Thursday, February 9, 2012

Document the process


Lately I've been thinking a bunch about the process.  Often for one reason or another I can't share my process with you.  Keeping projects a secret is by far my least favorite part of this biz.  Anyway I decided I'm going to document and share some of my process.  Keep in mind things change, and this amazing quilt I see in my head might turn out horrible and if that happens you might never see it.  {Lets all hope that isn't the case.}

24 photos from one hour taken with my iPhone via Hipstamatic Disposable app.  Seriously this is my new favorite app.  Above is the giant collage... below is a little more detail on each photo.  The fabrics are Palladium by Dear Stella and while it's a much calmer combo of colors for me... I'm really digging this fabric.



I don't think I've ever told you before that I write the pattern first.  I started doing that a long time ago & I've found that it helps me work out the issues early on in the process vs. writing the pattern after I've made the quilt.


Yes I really am this meticulous with my fabric cutting.  Some may even say it's a bit OCD.  I'd take that as a compliment.


The nails may be pretty... but I'm still getting used to having them again.  Mine grow so fast and I don't function very well with long nails!


I don't know how much I'll be able to share from now until the pattern is done, but I'll share as I can.  Even when I can't share right away I'm going to make an effort to document the process more often.  That way when I can show you... I will!


© Blog post written by Julie Herman
For more information visit http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/

13 comments:

Auntie Pami said...

Neato mosquito! I can't function either with long nails, slows me down. Can't wait! I really respect the writing process. Glad you are OCD that way!

Kate said...

It's nice to see some of the progress, at least! I love the neat little roll and can't wait to see what it becomes. :)

zarina said...

Thank you for sharing the process. For me, it helps me to ignite the fire that I want to design a fabric, design a quilt, make patterns, write a book. So many things that I want to do but I need to get my (financial) life shipshape first before I dive into any of them.

Ric Rac and Polka Dots said...

I love seeing how you progress. It was fun. I loved seeing how you rolled those strips up. That looks so cute! Someday I'll try to figure out how to do that collage thing, but for now I'll just enjoy yours. When I make patterns I usually kind of preplan the whole thing first too. I don't write it out completely before starting but have dimensions, etc., all figured out first. Just like you, I think sometimes that helps you see things that won't work out - before it's too late!
Julie

Denise in PA said...

I love seeing the "process" - thanks for sharing! Pretty nails (though I agree with you about not being able to work well with long nails)!

Tara said...

I think it's great you get it all ready and into a bin. I'm a bit of a mess really... and I jump from one task to the next with no flow. I MUST be better about this to be more efficient. Thanks for the inspiration - AGAIN! :)

IHaveANotion ~ Kelly Jackson said...

Very cool....love the pix and the "process"...way fun.

Smiles,
Kelly

Summer Killebrew said...

Thank you for sharing your process! I've just begun writing down my designs (I usually just make it and never really write down instructions), and it's nice to see the beginnings of your process. I'll definitely try writing it all out first!

mascanlon said...

Love the collage, wish I knew how to do it! I didn't realize you wrote the pattern first but I can see how it catches any big issue up front once you start to sew from it. Now I wonder what this pile of fabrics are going to be? BTW I put the kit together too, way to annoying to stop in the middle and have to cut the next step, I often even cut the binding if I know what I am going to use.

Queenie Believe said...

Thanks for sharing your process, it was very interresting!
Have a great day.
Always, Queenie

bethanndodd said...

Love your process! I am definately going to start putting all my cut pieces in a bin like you do...genius! Looking forward to seeing your finished project (because it will be awesome, no doubt!). Smiles~Beth

Patty said...

nice post, I'm liking you fabric choice.

Beth said...

Ok I am working on my Radio Way quilt so I know that I will have scraps galore since I got a little carried away buying fabric but I am making a king size quilt. So are you willing to share the mini measurements?I will be glad to send you a pic of my pile of fabric, pattern to verify purchase.