Have you ever found yourself wanting to just make everything? I sometimes find myself doing just that, even wanting to make things I have never done before. For example, I am inspired to make a pillow with a quilt block in it. Never have I ever made anything like that. Maybe even 2 of them would be better, so they would fit on the couch together. But, you know, you start watching videos and BAM! The inspiration hits and you think to yourself, “I could do that.” They make it look soooo easy…lol So far, nothing I have been inspired to make is something I wouldn’t use or want. But, I bet the time will come for that.

How about y’all? And if you do find yourself in this dilemma, what do you do about it? I can see many UFO’s being produced this way…lol I am usually the type that doesn’t start something new until I finish a project. I do have to note, as long as it doesn’t have a deadline, I will finish it first. For example, I am not starting a new project until I have my pattern for a table runner and placemats written and finished. That is a process, as I am making it 3 times! However, I also am still working on a Bonnie Hunter Mystery Quilt from 2 years ago…yep, going on 3 years this fall. This one is more for me, and I do not have deadlines attached to it. Maybe I ought to though…this may drag out to a decade at this rate.

As time becomes less important and it seems that there is not enough of it (I want to be able to enjoy life), I just may find myself eventually distracted by a new inspiration sooner than later. So far, it is in check. I have notes of inspirations written down, and when I feel I have the time, I just may tackle one. But, after thinking a bit about this, I start to question the idea, “Is really a bad thing to allow yourself to indulge in a new inspiration?” Some people have stated that they lose their “sewing mojo.” Wouldn’t allowing yourself to veer off course and try something new help keep that newness to quilting and the desire to continue. I am grateful that I haven’t felt that yet, but it was something that comes to mind. Or maybe, by doing something different, you may learn something new and enhance your current skills. I am a learner by nature. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to learn. I do get bored, if I stop learning. Although, with almost every quilt I make, I learn something new or have to troubleshoot a new error or challenge. But learning something completely new will take away the muscle memory that is attached, and in turn, afford you a new prospective. Another thought is maybe you will find something that you really enjoy doing. You wouldn’t know that, unless you tried it. For myself, that is how I found that I love to quilt. I allowed myself to try something new, and it practically has taken over my life. All these things sound good to me!

So, what are some of the cons? I fear that I will be even slower getting things done, or miss even more deadlines than I already do. I have enough trouble trying to manage my time with all the crazy things that go on in my life, and struggle finding the energy once I have tackled another one of life’s challenges. At least once a week, I beg the time gods to make life stop for just a little while. I realize, that this all means I have yet to learn how to stop the world myself. But, I will get there.

Also, let’s be honest, I could go really nuts on spending too much money on fabric, if I allow myself to go off on a whim whenever I felt the inspiration. Just like any other quilter, I do love fabric. However, money is just as much as a commodity as time is. There is only so much of either, and they both only go so far before you are out. Cleaning myself out of time and money is not a definition of having the good life, in my opinion…lol

However, I still like the idea of going off track a bit and allowing myself to be creative with a new inspiration. So, now the question becomes, “How do you include that in an already full planner?” This will have to take some time in planning and organizing to figure this one out. I will get back to you all, when I figure something out. For now, I ask you all, “How do you do it?” Do you have any ideas to share? I’m sure we all would love to hear them! Feel free to comment below or come follow us on Facebook at HALO Inspirations, we would love to see you there!

In the meantime, I have added those pillows to my “Inspirations” list. They sure will look pretty on my couch, one day. However, today is for finishing up the English Paper Piecing (EPP) tutorial video, working on my table runner, and loading my longarm. Sigh…is there enough time for all that?

If you are interested in learning to do EPP, you can currently read my blog style tutorial under the “Inspirations” tab on our website. Or simply click here. However, I have almost completed the video tutorial! Whoohoo!!

These itty-bitty triangles are left over from my table runner. I still need to make 4 placemats. They are going to continue to grow in numbers. I have had some suggestions to make pinwheels or use them in another quilt, but they truly are too small for me to work with. They are just so darn cute, that I simply do not want to throw them out….what in the world do I do with them? I think I will make Christmas ornaments out of them. My Christmas tree is patriotic with red, white, and blue. That just might work! Add this to the “Inspirations” list..lol

Until next time, may you continue to be inspired, productive, and joyful! And never stop making your dreams in quilting come true!

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