Project Quilting Final Challenge
I have mixed feelings about sharing my Project Quilting Final Challenge with you today. Clearly, Wilbs isn’t sure what to think, either!
I gotta say, this one didn’t excite me very much, but I wanted to finish all of the challenges, so after some thinking, I decided to keep my project small.
I recently realized that I have an aversion to negative white space. Negative space in other colors doesn’t bother me, but white negative space does. Actually, I don’t like all white rooms either. I’m not really fearful of negative white space, but it does make me anxious.
I also am a bit fearful of free motion quilting, so I’m going to toss that into the mix as well. Why not, right?
Time to gather the goods:
White fabric, a pink/white batik, and solid pink scrap together with a pink zipper and a variegated pink thread (Aurifil 50 wt Pink Taffy #4660).
My plan is to make a first aid zipper pouch for my car. I was so nervous about making this that I completely forgot to take photos of how I assembled the pouch. I made a 3-1/2″ plus block in pink and white, then added a 3-1/2″ white square to each side of that block. A 3-1/2″ x 9-1/2″ white strip was added to the top of the plus block strip, and a 9-1/2″ by 14-1/2″ white rectangle added to the bottom, giving me a plus block “top” measuring 9-1/2″ x 20-1/2″. I used the pink/white batik print for the lining fabric. Using a scrap of white batting, I spray basted the little quilt. So much white space. I really didn’t much like it.
Those of you who have followed me long enough know that I struggle with free motion quilting. I really don’t enjoy it, and I’m pretty sure after this that I never will. Haha! So why not just toss another challenge in the mix and decide to do the free motion in a colored thread on a white background? What was I thinking?!?
First I did a little bit of practice on paper, but probably not enough. I’m not sure I could do this if I practiced for a month . . .
And yes, I made a scrap sandwich and practiced on that too until I thought I had the hang of it. It’s not great, but I was pretty sure I could maybe do that just as well on the real thing.
At this point, I put the actual pouch sandwich under my needle and just took off. Did I take photos – no! I was so stressed I didn’t even think of it. It all started fine, and then I ran out of bobbin thread (I was using up bobbins of pink thread, so I knew I’d maybe run out) – this happened twice, but at least I emptied some bobbin spools! Then things started getting herky-jerky and not looking good at all. After a bit of unpicking, and some muttering, I was done. I trimmed the piece down to 7″ wide and then added the zipper – nope, no photo – sewed the side seams, boxed the corners, and ended up with a zipper pouch.
Look at that poor, sad little thing. I cut the boxed corners on the bottom too big (I’ve made so many zipper pouches I should know this), but it will actually fit better where I plan to stash it in my car. Here’s a look at the other side.
I’d love to tell you that I don’t mind it as much now that I see the photos, but nope. Good thing I can stash it in my car and hopefully not have to look at it much.
So did my Project Quilting Final Challenge conquer my fear of white fabric and free motion. Nope, I don’t think so. I am pleased to have a little first aid kit for my car, though. Plus, BigJ thought it was kinda cool, and he wants on for his truck – in gray and red – no free motion! Can do!
Wendy
Eva's SAHRR
27 Comments
Eva
Hi Wendy, this is exactly what I thought…. how to show conquer .. ? And, since I am “infected” to attend at Kim’s project quilting I want to participate each as well but have not started my project of this week jet – but will do. Will be finishing as always at the last minute. You did so well!! No worries about cutting the edges of that zipper to big (boxed corner) it comes out pretty good… why always having pouches in the “normal” high and width? Will do a good job for hosting first aid in the car… hosting …not being used! Thanks for this nice picture of Wilbs. Missing his pictures a little bit.
Is he smelling the spring and ready for outdoor adventure or just snuggling in his places?
rl2b2017
Hi Wendy! Conquering a fear is a pretty hard task and one that is hard to quantify. Since fear is a feeling the best you can do is be less fearful. I think you are less fearful since you knowingly add a whole bunch of white negative space to your pouch. Your free motion quilting looks just fine! I’m guessing that you were feeling quite stressed about it and decided to just make those loops big so you could get ‘er done. I agree with BigJ and think it’s pretty nifty! I would want one too, please, in shades of green (even though my car is red). HAHA! {{Hugs}} a bunch! Don’t give up on FMQ or white negative space just yet. It’s going to happen again. ~smile~ Roseanne
rl2b2017
P.S. I forgot to say thanks for the Wilbs update! I’ve missed him!
Cindy
You have a finished project and that is always a good thing. Your pouch looks great and hey look at you diving in and doing some FMQing, way to go. I have nadda started for this challenge.. I will but what??
Karen
I used to make so many quilts with plain white background and over time i decided I wanted white on white, white on other color prints (like newsprint) something other than white – but by quilting in pink you added color so maybe you will be happy with it? I can’t do free motion the front will sometimes look ok but my back will look horrible.
Nancy @ Grace and Peace Quilting
Cute design with the red cross, Wendy!!! I was actually kinda interested in what you put inside it! Great job being vulnerable and honest, as well as finishing all the challenges! It looks great and will serve you well. BTW, I have lived in homes we didn’t own for most of my married life and they’ve always been painted with white walls. I’ve come to love white walls as every color goes! Just my personal experience.
The Morning Latte
I’d say you conquered your anxiety about the white by putting something there. A fear [anxiety] might be there for a reason–even if the very least is that you just don’t like it!–and conquering something doesn’t necessarily mean learning to adjust to it. I think in this case you made it your own. On the FMQ I really think it’s fine! I’m wondering if your struggle is that you haven’t found the right speed for you? I know I might sound crazy, but have you tried going a little faster? That might be the flow and movement that works for you.
