May 8, 2011

Breaking the rule

When I started designing and having works commissioned for publication, I set myself a rule that I would not allow myself to start a new project until I had completed the pattern writing, diagrams, templates and samples of the project just finished. I have stuck to that rule quite well for years, but over the last couple of months, I was just too eager to get into the next design, that I broke my rule! 

And how I wish I hadn't!

My excuse was, after having five months where I couldn't do much sewing or designing, with holidays, selling and buying houses, packing and moving, making Christmas presents and having lots of family and visitors, I really just wanted to get back into the flow without having it interrupted by all that tedious computer work!

This week, it all caught up with me!

As due dates started looming large, I knew I had to grab myself by the scruff of the neck and be disciplined, and actually sit down and work on those patterns!  So, it's all my own fault that I had a boring week - four days of working out how I had put together four designs.  Why don't I take proper notes as I go?????


Time spent counting how many winds I did on the tassel.
Maybe I should do a little tutorial on how to make easy tassels???


How did I put those embellishments on?

Did I sew the button on before or after adding the batting?


When did I make those buttonholes?  Yes, there are some there.

So, I think I am cured.  There is still one more pattern to write up and then I will NOT break my rule again!!! Ever!

On another note, Happy Mothers' Day to all the mothers and grandmothers out there.

I remember with great fondness my own mother - how I miss her.  She was a fantastic crafter and taught me so much, not least of which was embroidery, sewing, knitting, crochet and tatting.  I'll finish off with a photo of one of her lovely gifts to me - a crocheted tablecloth.


Can you imagine the love and time that went into making this gorgeous piece of work?  How important it is to cherish the ones we love while we have them with us.

Have a great week.
Val

10 comments:

Petal49 said...

What a beautiful tablecloth and such a lovely heirloom to remember your mother by. My mother has made similar gifts to her daughters and daughters-in-laws for keepsakes. It's lovely to see their handiwork survive for future generations.

Penny said...

Happy Mother's Day Val!

Jess @ Scrappy n Happy said...

The table cloth is lovely!

Raewyn said...

Sometimes it's useful to understand WHY we make these rules!! Your patterns/projects look lovely :-) and the tablecloth your mother made is truely gorgeous. What an heirloom.

Quilt Kitty said...

That does sound like scary stuff going back to pattern writing so long after completing the project. Love your mums crocheting - what a work of art. Tracee xx

MyCretanlife said...

Yes, I think we all get a bit ahead of ourselves sometimes. Anyway seems to me like you have relearnt your lesson. Love the tablecloth your mother made you. It's nice to have something to treasure.

Susan said...

In this case I can see how valuable that rule is - the trouble is there is always something newer/better tempting us! beautiful table cloth - reminds me of a set my mother made for her best friend.

Allie said...

A good lesson to share, Val - I've made things many times then wondered how I did it. Can't seem to re-create them at all, lol. I hope you had a very happy Mother's Day, your mum sounds like she was a wonderful woman, and the tablecloth she made is stunning!

Farah said...

Hello so nice to visit you, I am here from Penny's blog ... Love your table cloth and the first picture of a simple patchwork with a tassel... it is very lovely...
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY
Hope you would like to feel the beauty and fragrance of flowers at
http://craftaworld.blogspot.com/
Love
Farah

Sandi P said...

All your things are so pretty it's hard to choose just one pattern. I am adding you to my Google Reader so I can see more of your lovely projects.
If I must choose (LOL) I would like the Hearts and Braids table runner pattern that you showed over on Sew we Quilt. It is really pretty and just my style. Thanks for the chance to win.