMay 3, 2011 at 1:23 PM

    I love your creations. I think swaps have gotten too -'I like only this and not that' Swaps should be about getting to know someone else - why are people so closed minded!!?? They should be about trying something new, seeing from another's perspective. {cant you tell Im miffed too!!} I love the blocks. I appreciate seeing what you do. Happy sewing!!

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  31. JacquelineMay 3, 2011 at 1:23 PM

    I love your creations. I think swaps have gotten too -'I like only this and not that' Swaps should be about getting to know someone else - why are people so closed minded!!?? They should be about trying something new, seeing from another's perspective. {cant you tell Im miffed too!!} I love the blocks. I appreciate seeing what you do. Happy sewing!!

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  32. Mdm SammMay 3, 2011 at 1:23 PM

    I want to play xo ...very cool...love the changes..

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  33. pinsandneedlesMay 3, 2011 at 3:42 PM

    I'm in love with your whimsical talent. Keep doing the things you love and please continue to share your creations.

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  34. CalicojoanMay 3, 2011 at 4:48 PM

    Change is always good, but keep us up to date. I can't imagine what a day without my "MamaCJT" would be!

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  35. Lucky Duck DreamsMay 3, 2011 at 5:11 PM

    Yeah you! If you are my mug rug partner feel feel to be as whimsical as you want!

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  36. UrsulaMay 3, 2011 at 5:46 PM

    Just do what you love. Be happy. I know I'm not the only one who loves what you do.

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  37. SusanMay 4, 2011 at 1:28 AM

    I think there is something wrong wit the whole convept of a "swap" - dont join if you dont wnat something from the heart of the person who has made soemthing for you - maybe express a colour preference - but really to say "no raw edge" - or "no checks" or anything is just a bit over he top - no wonder I havent joined any on line swaps!.

    Enjoy being "you" - but us admirers are still keen to get any of your drawings or aplique types of patterns whenever you feel up to it!!

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  38. AnonymousMay 4, 2011 at 5:00 AM

    Good for you honey! Life is too short not to do the most fun things you can think of!!

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  39. BubzRugzMay 4, 2011 at 5:41 AM

    Your post has made me think... it is so easy to get caught up in obligations isn't it... whatever you do I will still be reading... I love your ideas and designs and colours.. always such fun and brings smiles...
    Hugz

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  40. Edith Bieri-HanselmannMay 4, 2011 at 9:56 AM

    I'm curious to see the doll quilts you love to do. I think you are on the right way doing things you like to do because it is fun doing and doesn't feel like a pressure.
    Greetings from Switzerland

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  41. DianneMay 4, 2011 at 1:50 PM

    That is part of the challenge of balance isn't it? Stopping doing something when you feel done rather than carrying on because you think you should. Nothing wrong, in fact everything right, with participating as long as it brings you pleasure. When it doesn't then it is time to honour your self and move on.
    That is of course unless you decide to stop creating your whimsical creations...do that and there is sure to be an uprising!!! LOL!

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  42. RettabugMay 4, 2011 at 3:00 PM

    Ya' know...I bet you were being stifled by not letting your creativity flow. Probably why you were sleeping so much, too. Avoidance behavior. I have a minor in psych, ya' know! LOL (I DO, honest!)

    You've heard me say many times, if it doesn't make your heart sing, then find something else that does.

    I just love your little "Sea Glass" mini...very appropriately named.

    Hugs,
    Rett

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  43. paront1222@comcast.netMay 4, 2011 at 4:45 PM

    I stopped swapping etc a couple of years ago which was a hard thing to do. I kept thinking I would be missing out on something :) Guess what? I didn't miss out on anything except the stress on trying to get things done on time! Now, I make what I want, when I want to and if I get bored, I stop and start something new and no one gets hurt :)
    I love checking your blog and seeing all the cute things you make! I'm so happy I found you!
    Peggy

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  44. Karen KMay 4, 2011 at 6:56 PM

    Wow, someone doesn't like your style. Tell you what, I'LL GLADLLY take any old mug rug you would be willing to make!! You are so talented and have such a great style. I am so amazed and awed by your talent. I'm in the same place with swaps. tired of people being too critical and not making them as fun as I want them to be! Good luck and keep up the wonderful creations! I'll keep coming back and visiting!

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  45. Shayla SharpMay 4, 2011 at 10:15 PM

    Well, I'm bummed--I keep joining swaps in hopes of a Carol creation. No luck so far. I'm glad though that you will be doing what you enjoy and that we get to see it--I'm always in love with the next one...and then I see the next one...and the next one...

    Stay happy gorgeous lady!

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Hello dear ones, I just love to see your comments, each one brings me pure JOY!