Wednesday Thoughts
This is a little change from my Wednesday Wanderings posts, since I’ve been thinking on something this week.
Comparison is the thief of joy.
–Theodore Roosevelt
I’ve spent a bit too much time there this week, comparing. I’m not asking for encouragement or sympathy. Just letting you know where I’ve been. I know better, so it’s time to put that behind me.
So what have I been doing to get me out of my slump?
Exercise. I’ve begun walking again. Now that my ankle is getting better, I’m up to almost 2 miles a day. It’s not really my favorite thing to do, but it’s necessary.
Clearing Clutter. Both in my head and in my quilt room, often simultaneously. Sometimes decluttering helps me process, and I can breathe so much easier now that my quilt room has some order to it.
Puttering with Little Projects. Sometimes I just play with scraps, or try something new. It helps if I can just sew something, even if it’s not great.
All of that being said, I’m feeling better. So let’s talk quilts.
This weekend on Saturday I spent the day making blocks for The 70273 Project for their Global Block Day. Quilters from all over the world joined together and made blocks that day. The final count for the blocks made on just that one day was 3,397! I had fabric left over from making the quilt, so I decided to make blocks until I ran out of fabric. I ended up with 43 blocks. Those blocks will get shipped with the quilt, which is now complete with binding and rod pocket.
Connie did a wonderful job of quilting around all those X’s, using a little meander and some swirls. (My pictures are darker than I like, but it does help show the quilting.)
My goal for the week is to get this packaged up and on its way to Jeanne. I’m so delighted to have made this quilt with the help of my quilt group and a few other friends!
Enjoy the rest of the week, friends! Find joy in what you do!
Wendy
23 Comments
grannygraduate
I like what you said about decluttering your mind. Walking does that for me. Keep up the good work!
piecefulwendy
Thanks, Kim!
lorieast2
I understand being in that slump all too well…but I’ve decided that, for me at least, it’s part of the process. As you know, exercise has been huge for me too. And that clutter thing…ah. Yeah. Between my clutter and my squirrel-mentality, I’m a mess! 😉
The quilt looks great!! I have a lot of work to so on that front, but I have loved the project SO much. ❤
piecefulwendy
Thanks, Lori! You know I get the clutter and squirrels thing. I hope to get the quilt packaged up today!
Nancy @ Grace and Peace Quilting
Those 70,000+ lives… I love that they are being honoring in quilts. Great job making so many blocks. And the comparison game, yeah, I’m always the looser. Gotta replace those thoughts with whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, and praiseworthy. That’s what I tell myself.
piecefulwendy
Thanks, Nancy! Yes, good reminder on what to focus our thoughts on!
Vicki in MN
Clutter, you want to talk about clutter-you should see my sewing room right this moment-so embarrassing!! But I have gotten used to the fact that at this time of year it is always going to happen. And slumps oh yes I usually find time for one of those every year, although I don’t think it happened this year:)
piecefulwendy
Oh, I should probably drive over for a peek. I cannot imagine your space messy, but your creative mess is a good, good thing. You have been one busy quilter!
karenfae
yes exercise – it is hard to stick to a regular routine with it at times isn’t it – some like to do it in the morning and get it out of the way – I like to do it after lunch and then run any errands that need to be done – seems to give me energy for the rest of the day. Sometimes the knees are just aching too much and I skip a day
love the quilt that so many are making right now – yours turned out really well
piecefulwendy
I do have to get it done in the morning, or I won’t do it. I like to get it out of the way so I can go on to more quilty things. Thanks for your comments on the quilt!
karenfae
I never have the energy to exercise in the morning I seem to be half asleep until 10 at least
Louise Hornor
What a beautiful, meaningful quilt! Thank you for being part of this movement to raise awareness of this tragedy.
Comparison is, indeed, a terrible thief. I’m glad you’re finding ways to return to your joy in quilting! I very much enjoy your pretty projects and the kind way you reach out to encourage others.
piecefulwendy
Thanks, Louise! I’m enjoying your posts and seeing what you are creating too!
Sandra Walker
So glad I discovered this project through Diann’s post (Little Penguin Quilts), and then seeing yours and now here, a finish! I have to get my blocks in the mail today to be counted.
piecefulwendy
I need to get all the things pulled together to mail mine too! Glad you joined in!
poweredbyquilting
I am right there with you sister. Comparison is really hard to ignore sometimes, but the slump it gets you in is really difficult to climb out of. i think your plan is great! I’ve been working on getting more inspiration for creativity.
Hang in there, we will all emerge sometime.
piecefulwendy
Thanks, Sherry! I agree, the slump is not fun, but part of the key I think is to not focus on it. Looking forward to seeing more of your creativity!
Paige @Quilted Blooms
I saw your progress on IG, great job! I need to do a little decluttering myself in more ways than one and be consistent with exercise!
piecefulwendy
Thanks, Paige!
shelteringhaven
You are on a good path, my friend! Love to you.
sue7oaks
I get extremely confused when I compare. If I do that I find myself thinking about making projects that I don’t particularly care for to fit whatever mold I think is better for some reason. Then I snap out of it and think what’s the point! I’m sure you’re there already. Enjoy your walking – fall is a beautiful time of year!
piecefulwendy
Exactly, Sue! Yes, I’m getting there, thanks!
Kathleen McCormick
So glad you figured out what you needed to get back into things again. My walking, too, has fallen off with the move and memorial service. Back in the swing these past few days as the jet lag dropped away. My study is in good shape and I am carving out me time this week for sewing and a little work I need to do!