I really wanted to resist making a Swoon quilt. I've enjoyed admiring them on Flickr for a while now, but when they became so prolific, I decided I was too cool to make such a common pattern. Seriously, why would I need to make a quilt that everyone has seen a bazillion times already? Psh. I'm too cool for that. I only want to make mind-blowingly original quilts that will smack you across the face with awesomeness.
(Delusional. There is nothing new under the sun, even in "modern" quilting.)
So then the Swoon-along came about at the turn of the new year, and I couldn't stop daydreaming about a Swoon on our bed. Dammit Swoon, I thought, get out of my head! I'm above you and your tempting wiles. Freaking Delilah quilt is what it is.
(Now I'm a crazy person arguing with a hypothetical quilt.)
So I caved, which is obviously where this story is going. But I decided I would rebel by not using "pretty" fabric. You know, nothing floral or serious. The pattern itself is already so pretty that I wanted fabric that didn't take itself too seriously. Enter the Lizzy House stuff I've been collecting slowly over the last few months. Perfect. I also decided I sure as heck wasn't using white. That's so been DONE.
(Are you guys getting from this inner-dialogue what a donkey face I can be? What is wrong with me?)
So I got some Bella silver for my background. Gray is for the cool kids. I'm so cool.
(Which is obviously far from original. I mean, have you seen Jacey's blocks? Love them.)
So here's my first block, which took me ALL weekend. Not because the pattern is hard to follow, but because I wasn't paying close enough attention. I've never used my seam ripper so much, and it was just because of stupid things like sewing sections on upside down or wrong side to right side. (I'm so cool!)
Anyway, I'm happy with it and can't wait to see how the rest of my blocks turn out. I also hope someone out there feels better about their embarrassingly vain quilting neurosis because of this little tale. You're welcome. (I'm awesome!)
haha.....I didn't have to be told you were awesome, but I'm glad to see you playing with the uncool kids! and btw your block is terrific!
ReplyDeleteYour first block is awesome, and FUN!! Looking forward to seeing more.
ReplyDeleteGlad I'm not the only one who is batsh*@ crazy. ;) I have thoughts like those all the time! And your block is awesome. :)
ReplyDeleteYou make me laugh! Yep, I have conversations in a similar vein. Have fun swooning!
ReplyDeletei am almost finished quilting mine and there are sooo many things i wish i would have done differently. first thing on that list... don't use white.. what the hell was i thinking...
ReplyDeleteLove the fabric choices!!! Your second block will go much more smoothly. Mine is so far!
ReplyDeletelove this! Makes me laugh so much! I think that you'll find a lot of us are right there with you.
ReplyDeleteyes you are..AWESOME that is! I gave in to the Swoon pattern late last year...after thinking for so long that so many people have done them...there isn't room for me to do one more...and thankfully bit the bullet and the swoon-along came along! Your block is fantastic and I too have had conversations with my quilts...and my hubby has to occasionally remind me that the quilt can't talk back (even though they do...)...LOL!
ReplyDeleteUm, yep, we can all relate! Good for you to put this out there.
ReplyDeleteThe same thing happens to me but usually like this: the new cool thing comes out and I don't really like it. Why does everyone else, it's ugly. Then it grows on me and everyone in blogland is doing it and THEN I don't want to do it because I'll be like everyone else. And then I surrender and try to start (usually it's with a fabric line) and I try to find some and it's gone! Or exhorbitantly priced. Or some is on clearance but I have to order from 20 different shops. Anyway - you know what I'm talking about right? We're all a bunch of crazy addicts.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry I just had a two hour argument with a welt pocket, you are not alone! It looks amazing. Good job you!
ReplyDeleteOooo, cute swoon! Man, those suckers look COMPLICATED (especially to a non-quilter like me). Gonna be so great when you're done, though.
ReplyDeleteI am sooooo glad I don't quilt. This looks tough. Beautiful though. Maybe one day I will start quilting.
ReplyDeletePowerless, indeed. I know what you mean, though. THere are certain knitting and sewing patterns I try to resist. Some just shouldn't be resisted, though. ;) Swoon is one of them. So fun and pretty! I love your first block. Can't wait to see what other combos you come up with. And thanks for the shout out. I do love my blocks so far!
ReplyDeleteAlso, you crack me up.
It's such a pretty pattern! Your fabrics look great! I'm eager to see the finished top!
ReplyDeleteI totally get the not wanting to make a pattern that has gotten really popular, but I challenged myself to work on more complicated piecing this year, so here I am making a swoon. Hell, I even bought the kit from fat quarter shop, so I'll have a quilt just like 100 others out there.
ReplyDeleteYou are too funny!! I laughed so hard when I read your comment in Rachel first Scrap Attack post, the one with all your name ideas - Hilarious!! I am SO glad you chose to go with gray -- very cool indeed!! ;)
ReplyDeleteHaha, love this post. I am so the same way. I believe our strong knee-jerk reaction against anything popular along with a tendency to be contrary is called an "Individualist Personality".
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