The Long and Windy Road

I don’t know why, but when I think of the process of making a quilt or any other longer term project this song pops into my head.  Creating something that spans several days/weeks/months/possibly years is like a relationship---there is the excitement of something new, the getting to know you part, the ups and sometimes downs, and after you finish the relationship continues but in a slightly different (but hopefully good fashion) like marriage. 

This relationship feeling rings very true with my NY Beauty quilt.  My first notice of the NYB was one of great admiration---wow, what a beautiful quilt, but soooo out of my league.  There was a flirtation when I found out that perhaps it could be---maybe.  When I created my first square, I felt like the nerdy girl who was going to prom with the [hot] captain of the football team (to phrase it in a very American stereotypical fashion).  I couldn’t believe that NYB could be mine---it wasn’t possible. I was living in a crafting version of a John Hughes movie.

In the beginning of the relationship, we had a great time.  It was new and so exciting. I think back to the good times we had.  Watching the Olympics cutting out the fabric (I learned a great lesson about cutting fabric out on your lap ---my favorite PJs now have a scar).  I also, remember happy afternoons in my craft room quilting and falling in love again with Mason Jennings (it was funny when I went to see Mason in concert some of the songs he played gave me happy déjà vu of those afternoons). 

Like all relationships, we did have our issues---I hate to be wasteful and NYB is a fabric/thread/time hog.  I ran out of several of the fabrics and had to swap, search on line, and just replace a few things (a sometimes pricey endeavor).  Looking back, I seemed to be the one who caved on this issue, whatever Lola wants, Lola gets...

At times, our mostly happy relationship would suddenly shift---NYB’s cheery colors did not seem to suit my crafting palette.  I became bored and distant from my quilt.  Like an unfaithful lover, I spent my time with other fleeting projects.  What can I say?  I can be such a pig...but NYB would always graciously take me back.

(admittedly not the best shot, but it was what I could get).

~A

Comments

[loveaphid]

I LOVE this quilt. I am glad that you were able to work through your relationship issues and end with such an amazing product. So beautiful, you do great work.

[Rachel]

Just a new lurker, but had to comment on that absolutely beautiful quilt. The color scheme, the piecing, everything is gorgeous! I admire your patience. I'll be lucky to get my 3 piece potholders done. Wow, that is amazing.

[erica]

this is absolutely stunning! i'm in awe.