Quilting: my not "sew" new obsession

It's hard to imagine what I used to do with my time in the past because it seems that all I do with my time now is: work, cook, sleep, and quilt. I know I used to do other crafts. I have evidence of this. In fact, I still have most of the supplies and tools.

Sometimes I even have the urge to do these crafts of my past. For instance last Saturday I wanted to make a new scarf out of fine alpaca wool in a blue color... I was thinking of a moss stitch or seed stitch because I really love those stitches. They are fun and easy to stitch and they end up full of texture and dimension without being uncomfortably bumpy.

I even started to search out this beautiful wool I wanted to use. But, as it seems always to be the case nowadays, I got distracted and ended up at the fabric store instead-- buying more fabric. 

In my defense I thought that I needed more fabric for the quilt that I was working on. Of course now that I have finished the quilt top in question and realize it's practically a queen sized blanket---I will admit that I didn't need any extra fabric. ..but I don't regret my purchases or the size of the quilt. I think it looks beautiful and my niece will able to grow into it.

However, the fact that I am nearly done with this quilt and my next thought is "who am I going to make one for next?" Despite the fact that I am currently working on four quilts (once i finish this one it will only be three quilts) is a sign that I might be slightly obsessed. Possibly even addicted. And the fact that I told myself I'm not a quilting addict and then told myself that I could quit at anytime is less than reassuring because as we all know... That is exactly what addicts tell themselves.

However, I am not willing to stop quilting. I have decided that I shall quilt a small quilt for the cat bed as Simon is always trying to get onto the quilts I am  making.

Here are some pictures of the quilt top that I just finished. I am going to do some quilting on the back as well so it will be a little bit before the whole quilt is completed. There is also some pictures of Simon sitting on various stages of quilts in process.

Customization

I believe in owning the best. Doesn't matter if I have to save up for it longer. If it is a more durable product, or a prettier product, or just fits my needs better then I will save up for it.

Typically, I choose function first...is it a tool I need? Does it meet all the needs I will demand of it? Does it do more than what I currently need it to? Do I have space to store it? How often do I think I will be using said object?

When it comes to clothing, jewelry, or shoes I am even more picky. What is the projected lifespan of the object when one considers how rough I am on said objects? Is repair possible/affordable? What type of up keep is required?  Is it my style?

The style question is pretty important. As a child I had my mom's style (she chose my outfits and I wore them even when I thought they were ugly). As I got older I was allowed more say in what I wore...but not full control. The fact that I have never seen the issue with wearing stripes, flowers, and paisley in the same outfit probably contributed to this.

In addition, style is individual but clothing is generally mass production. So, since I don't sew my own clothes I have to find items that I like that are my style from what is produced to meet the desires of the most people. This can be tricky. Especially if you are a person who would wear stripes and flowers together.

So, sometimes this means that one just cannot find what you want. It doesn't exist. However, that is okay!  Because, if you can find something close to what you want you can customize it a bit and Bam! You then have a perfect item that is unique to you and fits your personality and needs.

A perfect example of this is my brother's boots. He received them in the mail yesterday. I thought that they were perfectly lovely. ..but he didn't like the Blue-Grey color that they came in (he wanted them quickly and the only one in his size they had in stock was the blue). So, he decided to customize them by dying the leather black...The result is now a hybrid of the black boot he originally wanted and the blue boot he got....and he likes it even better than the straight black version. This is really what customization is all about. ..taking something you LIKE and tweaking it to create something that you LOVE.

Below you will find a picture of a typical clothing combination for me...and before and after shots of my brother's boots.