Begin again
So much of life is a series of overlapping events. Projects ebb and flow around teaching trips and writing deadlines. Holiday and family celebrations pile on top of daily responsiblities, and chores never end.
I’m at one of those delicious moments when everything is done. I’m done teaching for the year and looking forward to three blissful, productive months at home. (Although we did have a good time in Kalamazoo and Northville, didn’t we ladies?)
I’ve completed my responsiblities for More! Hand Applique by Machine. Rumor has it that I’ll see my first copy on Wednesday, and the rest of the shipment should be along shortly.
The last step of Now & Forever has been posted, another block of the month finished. Well, the steps have all been posted, keeping my promise to all who have been working on the quilt (or just collecting the pattern). My quilt is lying in a heap waiting for the final seams and then quilting, but there’s no real deadline for that.
So, the question becomes, what do I do next? That decision is usually dicated by the proximity of the deadline. But instead of running to keep up, I’m at this lovely little moment where I get to decide where I go next.
What will it be? A book on piecing? Another applique book? Should I try my hand at writing fiction? Maybe I should make a quilt for competition. (Or not.) What do you think? Here’s your chance to tell me where to go. Be nice and I’ll draw a name for a stack of fat quarters from my fabric line.
October 26th, 2009 at 9:57 am
. . .try your hand at fiction! There aren’t enough fiction books on quilting . . and there are LOTS of stories!
October 26th, 2009 at 10:20 am
I would love to see a book from you on piecing. Can’t wait for the new applique to come!
October 26th, 2009 at 10:26 am
hiya beth!
i think you should do what ever you want to do and see where you end up!
some of life’s best adventures start with a heart felt try…but i would like to see (maybe) another applique book! *smile*
shannon
October 26th, 2009 at 11:24 am
Beth, I’m confident you’ll be successful at whatever project you choose next. I’d like to see you try your hand at writing. Maybe a quilting themed mystery? Enjoy your ‘free’ time.
October 26th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Enjoy some downtime. Do something FUN just for yourself. Next project should be holiday related…
October 26th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Dear Beth,
Not difficult at all for me to advise you. With regret we downloaded your last entry for the BOM you so lovingly created for us. You’re a big hit here in the Netherlands. Lots of addicts for your wonderful applique quilts.
So …. go ahead and treat us with a new one!
Even with your book in the stack of prefered collection, we look forward to the BOM’s you launch.
With love, Merle Ann.
October 26th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Make an applique and pieced quilt for that darling grandson. Maybe another one, too, in case you get to have a new grandbaby. Post a picture if, AND ONLY IF, you have time, tell us how you did it.
Make it say HUGS and KISSES from Grandma who loves you.
Kids don’t get hugged enough.
October 26th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
personally, I think you should do a project just for you. No deadlines, no business connections.. But a fiction book from Beth Ferrier is bound to be a hoot, so that would be my second choice.
October 26th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
I vote for a competition quilt with lots of blogs so we can follow along in this process, then when we see it hanging in the show, we can surprise people with little details like “Oh, when Beth did this part, she was thinking about such and such!”
October 26th, 2009 at 8:06 pm
I seem to remember you saying you wanted to do an album quilt.With your great imagination it would be a lot of fun.If you don’t start it ,it’ll never get done[sounds like something Yogi Berra would say].Just think,it would be a quilt for Beth.No deadlines!You could pick it up and put it down whenever you wanted to.My vote is you do something for yourself.Have fun,Valinda
October 26th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
I think you should make a quilt just for you. I’ll bet there’s a quilt that you’ve wanted to do just for fun! Relax a little!
October 27th, 2009 at 12:33 am
Beth, go where your heart takes you. You have this time use it for yourself and do what you want to do. (ps I would love another book from you……)
October 27th, 2009 at 3:08 am
Hi Beth,
I agree with all of the above, especially taking some time for yourself.
When the time comes that the fingers are itching to do something, how about an article/book/bom on 3 dimensional applique. I’ve been wanting to try that for ages.
