Saturday, September 15, 2012

Janet-Spiraling Out of Control



First of all, thank you to the Material Mavens for welcoming me into your group. This was a great time to start as I just recently learned how to draft patterns for all kinds of spirals. I will admit it was more fun drawing the spiral than sewing it. A small suggestion, if you are paper piecing a spiral and can leave the paper on the back it helps to keep it from pulling out of shape.

Spiraling out of control immediately came to mind when I heard the assignment. The spiral represents the illness, pain, depression and loss of control I have had to deal with the last couple of years. I think it would be safe to say I have a type A personality (ok, maybe triple A) so that is a hard row to hoe for me. The compass represents my husband, son, family and friends who do for me what the compass has done for centuries of mariners, they keep me from losing my way. I just finished reading a book that had a great line in it, “sit quietly now and cease your relentless participation”. I think I will do just that.

9 comments:

  1. Janet, what a great inaugural quilt from you! Your forte is paper piecing, and you have done a brilliant job of executing one of our 12"x12" quilts. I can't even begin to imagine how difficult a task this was! I love the compass in the middle, also precisely and beautifully paper pieced. I appreciate your honesty, too, in explaining the meaning behind your quilt. It is a lovely idea to represent those loved ones who keep you on course, keep you from losing your way. Welcome to the group!

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  2. I am so impressed. I have little patience for simple paper pieced designs; I can't imagine what was needed to execute this amazing piece of work! The compass is perfect for the center and I too appreciate the meaning of it as your grounding force. Amazing job!

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  3. I can't think of any better representation for your feelings. This is such an awesome quilt!I think the Type triple A personality comes through loud and clear with your precision paper piecing. It is beautiful! The spiral in these perfect colors pull at me and give me a tiny sense of the feelings you have. To put the compass in the center really completes the story. That is not an easy story to tell and you did a great job doing just that.

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  4. Janet, what a beautiful job you did on your compass and your spiral. When I started designing my spiral, I wanted to do a paper pieced spiral, but alas, I found it too intimidating. I am SO glad you shared this beautiful little quilt with us, and appreciate your revelation about it's meaning to you. Welcome!!!!

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  5. Incredible! I enjoy paper piecing although have not done much with it lately, I would never even attempt anything with this amount of intricacy, but how perfect for what you wanted to express. I also feel quite honored that you were willing to share the meaning this quilt has for you.

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  6. I just knew you would blow all of us away! This is truly awesome. A quick count of the pieces involved in this wonderful quilt is 260 plus. I would love for you to teach me how to do this at some point. And the meaning behind your creation is wonderful and I can tell heartfelt. Love it!

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  7. Kudos Janet for this awe inspiring, intricately pieced and very memorable quilt. Your story resonated in my heart as well as the shades of gray color scheme, which for me, reminded me that monumental life challenges are seldom just black or white. I love quilts that speak from and to the heart. Beautiful. Thank you.

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  8. That piece or act of paper piecing a spiral is out of my league and so exciting to see!

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  9. Mind boggling and absolutely incredible ! Are there really 260+ pieces in this quilt ??? I tried and totally failed at paper piecing many years ago and the thought of handling all those tiny little pieces in the extraordinary way you did makes me appreciate your beautiful quilt even more. Congratulations, and again... welcome to the MM's !

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