Thursday, November 5, 2009

Working in Secret

I’ve been busy in my sewing studio, spending a couple of hours a day on a project I can’t share. Oh, I can tell you a bit about it, but I can’t show any pictures. Bummer…

One of the quilting groups I meet with each month has started an annual Round Robin Challenge project. Traditionally, Round Robin challenges require member’s projects to make its rounds among a group of participants and each participant adds an additional ‘round’ or part of each member’s quilt based on the challenge instructions before it finally arrives back to the originator. For our challenge, the quilts are not passed around. Instead, each participant completes each round on their own quilt. Sounds like fun, huh?

My friend Susannah is leading our challenge and we received our first set of instructions at our October sew-in. Our challenge is to complete a 22 ½” block using a Christmas carol as the theme. Since most Christmas carols are full of visual imagery, it was quite the challenge to pick just one.

If you close your eyes as you’re naming Christmas carols, an image appears for each one. For instance, the carol Winter Wonderland might conjure up visions of trees covered in freshly fallen snow, a bluebird flying away, some bells, a snowman, and maybe even a fire. All seen as people are walking along a path littered with footprints. Another example is the carol It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas. The lyrics talk about looking for all the signs Christmas is here; candy canes at the five and dime, toys in every store, holly hanging on your door, very visual. I could see a small town, maybe something out of the 50’s. Snow covered walkway, store windows dressed for the season, and neighbors greeting each other as they walk among the shops.

My theme is based on the Christmas carol I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. Of course, seeing an image in my mind is easier than putting it on a 22 ½” block. I think this is one of those times when I have to keep reminding myself it doesn’t have to be perfect.

I can’t wait until December 5th so I can see what everyone else has done.

7 comments:

Sharon T in Napa said...

sounds like a lot of fun Dena! Aren't small groups the choose projects like that a lot of fun! Will look forward to seeing what you create.

Connie said...

I think challenge is the key word here!

Marlene said...

What a challenge,but fun at the same time. Can't wait to see what you create.

Mariana said...

that challenge looks like a big time! Can't wait to see what you came up with! Wish i had more time to join those challenges!

QuiltedSimple said...

this sounds like fun!
Kris

webbsway said...

O Dena,
I too, cannot wait to see what you come up with. You are so talented.

Just let your wings soar and enjoy yourself!

Micki said...

I love challeges, and I can see that you will be kept very busy in your studio.
Have fun!
Micki