From everyone on the Appleboms list, we thank you for your time and efforts to give us a new wonderful quilt each year.
Jo
Appleboms listowner
October 27th, 2009 at 4:00 am
I so enjoyed your recent workshop, Beth! Thanks for the fun time. I am a new subscriber to your blog. I had heard your name a few times before you came to Kalamazoo, but I was not familiar with your work. If you do another BOM, I would seriously consider doing it. Whatever you decide to do next, I hope you have a wonderful time. Enjoy your time at home before all the craziness starts again. It goes without saying that I would love to win a stack of fat quarters.
October 27th, 2009 at 4:45 am
I would love to see some boy related aplique patterns from your hand. I love your patterns (and your tips about using the micro stitch to attach the pieces)
But a quilt novel would also be a great idea.
October 27th, 2009 at 6:48 am
I see my e-mail arrived at 3:43 A.M. — I hope that wasn’t the time you wrote it!!! If so, I think you need to take some time and rest! My suspicion is that, if you just relax and enjoy a little “down time”, inspiration will come to you. Sometimes just being open to our surroundings and letting life “be” will rejuvinate us and set the energy flowing. I’m sure we will enjoy whatever you choose!
October 27th, 2009 at 6:57 am
Hi Beth
I .would love to see another BOM and another applique book. I can’t wait to see the one you just finished.
I love your work.
Enjoy your time with no deadlines right now.
Just kick back in your sewing chair in your sewing room with a big glass of ice tea and look at all your fabric stash and just let your imagation go wild and before you know it you are up at the cutting table whipping up a new project!
October 27th, 2009 at 8:37 am
Fiction sounds like a good idea, maybe even with a quilt pattern thrown in?? Or a mystery quilt in a non-fiction story. Then you can file it under mystery, non-fiction, and quilting. OH, and make it more of a guy quilt. But in the end, do what is in your heart.
October 27th, 2009 at 8:43 am
From reading your blog, you seem to love multi-tasking. So, after a week (or a few days) of rest, start that quilt you’re already designing in your head and start a book, know you will be great at fiction!
October 27th, 2009 at 8:56 am
I hope you’ll do another fabric line someday!
Enjoy your break!
October 27th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Whatever you do, you will be great at it! I don’t like to read much, but really enjoy your blogs because they are so descriptive and interesting. Do whatever you are led to do, but enjoy life to the fullest!
October 27th, 2009 at 9:32 am
Beth, How wonderful to have some down time to catch your breath and relax. If is were me, I’d start with a week of pampering myself. A spa day then a mani/pedi. then I would spend time getting UFO’s done and doing some fun projects that are just because, no specific purpose. Enjoy your time off. Take care and God bless, Cory
October 27th, 2009 at 10:16 am
I think you should use some downtime to let your creative juices flow and that will probably ignite the perfect project for you. Thanks for all the talent you have shared with us out in computerland.
October 27th, 2009 at 10:56 am
Beth,
If I were you, I’d go for the fiction idea. You have a great sense of humor and I’ll bet you could come up with a great idea for incorporating fiction into quilting. In the meantime, I’m patiently awaiting my copy of your new book, which I have pre-ordered through your web site.
October 27th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Beth,
Take a break for a week or two and relax if you can make yourself do it and then—Try fiction! I love quilt stories.
Also love your BOM’s
Judy
October 27th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
I agree with all of the above too and my vote would also be an Album quilt with dimensional appliques. You are very talented and have quite the following so what ever you choose to do will be well received.
October 27th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Beth I go for taking a big cup of coffee and a book and finding a corner where no one can find you for a while, sit back and enjoy then when you have driven your self crazy by not stitching get your butt back in your sewing room and set your self a quilt with limitations ..maybe something with no flowers
October 27th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
I think a nice couple of weeks break is in order….and then, I would absolutely love another book on piecing! It’s my absolute favorite part of quilting and there can’t be enough books on it.
