I made my first experimental "cat quilts" back in January and February of 2008, and my first lap sized quilt in April of 2008, so I've been quilting for about a year and 1/2 now - not very long at all.
Last February, I was talking to a fellow customer I met on my first visit to a quilt shop and she was giving me well-meaning (but unwanted) advice about how to choose a colour pallette and what fabric lines were "the best", what patterns were "the best" for beginners and simliar other advice.
I was there to look at what the quilt shops had to offer, but I wasn't interested then (and still am not now) in buying a line of fabric from one designer or manufacturer and making a quilt to someone else's pattern.
Although I was just being all earnest and enthusiastic about my newfound passion for quilting, in restrospect, I realize that I rather obnoxiously told her that I wanted to "create something new". She looked at me like I'd put her nose out of joint (and deservedly so, I think) and told me that I'd never truly be a quilter until I'd made a log cabin quilt.
*ahem* This idea did not appeal to me.
In the seven months since then, nearly every time I start a new project, I think (ever-so-briefly) to myself, "maybe you should make a log cabin", but I never do. That said, you may remember that I showed you a sneak peek of some fabric the other day, and I had decided that I was giong to, at long last, make that darned log cabin so that I could be a real quilter too!
Dear Reader, I'm sorry to tell you that I made a single log cabin, and I had already bored myself. *smile* But what to do with all of those strips I had cut?
I didn't want to make a "wonky log cabin" in the style of Denyse Schmidt cuz, y'know, practically everyone in blog land has been there, done that. But, I had all these strips, y'know? So I just started free piecing.
And it turns out, I made something, a tiny bit like a log cabin, and a tiny bit like a Denyse Schmidt's wonky log cabins. Although I'm not happy that it's derivative of Ms. Schmidt's work, I am happy that I didn't do it on purpose. Know what I mean? I love the bright, happy colours, that it's an extra-long queen sized, and I even like the quilting, although I wussed out and just did a meander on the blocks and parallel lines on the borders.So here it is. My best attempt at a log cabin. *laughs* Not very log cabin-y is it?
But perhaps, like Pinnochio, although I'll never be a "real" quilter in some people's eyes; in our hearts, he and I both know, that what we see when we look inside is true.
I'm a real quilter now!
;)
Posts
Well, I guess I'm not a real quilter either. Haven't made and don't plan to make a log cabin quilt. That said, I like your interpretation -- and your colours. They're fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI made my first log cabin block this year...I have been quilting for about 14 years.....am I a real quilter now or does it have to be a quilt? You are right, kinda boring....I know that there are alot of wonderful fabric lines but I like to mix them up...like you...do my own thing...although, I do stick to a pattern (sometimes I change it up a bit)...but you are an artist first and it comes out in your quilts...I love your quilt, the fabrics are beautiful, very refreshing. Keep on being a free spirit.....the world needs more of you and less followers.
ReplyDeleteI love your quilt and i would say what that lady said was complete rubbish! you either quilt or you don't simple as that.
ReplyDeleteyou did a great job love the fabrics you used.
I hate to follow someone else's patterns i always like to create my own or if i really love a pattern of someone else's you can bet your life i will definitely add my touch to it.
I love this quilt! The fabrics are just fabulous together. I have to say, it doesn't show that you are still "new" to quilting.
ReplyDeleteI really love! what you did with this quilt. The blocks are interesting and unique but they work well as a whole. I love the white...it really spices it up and adds interest to the already lovely colors. Fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI think it's fantastic! Of course, I love the traditional log cabin but I also love this!
ReplyDeleteYour quilt has a lot of personality! I like it a lot. Make whatever you love and whatever speaks to you regardless of what other people are doing. Even if other people ARE doing something your version will always be yours. A wise quilter with many years of experience once told me that there's very little in quilting that hasn't been done in some way...but that is no reason not to quilt!
ReplyDeleteI love this quilt! The white really sparkles in all the beautiful greens. As for the 'real quilter' - hogwash. When will folks get over the idea that there's One True Way to quilt, or do anything concerned with quilting?? It's art, it's craft, and it's personal! I see more and more quilt book authors saying "I know XYZ is the standard idea, but I ABC", and if that's not license to go forth and do it your way, what is?
ReplyDeleteVery cool! I came here via Vicki's filed trip....I think your work is great...don't let anyone pin you in a box.
ReplyDeleteoooh, some folks do want to keep us in the "quilting box"...good for you doing your own thing. the greatest compliment i've ever gotten on my quilts is "they look like jacquie quilts"....i agree that there's not much new in quilting....but we can make quilts our own in so many ways. i LOVE what you've done here!
ReplyDeletewell, I adore log cabins in most forms - either the highly formal or the very liberated, but that doesn't stop me liking any manner of other ideas, similar or not. Your quilt is lovely - the colours are great and I love the freedom of movement in it. I'd say you are certainly a "real" quilter...
ReplyDeleteYou made me laugh right out loud. I've made a log cabin quilt as a wedding gift, but I was having little temper tantrums after the first three blocks because it was soooo boring. And, I don't know about you, but anytime someone gives me a "have-to", that becomes the very thing I don't WANT to do.
ReplyDeleteYou're obviously too creative to be "just like all the otters"--go your own way and make things that delight you.