After reading Belinda's August report about a template/grid she made for placing her clamshells, I thought I would give it a try. My grid is much more simplistic and on a smaller scale, as I am only adding one clamshell at a time, but how delighted I was with the results. So delighted I decided to start my clamshells over again!
Vitality shows in not only the ability to persist but the ability to start over. ~F. Scott Fitzgerald
As not to waste any clamshells, I will be taking apart the original 64 and can you imagine the fun I'm going to have doing that, and then I will recycle them back into my quilt. My goal for September was to get back to the point I ended in August, which was 64 pieced clamshells. I am happy to say 67 clamshells have been pieced together.
If you asked me last month if I would make another clamshell quilt, the answer most likely would have been no, but if you ask me now, the answer most likely would be yes. I never thought I would use the words, clamshell, easy and almost perfect in the same sentence. What a difference a few lines on a piece of paper can make.
Don't let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use.
~Earl Nightingale
Until next time.....happy quilting!
Karen
26 comments:
Hi Karen,,,,I just love your quotation by Earl Nightingale.How true is that?...I for one will certainly try and take that on board...Kate xx
Hé go on with the clamshells they look great
Good on you girl! You are so right. It has to be almost perfect. I know what you mean for I took some rows apart and started over again.
So you see Karin, never trow anything away, you'll never know when the time comes that you pick it up again,
Good Luck,
Willie
Have fun with the clamshells. Thanks for the quotes I enjoyed them.
That's really clever...maybe I would like to try one of these at some point now. The beautiful results you guys are getting are certainly tempting. I love the idea of making a personalized working template. Your patience and persistence will result in a treasure.
In stitches,
Teresa :o)
I thought they looked terrific last month, LOL! They will be even better now, and if you're not happy with them they're not worth doing. I'm going to keep going my crooked way for now, and will maybe use your (and Belinda's) far more precise method next time! I think a few of us will do another clamshell...
Hooray for finding such a simple way of tackling your clam shells and finding new joy in putting them together :0) I don't envy you the unsewing part, but even that can be relaxing.
Crispy
Wow, what a challenge to start all over again...
OOoohhh, Karen, I take off my hat for you :-). Starting all over, but go for it. I hope, you will be more happy with the new result.
Greetings,
Anne-Mette
Sorry to hear you had to take all those clamshells apart! At least you are happy with how the new ones will go together.
Enjoyed the quotes too! Wishing you GREAT success this month on your Clamshells!
Doreen
Hi Karen, wow starting all over again!!!! You must be a very patient person. Wishing you all the best. Thank you for the quotes, which I enjoyed.
You are right to start all over again, good of you! I wish you success.
Greetings, Cisca
The grid looks like a very good idea. Much more exact than just a line to follow.
Oh MY...Oh MY...Oh NO...Oh NO....I'm so sorry you did yours over....I guess I'm kind of to blame...LOL.........But never fear...I did some of mine over too when I started using my template/grid. That is how I discovered how bad some of mine were!! I sure like the look of your template/grid...how crafty indeed and I think you will be sooo happy now that you know they are constructed to your satisfaction!!
Karen, it's so awesome that you've found a way that works for you!! You go girl!!
Looking forward to next month's report.
I am very much enjoying these.. surprise :D
Your work is so beautiful and even though it will take extra effort to restart your pretty project, you will be so much happier and enjoy the process more when you know the outcome will be be as you envisioned it. Go for it, Karen!! Enjoy. Carol
How fabulous that you found a method that makes it so easy for you. That is going to be an absolutely stunning quilt with those gorgeous Oriental fabrics in it!
Wow: that's courage: to dissamble and to assemble again (if that are the correct English words). Good for you! Enjoy making the rest of the quilt!
Funny how many of us use the word "never" and then we do it. Loved your statement about using clamshell, easy, and almost perfect in the same sentence.
To me, the ultimate joy of blogging is to find a hint or read a tip or get some advice that changes the way I do my quilting and encourages me to try something I wouldn't have done otherwise. I could never go back to just reading magazines and books. The immediacy and personal closeness of blogs and bloggers has changed my quilting life.
Enjoy those clamshells!
What size are your clamshells Karen??
Oh Karen, you are such an inspiration! I am so moved by this post; So much I might need copy out those quotes and write them down and put them in visible spots around my sewing areas.
I am amazed by you, each and every time, and you know how much I love you. Thank you, and I am honoured to know you, :).
Can't wait for the big reveal!
:)
I think that grid is a great idea. I can see how it is really going to help you place those shells.
So sorry to hear you are taking the other apart.
such pretty clam shells. can't wait to see progress on this.
It seems to me that it is a very good idea and maybe this will be something I would use if I ever start one clamshell quilt. I did not like the idea of putting them together without any guidance and than hope it would turn out well. I hope you know what I mean. Good luck.
Groetjes
Annemieke
Hi karen, I totally agree with you on the clamshells. they are so easy to do once you find the right way to do them. I gridded up some linen to line mine up on and it is working like a charm. I could keep making them forever!
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