Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Divide and Conquer

That's my new mantra...I did it with the Temecula Quilt Sampler quilt and it worked terrifically...so as I told you I'm looking at projects differently now.  I found this wonderful project languishing in a basket...

yes it's wonderful, yes I loved it, but unfortunately it was another daunting one.  It has a zillion pieces, lots of sections, lots of directions.  I started cutting way back when I got the kit...

yes that's when I got it...2008...but came to a halt...I was trying to cut the whole thing...I was getting confused, I was trying to keep everything organized in ziploc bags, I was overwhelmed and I QUIT...all the pieces and parts went into a basket for another day...or another year as it turned out.  When I found it the other day looked at it totally differently...parts, sections...ding, ding, ding!!!  As I have it planned out it should take me    months to get the top done...sure beats 5 years...LOL!
So here's the first section...

the center star...done...next month the checkerboard border around the star.

I'm really enjoying looking at projects with new eyes...things are looking much more doable!

32 comments:

Pat from Florida said...

One block at a time, one block at a time.

Deanna said...

Well done. It will be a beautiful finish.

Terry said...

I think it's so easy to get overwhelmed by a project, but breaking it down into doable parts makes it all so much easier. Have fun! :0)

Darlene said...

Oh, I remember that quilt/kit from Country Threads. I fell in love with it but decided it was way too daunting. :-)

Dividing and conquering is perfect approach. You'll have it finished in no time.

I'm super excited and can't wait to see your progress.

suemac said...

That is such a great plan for a large project. I think I am going to end up doing my Marcella Medallion quilt that way. Just a little at a time.

Yvette said...

Whooo Hoooooo!
This is going to be so wonderful.

Cathy said...

I remember seeing this kit ages ago and look forward to seeing your finished quilt, even if it takes a while. I picked up a kit once, thinking the mini checkerboard part was surely printed fabric, but no, it was teeny little pieces sewn together. I put it back real fast!

Geoff's Mom said...

Looks like a fun project! I like to make quilts in year steps as well.. have a great day!

Gretchen said...

Great way to get through difficult projects. I am trying to use this theory to get through cleaning out and reorganizing my house this summer :)

Diane said...

It will be so fun to have it done, and enjoy the process as you go. (Seriously though - you think a project from 2008 is old? you should take a look in my closet...)I'll have to take up the divide and conquer method myself.

Carrie P. said...

well that is a beautiful start!

Janet O. said...

What a pretty quilt! Congrats on your new perspective--maybe it will rub off on me?!?

Quilts And Pieces said...

I have that pattern and have always wanted to make that quilt too!

Nedra said...

I have several quilts I have not finished from that era. Good for you for pulling your project out again and giving it another go for.

Kindred Quilts said...

Oh my, this is a beauty! You're on your way, on a well planned path!!! Enjoy the journey and don't forget to share your progress along the way!

John'aLee said...

You go girl! It's amazing how a little sewing each day, ends up finally being done!

Abby said...

Great way to think - I should try it! I've loved this pattern for years too! Can't wait to follow your progress.

Kim said...

Two intense quilts back to back? You are on a roll! I like your "break it'd own" approach to cutting and piecing these quilts. I kow they are challenging if you were having a tough time sorting things out. I Love both of these quilts. Congrats on finishing the Temecula Quilt Co. quilt. :-D

Kim said...

Two intense quilts back to back? You are on a roll! I like your "break it'd own" approach to cutting and piecing these quilts. I kow they are challenging if you were having a tough time sorting things out. I Love both of these quilts. Congrats on finishing the Temecula Quilt Co. quilt. :-D

Kate said...

Sometimes you just need to have your head in the right place; you can do it!

Jean said...

I own that pattern. Maybe I should get it out and sew along!

Patti said...

What a great way to look at things. It is like creating your own BOM projects. I have a bunch of kits that I will approach that way - as a series of small goals. It will be fun watching this interesting quilt develop!

Jackie's Stitches said...

You know, I'm pretty sure I have that pattern tucked away somewhere. I remember seeing the quilt up on the wall in a quilt shop - its a really pretty quilt. I love your fabric and will enjoy watching your progress!

Melanie said...

Can't wait to see this come together. It's great that you write about getting overwhelmed. It happens. But the best part is that you didn't give up. You have a whole new appreciation for quilting.

Nancy said...

Yipppeee thats beautiful. Makes me want to start on mine.

Deb said...

I'm here for the first time after a friend sent me your link so I could see your block. She saw the 30 Stars quilt and remembered she'd seen the same pattern on my blog about 3 years ago that I was going to start....saw the pattern, mind you, not the finished quilt! LOL!

I purchased the pattern in 2010 for our 30th anniversary and thought "how perfect for our 30th and I especially love stars!"

Well, my daughter helped me pick out all the different fabrics (lots of them!), but I've not started on it. Maybe you've given me some inspiration! Thanks! Glad that you started.

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

You inspire me! Thanks for the kick in the pants, I needed it. I love this method, you're SEW smart.

Rose said...

It is going to be gorgeous and worth the wait.

BobbiG said...

My husband bought this as a kit for me from Country Threads when it came out. I have the quilt top done, not quilted. Love, love, love it. Good luck!

Sherry said...

Great idea to break down the process, this will be a beauty when it is complete and you will enjoy making it this way. I have a project that I should get on a schedule and maybe I can complete it that way.

Sinta Renee said...

Ooo's and aweeee's from me! Lovely... I'm glad you are getting this one done!

Jo said...

You can do it!!
I often thought about buying that pattern but never did. I look forward to seeing yours.