It’s OK to CHANGE Your mind about completing a quilt project

Posted on by quiltedl

You were so EXCITED when you learned that your favorite designer was coming out with a new fabric line, books, project, sew-a-long or [Fill in the Blank]. You dutifully bought all the supplies, printed out the pattern/sewing guide and waited in happy anticipation for the next project to start. Then, you lost your enthusiasm once it began.

What to do? Honestly, it’s okay to change your mind.

I felt this way about the Flea Market Flowers big quilt by Lori Holt. I was stoked after completing two online quilt-along projects last year. I’m still working on the last few appliqué blocks for the Granny’s Flower Garden quilt and planned to use those leftover fabrics (plus some others) for the Flea Market Flowers project. I ordered the pie and seed rulers. Then, while reading through the sew-along guide, I realized how large the flower blocks would actually be. Not my style for a big quilt. Instead, I opted to convert the flower blocks I love into pillows , a small wall hanging and a table runner. I merely made the project suit my preferences.

I’ll admit that I’ve actually tossed half-completed projects that I know I’ll never finish. They’re usually from a class I took at an AQS show or Quiltcon to try out a new technique and there was no way to convert the parts I’d completed into a smaller project that I’d actually like. The intention to finish was there, but after 3 years in the back of the closet…it’s time to rescue any usable fabrics and toss the rest.

Nowadays, I’m also a bit more selective when it comes to the projects that I choose to make. It’s no secret that I’m a big Lori Holt fan. You can find a number of online sew-a-longs featuring her work at Fat Quarter Shop, The Featherweight Shop and JK Quilts, plus Lori’s own blog and YouTube channel. Today, I learned she has a new fabric line/project coming out in January 2022 called Chicken Salad. The quilt is adorable, but it’s not a project I’m inspired to make. That’s perfectly okay. Some of the fabrics will likely find their way into my stash and I’ll enjoy checking out her blog/YouTube channel while the sew-a-long is underway.

I tell my students it’s okay to return a library book they don’t like. I merely gave myself permission to do the same when it comes to quilting/sewing projects.