Helen
Fear is a funny thing… we don’t get to choose what to be afraid of. Even if you’re less than pleased, I’m glad you shared. It’s good for beginning quilters like me to know that you guys who are so good are still learning.
The Joyful Quilter
Great idea for a project, Wendy! I’m somewhat allergic to negative space, as well. About the free motion quilting… I believe you need to give yourself some grace. Does it look like a beginner’s work? It does, but we all have to start somewhere! More practice and convincing yourself to relax goes a long way. The other thing you can do is try other motifs because you might find something that works better for you than loop-de-loops. How do I know? When I first started FMQ-ing, I couldn’t meander to save my life, but my loops looked as good as yours! :o))
Tracie
I think you nailed the whole idea of facing your fears with this project. You keep inspiring me to just try FMQ again. (I don’t remember the last time — decades?!) This was a great idea to create a project that serves a purpose, and I hope it makes you smile.
Sandi
I think it’s cute!! Good for you for doing the quilting. I’m afraid to try free motion quilting. Hugs,
Barbara J Stanbro
It’s perfect! I haven’t had any ideas that have motivated me to participate this time around. If I think of something I still have time.
Laura
The Joyful Quilter said it, ‘Beginner’s Grace.’ Love that! Besides that, you, who has so much talent, are brave enough to show your weakness! That is encouragement for others, Girl! I am also curious as to what is inside that pouch! I think that is a brilliant idea for your car! 🙂
Yvonne @Quilting Jetgirl
I have a big aversion to white towels. This challenge was indeed a challenging one to wrap up this year’s PQ season. It took me a looooooong time to find a truce with FMQing, and for me it all started by FMQing boxier shapes. I actually found the softer, rounder things like loops and meanders to be way harder than straight-ish lines. If FMQing is not your thing, I can totally honor that. But if you ever do want to try something again, perhaps you are like me and a boxy meander might be a better place to start. And I call it a big win if you now have a first aid kit for your car and a request to make another for BigJ!
Rochelle Summers
Congratulations on completing this challenge and All of the PQ challenges this year. FMQ is a challenge and as one of the other commenters said, perhaps speeding up your machine will help. I like a quilt with white fabric….as long as no one is using it and making it dirty!! I really think making this very useful first aid kit was a great way to meet the challenge. Big J’s will be easier because it won’t have white in it. And thanks for the photo of Wilbs!
Katherine Duquette
Thank you for sharing what makes you anxious on a project. White is difficult for me too. It gets dirty. I always manage to make my white shirts messy.
I like the size of your little first aid pouch. It reminds me of old fashion nursing uniforms. Kudos for finishing and big J will enjoy his.
aquilterstable
Sorry for the stress this project caused you, but you did it! Way to tackle a challenge.
LA Paylor
I hate this challenge, I don’t want anything that reminds me of my fears, and don’t want to give them space. I”m still trying to come up with a non fear, fear topic. I’m not afraid of any art technique so…
LeeAnna
Kathleen McCormick
You did great! It may not be your favorite but you persisted and conquered your fear. Sweet of Big J to want one, too. It definitely works for its intended purpose. Hooray for doing all PQ this year! Wilbs looks great.
Diann@ Little Penguin Quilts
I used to want to try FMQ, but never got enough practice to actually use it on a quilt. So, good for you! And now you have a new little pouch that has a purpose and will get used. Great finish!
marissthequilter
You certainly gave yourself a challenge — and pulled it off. I think your ‘mistake’ with the boxing was a happy one because it’s resulted in an interestingly shaped bag.
texasquiltgal
I love the first aid cross – your pouch is very nice – and I think your FMQ looks really good – some of those loops are perfect. I never got the hang of FMQ. I took a class in 2012, and there was one gal in the class who (of course) did it perfect, so the teacher was all gaga over her, and I was struggling big time. Nothing is ever easy for me in the way of quilting, probably because I don’t practice, but at least it is easier with Longmire the longarm. 😉 Nice to see Wilbs.
Kim Lapacek
I think this is great! Love having a first aid bag in your vehicle – I think I definitley need to add this to my to-do list! ALso – great job completing all the challenges!!! woo hoo!
Carol Andrews
Wendy your First Aid bag is cute! Well done with your FMQ. I think you did a great job and I can really commiserate with the anxiousness of large expanses of white! I get the same anxiety when I put a quilt on the frame with large white background areas. If it’s another colour it doesn’t seem to make me nervous! 😅
Needle and Foot
Just catching up on your blog Wendy. I think you were brave to actually make something that involved true discomfort for you. Free motion quilting is awkward – Mine is still quite jerky looking. In case you feel like trying again someday, here are two tips that help me. One is when you stop, needle down, make sure you have the fabric held taut before starting up again. That seems to minimize that little hiccup when you restart. (If you don’t know what I am saying, we can talk.). The other is stitch something that is very engrained in your mind. You’ve signed your name a jillion times, so maybe stitch rows and rows of lower case – cursive – n’s or e’s. Then you absolutely don’t have to think about the shape. Your brain knows that shape. Just lines and lines of them – it will look good. I can (almost) promise you this. Just try it on a sandwich and let me know. Then throw it out. Or sell it as a piece of art, because that’s how good it will look. Hahaha 😉
Needle and Foot
…….. and pink on white?? That is truly brave.
Janine @ Rainbow Hare
Your fmq has turned out a lot better than I could have done. I enjoyed reading your post and I think your pouch has ended up looking really good 🙂