A Failure or Not?

Can sketching improve your quilting?

Recently in a moment of great motivation, I tried adding blue paint (dye) to some card stock. I'm sure I had a fabulous plan in my head. 

Actually, I used Dye-na-flow paints which I had purchased for fabric. But in the moment, you go with what is within your reach.

Needlessly, things did not go as planned. Adding paint and water, and then there was coloring running is strange and unexpected directions. No, no, no, not the plan. 

(I'm sure that has never happened in your life but constantly happens to me.)

After thinking this project was a failure, I later picked up my black Sharpie marker and started drawing using the blue shapes for inspiration. I had no expectations and no pressure to achieve because in my mind this already was a failed project.. Just fun playing and seeing what will happen next.

Will this exercise help my quilting? I think it will, because projects are never a failure, they are just projects not yet completed.

Quilted Tiles

Undergrowth

8" x 8"

Sharon V. Rotz

I am having so much fun creating these small works of art. I think they have become my daily paintings, (quilter style).

I can try different techniques, see how I like the process and then finish up in a snap. This is so much better than my previous method of trying things and then having a pile of unrelated, multi-sized scraps sitting in my UFO pile where I constantly move them from place to place. Not to mention the fact that when I want that sample of the technique, it is definitely hidden SOMEWHERE.

When I only have a small amount of time and don't want to get involved in a large project, I can raid my scrap bag. I can easily a new color combination. I can piece creatively. I can try a quilting option. I can enjoy some leisurely hand stitching.

Cheers for the small "finished" project.