October 27th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
I agree with everyone who said you should take some time to pamper yourself. When we are the most relaxed that seems to be when the ideas start popping in. So, whatever you choose to do should be fun, whenever “it” starts.
October 27th, 2009 at 10:09 pm
How about a fictional story of a quilter going thru some sort of trials and quilting being her form of therapy and ending that chapter with quilt pattern/instructions so that as we are reading the story we can empathize and go thru the therapy along with her. That would make one special BOM!!!! You may or may not like my idea but nonetheless it never hurts to share ideas, correct?
October 28th, 2009 at 6:32 am
My vote for your down time is to find some wonderful yarn and a terrific pattern, find a cozy corner and knit something for yourself or a member of the family. I know you love cloth but after the hectic months putting together kits and classes and working on quilts for this show and that and completing the now and forever quilt and directions, you deserve a break to do something else that you enjoy.
October 28th, 2009 at 7:31 am
First, I think you should take some time for yourself to enjoy the changing seasons. After you’re well rested, I would like to see another BOM that incorporates pieced blocks (no applique). I’ve enjoyed the applique BOMs but I am interested in seeing where your creative side takes you with pieced blocks. For a real challange, what about a mystery quilt?
October 28th, 2009 at 9:49 am
I vote for spending time with ALEX!!!! Those grandbabies grow up way too fastand can really inspire us, so he just might send you in a new creative direction!
October 28th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
I vote for some down time and then see where your heart and spirit take you. I always find my best work comes when I go in that direction. Love your work!
October 28th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
I’d love to see a book on piecing with all your sneaky tricks and such. I always found them so helpful. But spending some time with family is always a good thing before things turn crazy again.
October 28th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
I have enjoyed your blog so much. I think you would be great at telling a tale by embellishing your own experiences, as the ground work. Or maybe the true story needs to have the names changed!
October 28th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
Grab your husband and go on vacation! You have earned it. you deserve it so just go. Somewhere you have never been before as far away as you can get. I bet you will know exactly what direction you should go when you get back.
October 29th, 2009 at 2:18 am
Down time is a definite priority! But having said that, I love your designs, especially your applique, so my vote would be a combination of piecing and applique book.
October 29th, 2009 at 8:05 am
Hi Beth,
I think you should catch up with a friend who misses you terribly when you are so busy! (Hint, hint) I would love to see you do an album quilt. Most of all, you should slow down and listen to what your heart is telling you.
October 29th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Try writing fiction. We need more quilt stores. It can be based on your travels.
October 30th, 2009 at 11:51 am
I would suggest some applique. I know your garden is probably getting ready for its winter nap, but I think an appliqued quilt of some of those flowers would be very appropriate for those of us who love quilting and gardening.
November 1st, 2009 at 8:06 am
Beth I think you should make some cookies for the grand baby and then bring out a new book of mixed patterns, some applique and some piecing .
November 1st, 2009 at 8:08 am
After seeing you lecture and taking your class, I’m sure whatever you choose will be correct. It will work for you!!
November 1st, 2009 at 8:20 am
Of course, we would love to see an album quilt. Your design would be a stunner but I also agree that you should take some time for yourself. There is not hurry. The album quilt could be a 2-year project. The key is for you to get some rest and just enjoy the changing of the seasons for awhile.
November 1st, 2009 at 8:55 am
Beth, Take the time off! Then hit it with a stab at fiction. And thread work. And applique. Combining these in a fiction novel will allow you to do the “quilt” work for play and if it doesn’t come out like you wished in real life it will in the fiction! Could allow for a spinoff in lectures, teaching….in about a year or so. Smell the roses along the way! Again, whatever you do will turn out well!
November 1st, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Beth
First of all do you read all of these comments? I am just finishing a quilt using your blocks of the month using 12, 15, & 18″ blocks. I would like to see a book by you on your sneaky piecing tricks, in fact I thought you were putting one out. Love your site. Thanks ME
November 1st, 2009 at 9:57 pm
I suggest making a competition quilt! It’s a big challenge, but you are more than capable. Good luck with it!