I Give Up!!!

This morning Mrs. Goodneedle darned near knocked my socks off when she shared a picture of a lifetime supply of quilting magazines that she parted company with. Such resolve! I was mightily impressed.

When I came home this afternoon, I once again tripped over the laundry basket that has the fabrics, patterns, and two completed blocks of the saltbox sampler quilt that I started more years ago than I care to remember. I do know that I started the project with a friend, and her quilt has been finished since before I became a grandmother (Sam's three and a half). So for longer than that, I've been tripping over that basket. You'd think I'd get to it. For the sake of my hands and knees, if nothing else.

But I haven't.

And, you know what, I won't.

The quilt itself is still a very pretty quilt. You can see a slightly blurry but nonetheless beautiful version of it here. And here's a site where you can order it as a BOM complete with fabrics for $40 Canadian per month (and you can view another finished version of it). And, finally, here's my friend's exquisite complete project.

Two reasons come to mind as to why I didn't finish mine. The first is that I don't like the directions! I like directions where the cutting happens all at once and then the piecing. The directions for these blocks involves cutting the pieces for one unit and assembling it and then cutting the next pieces for the next unit. Drives me crazy.

The second reason is that this quilt really isn't me. I admire many kinds of quilts that people make, and sometimes there is a quilt that someone makes that I try to pattern one after. Sometimes that works out. Sometimes it doesn't. This is one of those times where I totally appreciate and admire the saltbox sampler quilt, but I got confused -- the truth is that I do not need to make it.

It's a great big piece. It measures about 70 x 85 inches when finished. You can see the two blocks that I finished (rather nicely, I think) up on my design wall and the pink/brown blocks are 6.5" at this point, as a basis for comparison.

So. With Mrs. G's example right in front of me, I ask: Would someone please take this away from me? I am returning the fabrics to my scrap bin where they belong. I have the patterns all neat and tidy with a color picture of the completed quilt. Heck, you can even have the two finished blocks if you really want them (if not, I might turn them into some sort of wall hangings). Let me know if you are interested. To be totally clear: You get patterns and color picture; you don't get fabrics. You get the two finished blocks if you want them. Leave me a comment with a way to get in touch with you and if more than one person wants to take this away from me, I'll draw a number on Friday.

I sincerely thank you. And so do my hands and knees.


Comments

Barb said…
I would luv to finish your quilt--I luv houses and these are in the primitive style which I truly luv!

Thank you for the opportunity!
kdmade said…
This is way too big a project for me, but I love the fact that you are passing it on...there should be a craigslist for passing on UFOs...
Lorraine said…
Oh Nancy...I could take a leaf out of your book (and Mrs Goodneedle's) - in fact I was thinking that when my sewing room returns to normal (ie when all the stuff that is in there from other parts of the house that are undergoing renovation) I am going to have a major clean out and look at projects (BOM and the like) that will never get done....and pass them on to someone who will complete them.....perhaps I will have a Spring Clean Giveaway....but for now I can't even get in there for clothes racks etc so it will have to wait....oh btw please don't include me in your draw...I just wanted to comment because you have made me recognise that there are things stashed in my sewing room that have no chance of being completed! ....and I need to deal with that!....I am in awe of you and Mrs Goodneedle!
Mrs. Goodneedle said…
Oh, dear. This wasn't my intention but if it works for you... then go for it. I wish you well, I wish you freedom. ;)
*karendianne. said…
You're hilarious, again! This really cracked me up: The directions for these blocks involves cutting the pieces for one unit and assembling it and then cutting the next pieces for the next unit. Drives me crazy.

That would drive me crazy, too!
Barb said…
No thank you, but needed to say...you ladies are setting a good example for those of us guilty of the *great overload*! Ahhhhh yes the cut and sew craziness...I agree let me cut all pieces, stack them up and then sew! YOU GO GIRL!
Gari in AL said…
I have always wanted to a house quilt: I would love to be in your drawing.
Anonymous said…
I would love to built a house quilt from your pattern and blocks. I like the style of that pattern. I have been thinking houses for awhile. It would be fun to see it finished.
Thank you for the chance to do this.

Frances
frances.campbell@ns.sympatico.ca
No more patterns for me thank you but I need to look around and follow your example! blessings, marlene
LauraQuilts said…
I'm always interested in house quilts! I'll bite - it you are still interested in drawing a name, please consider me and we can get this one finished!
LauraQuilts@aol.com
Micki said…
I just found your blog, and I love it. I grew up in Philadelphia, and married an Irishman and moved to Ireland. That was over 12 years ago. Well, I would love to have that pattern. I was looking for something like that, as we just moved into our cottage, and that would be perfect for it.
Micki
Tanya said…
I bet you're going to get a lot of takers there! That is a wonderful start on a lovely quilt! And good for you on knowing what you want to do and the directions that work for you!