Back to School

For me September always means the start of the school year, and even though I am no longer in school (which it still feels weird not to be), I still get the urge at this time of year to try new things and learn something new.  This year I had one big thing that I wanted to try (quilting-wise) making a cathedral window project. I have seen multiple options for how to make the blocks and  had even cut out one, but have never actually managed to make it. This month I decided to just go for it and used some leftover charm squares to make a fun practice piece. It was a liberating experience to just try something new and not worry about exactly how it was going to turn out. I actually ended up really liking the results and am hoping to make the project that I cut out by the end of the year. 

With the success of this one project I decided why not try and push my skills a little more and try a few skills that I don’t use (or use infrequently) so I opted into the Nocturnal Soul Along for this year which uses, curved piecing, foundation paper piecing, applique and more. While I am already a little behind (hopefully I am going to catch up soon) it has been a lot of fun to try some new things and work on patterns without proofing them for a change. 

Just as I have embraced some new projects this September I would suggest that you try that new technique, pattern, or project that you have been putting off. You don’t have to tackle it all at once, it can be one small piece at a time, but give it a try. If it doesn’t work the first time you can always try again. That is the great part about quilting: we literally cut up and sew fabric back together, fixing and incorporating mistakes is inherently a part of what we do.