Roses Amongst Willow Oak Leaves

Early this morning, I took these blocks outside and tried to get a photo (still dark enough that the flash was necessary, not quite the effect I was hoping for).

I needed to see them randomly spread out ~ instead of always in a pile (as below).

Only a few more of these slow cloth blocks to soft-edge applique before I can begin the layout process for real. I have sketched several variations, but if my own history is any indicator, the quilt top will end up looking completely different from my drawings.

While I've been working a-little-along on these (often at the front desk at work when I take my turn answering the phones), those who walk by stop and sigh, "those are such pretty colors" ~ which is a good thing, because I keep doubting my plan with this project. One day I'm certain it will be wonderful and a week later I'm ready to pack it up and put it away as a lost cause.

I genuinely love the fuzzy, frayed edges of the roses; the textural contrast of the hand stitching; the warm, gently-vanilla tones in the background's paisley; the melted ice cream colors . . . and the large scale companion fabrics for the outer borders and backing are simply gorgeous ~ but this was the last of the coordinated groupings of fabrics that I purchased and, under it all, I have come to understand that I need to create my own combinations. That newly-understood disconnect is, I suspect, the real source of my underlying discomfort.

Ice Cream Social has become a very tangible marker for the not-so-gentle transition that has been playing itself out for months now; a visible mixture of my old ways and my newer thinking ~

And so, the journey will continue . . .

Quiltdivajulie

------------------------------
“If we're growing,

we're always going to be out of our comfort zone.”

(John Maxwell)