Sunday 18 May 2008

The scissor syndrome

It's strange how a craft project can bring you, at one point, an incredible amount of joy but a few moments later can make you feel miserable and inadequate. This is exactly what is happening to me. Working on my quilt, every evenings, was a wonderful way to express my creativity. However, things got a little out of control this week. I was looking at my quilt (the top layer) and there was something wrong. I was not happy. There was a tiny little flaw in the stitching...it was not perfectly even! Any decent person wouldn't even see it but it was too much for me. My eye started to twitch, my hand slowly grabbed the pair of scissor, I took a big breath and I cut off a big part of the quilt. I have this tendency to sabotage my projects in a final attempt to fix them. And luckily for me it worked for the quilt...with much swearing. So now I'm almost ready to work on the quilt sandwich. In Canada we have a 3 day weekend, I will have plenty of time to make peace with my quilt! And thank you so much for your precious advice on the wonderful world of quilting! xoxo

13 comments:

Gaina said...

Hello Claudia,

I'm Gaina and found your blog via 'Made by Milla'.

I know that feeling very well myself, and I admit to being a bit of a control freak where my art is concerned and a lot of a perfectionist, so I too see things that wouldn't bother anyone else at all.

I'm currently learning the fine art of 'leave it alone!' LOL.

Jo-Anne said...

UGH! I can certainly feel your perfectionistic pain. I am my worst critic when it comes to the things I've made.....
Maybe there is some medication for this???
Anyway, I can't wait to see the finished product. It will be wonderful, I'm sure! :)

Di said...

I agree - a bit of perfectionism can be a good thing. I am sure that your quilt will look great. Enjoy your 3 day weekend - I have to work 5 days this week and then we will have a 3 day weekend too - I can't wait - much is planned for Saturday and Sunday but Monday is all mine!!

Marina said...

Hi Claudia - I can totally relate to your description of going from joy to inadequacy. That happens a lot around here. I always look forward to those magical projects that for some reason go really well and are just joy all the way!

ingrid said...

I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product!

Good luck and "bon weekend!"

Susan Moorhead said...

I feel the same way about writing! I think all creative endeavors must be that same kind of joy/frustration.

Shannah said...

Now we know why you *always* have perfect stitches! Hopefully the next quilt sandwich part won't cause more swearing:) Best wishes for your weekend!!!

molly | mommycoddle.com said...

I am in love with your quilt. I love the colors, the free patchwork. I can't wait to see more!!

Anonymous said...

Clo - I totally know what you are talking about. I will tear something out again and again until it makes sense to me. I'm glad that this experience worked out for you! I can hardly wait to see the final project. The material is so cute! Have a great - long weekend.

Sandy said...

I love, love, love the fabrics you chose. LOVE!!!!!

Anonymous said...

You are a brave woman! I couldn't do it. Not with my knitting, not with my quilting. I'm anxiously awaiting your finished quilt.

Ulla V. said...

Oh my - but I think you did the right thing...otherwise you would have seen that little flaw in the stitching every single time you used your quilt!! At least that's how I would have felt it ;0)

It must have taken some courage to cut though....

carolyn said...

love those little elephants