What do you usually do with your finished projects? Do you have an idea when you start it? Do you start a project because you want to learn something new or like the pattern or item? I usually end up giving mine away. The projects are started with someone in mind, even if it is a learning experience for me.
During this pandemic, many people have been working on projects that they inherited from family members. We have had many people come in with quilt blocks, partially completed quilt tops, and completed quilt tops. They want to finish the project and display it or give it to another family member. We had one project that three generations had worked on and it was going to a fourth generation as a present! Many of the projects are in great condition. Some are showing wear due to age and how they were stored. One customer hand finished a grandmother’s flower garden English Paper Piecing project she inherited. She has mounted it on fabric and is showcasing it at the end of a hallway in her house.
All of this has gotten me thinking about what I have started, planned with material in my stash, and planned in my head. What becomes of the things I haven’t finished, my stash, and the things I’ve kept? I guess I need to make sure there aren’t so many projects and so much stuff left to the children and grandchildren. I need to stop storing quilts and show them off!
Quilts are made to be seen and/or used. They become the belonging of who they are given too, even if it is yourself. Show off your quilts, let go of your quilts, share your quilts. I know it is hard to let the new owners use the quilts as they want. Children, pets, picnics, etc. can be rough on all your hard work. But think of it this way, the receiver loves it enough to want it in the middle of their memorable events. Quilts are made with love and hard work. The receivers can feel this when it is given freely and with love.
Enough of my pandemic soapbox. This is more of me musing about the wall of stuff and unfinished projects in my sewing space.
Keep sewing everyone and enjoy the project!
Phyllis and the QA team.
