I’ve had an idea. Those words usually make everyone groan in my house, but seeing as I’m saying it in this space, I can’t hear it, so I’m going to plough on.
Over the last year I have been, off and on, finishing a work-in-progress quilt. Recently, I’ve finished a patchwork cushion. Collectively these have been waiting 47 years to be finished. Every time I look at these finished items, I cannot tell you how happy it makes me!
Each of these patchwork projects have been made in odd moments. I have picked them up, done a bit and then they go back into my work basket, ready for the next pocket of time. Those moments of stitching have satisfied my need to make, when otherwise a day would have gone by without a chance to do any.
They have used odd scraps from just about everywhere. Call me nostaligic but I love the memories sparked when IĀ stitch these fabrics together. The daisy on the pinky-red background is from a dress I made to go to a dear friend’s wedding.
I know a number of you have been kind enough to comment on my patchwork, when I’ve posted it. I’d like to say thank you, because you wouldn’t believe how encouraging your words have been. Really, I mean it. A number of you have mentioned half finished patchworks that have been stored but not forgotten.
Patchwork can take so long to do. Months, years in my case. The initial enthusiasm can wane and then it is easier to put it aside, for more immediately satisfying making projects.
This is where my idea comes in. I’ve gained so much encouragement from your comments whenever I have posted my progress and I’ve started a new quilting project. I’m planning to post progress on every other Sunday, partly to keep me focused. If I know I’m posting then I need to show I’ve done something.
Would anyone else like to join in a patchwork-along? If you leave me a comment or email me I’ll add a link to your post, with a photo, when I do my progress on the Sunday. We can all encourage and inspire each other. I’d love if beginners and experts, vintage and young, joined in. Hopefully we can learn from each other as well. I know that I have much more to improve. Whether its a huge quilt for a bed or a patchwork teddy. Maybe patchwork applique on a skirt or a pincushion or two. Your first patchwork or one hundredth. If it involves patchwork then I’d love you to join in.
If you don’t have a blog, I’ll set up a flickr group, if people are interested. So what do you say, would you like to join me in a Patchwork-Along? Maybe shake the dust from your half finished patchwork quilt. So long as it involves stitching and pieces of textile, and can be called patchwork/applique/quilting then you are more than welcome to join in. I’d love to feature your progress.
Flickr group now set up. Add your patchwork progress photo and I’ll feature your project on Sunday.
I think this is a wonderful idea. I don’t know how often I’ll play along because I’m a bit nervous about patchwork. Maybe by seeing the progress here I’ll be encouraged to try something new!
I love the photo of your beautiful quilt with the chickens! š
Blessings, Debbie
Thanks Debbie. I think it would be wonderful if you joined in, even once in a while. I’m hoping I’m not going to be stitching all by myself. š I think you will love patchwork.
What a lovely idea š
I’d love to join in if I may please…it may be a mini project..perhaps a dolls quilt? ..as I’d like to be able to carry it round with me and actually manage to finish it! :0)
Oh Val. I’d love it if you joined in. š I’m determined to carry some patchwork around for stitching at those odd moments. A doll’s quilt sounds a really good idea. A friend made one for AJ years ago. She still treasures it.
I can’t join in at the moment but I just wanted to wish you all well…I’ll really enjoy all the inspiration too! š
I have a feeling that this may be a long term project. Plenty of time for you to join in later, maybe. š
Oh, I wish I could join in. I do not, however, have any talent for this kind of work.
I can admire yours, though. That’s some beautiful work. There is something we have in common – my family also groans when I say “I have an idea”. I’m so happy to know I’m not alone. š
Oh the groans. I think they know what is coming. š
ok…gulp…I will delve into the bottom of my sewing box and take some pics š I will have to have a rethink as my unfinished piece was going to be a cot quilt and that baby has grown up somewhat now!
I’d love to see how far you have got with the quilt. I’m sure that it can be adapted. I have similar projects skulking in my craft cupboards. These children. They grow faster than I can knit and sew! š
I would love to join in with this. Am not an expert quilter or anything but love making patchwork bits and pieces. Only trouble is I have too many other WsIP at the moment and I don’t suppose piecing together granny squares for my dreamed of spring / summer project would really count? If you think it might sneak under the wire though… Otherwise perhaps I could join in later on. Happy Patchworking anyway!
So long as its involves sewing, it may be a radical move, but I reckon it will count. All patchworkers are welcome, whatever stage they are on of their patchwork journey. Complete beginners braving it for the first time are more than welcome. š
Hi, I’m a little late to join up but I’ve only just discovered your site š I’d love to patchwork-along with you all as I’ve been working on a Jacob’s Ladder this year, sewing it all by hand, and it’s very close to being put aside altogether whilst other projects take over! It would help me no end to be part of your group, and I may even get it finished!! Love all your pics, what happy-looking hens!
The Patchwork Along has gone slightly quiet recently. š³ oops! Maybe its time to resurrect it.