Life Outside My Comfort Zone
It's human nature to avoid discomfort, preferring to stick with what you know and play it safe. I admit it - I like my comfort zone. A LOT. But I also know that stepping outside of that zone is how one grows. Not so long ago, foundation paper piecing intimidated me, but now, not only do I like paper piecing, I've even designed a block that utilizes that technique.
I've been long overdue on taking a stroll outside my comfort zone, so for my September stash bee block, I decided to spend some quality time with appliqué. While I know how to do basic appliqué, I typically avoid it, opting for straight piecing or paper piecing.
This month our queen, Emily from the Darling Dogwood, asked for bookshelf blocks. My first thought was to add a cat on the shelf (I admit, I have a cat problem), but once I saw the amazing block that Sarah made, I went back to the drawing board. For inspiration, I looked at our own bookshelf to see what I might add. We tend to break up our books with framed photos. Since it might be a bit creepy to include a photo of my family on Emily's block, I decided to go with a flower pot instead. I loosely used this pattern for the pot and the pink flower but completely improvised the tulip (which happens to be my favorite flower). While this took me a ridiculous amount of time to complete (2 hours for the pot and flowers), I think it was well worth the time in order to advance my quilting skills. I think my comfort zone just got a little bigger.
I've been long overdue on taking a stroll outside my comfort zone, so for my September stash bee block, I decided to spend some quality time with appliqué. While I know how to do basic appliqué, I typically avoid it, opting for straight piecing or paper piecing.
This month our queen, Emily from the Darling Dogwood, asked for bookshelf blocks. My first thought was to add a cat on the shelf (I admit, I have a cat problem), but once I saw the amazing block that Sarah made, I went back to the drawing board. For inspiration, I looked at our own bookshelf to see what I might add. We tend to break up our books with framed photos. Since it might be a bit creepy to include a photo of my family on Emily's block, I decided to go with a flower pot instead. I loosely used this pattern for the pot and the pink flower but completely improvised the tulip (which happens to be my favorite flower). While this took me a ridiculous amount of time to complete (2 hours for the pot and flowers), I think it was well worth the time in order to advance my quilting skills. I think my comfort zone just got a little bigger.
This is SUCH a cute block, and way to go challenging yourself! My first Stash Bee block was a machine appliqued owl that was a huge challenge for me, but is one of my favorite blocks I have ever made! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a very lovely block. I agree that the Stash Bee has been great for helping me step outside of my comfort zone from time to time, and I really appreciate that you put so much effort into this for Emily. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing, Diana! I love the flowers and the pot, and I love knowing that you used it to increase your skills! Thanks so much for the time and effort you put into this block!
ReplyDeleteVery cute, I like tulips as well. I am the opposite of you, I like change and new challenges. I was afraid of needle turn applique for a long time. This Winter my quilt guild hosted a trunk show by a local applique. She brought small practice appliques for us and showed us her technique. I was hooked. Now i have hundreds of ideas for appliqes but not enough time. Debbie
ReplyDeleteI just started quilting last Thanksgiving and didn't know about stash bees and don't have the required fabric ( think walmart and joann remnents as my way to build a stash)but I check in almost every day to see what you all are doing it has been a great insperation so thank you all.
ReplyDeleteI love the flowers! Yay for expanding skills and comfort zones.
ReplyDeleteA cat would have been good, but perhaps cat spreading would give the wrong idea. :) (I have been looking at photos of my boy, trying to choose one to frame with his ashes. LOTS of cat spreading!)
Your flowers look right at home on that bookshelf block, Diana. I love the three dimensional effect you've given your tulip! I just know Emily is going to be so happy! My very first quilt, made for my daughter, was a great big bookshelf surrounded by cats. Some was pieced and some was applique.
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