Climbing Out of the Rut

In the quiet time before our trip, I had mentioned that I felt like I was in a rut regarding our meal choices... turns out it was a creativity rut.  Sure, I had plenty of ideas and was busy getting projects prepped for my entertainment during our travel.

There was one day that Dave had planned to join a couple friends for their antelope hunt.  He wasn't hunting a thing, rather, he was just along for the comradery and support of these hunters.

It was at that time that I decided that I needed to get into my studio and create! 

I've had the center panel of this table topper hanging around for years.  It came from a sweet, older neighbor.  At the time that she gifted it to me several years ago, she said it was probably 100 years old.  She remembered it from her childhood.  I don't know if it was a part of a linen tablecloth, or if it was supposed to be a napkin, or some other piece.

After Dave left, I quickly pieced a few borders around it and had it sandwiched and ready for quilting - in less than an hour!  I was astounded at how quickly my mood turned around.  While I hadn't been grumpy or whiney, I was certainly lacking some joy.

This little table topper brought me joy as I selected the fabrics to border it with...  It brought me joy even as I debated with myself about hand-quilting it versus practicing some FMQ (both had very good arguments) ... It brought me joy as I planned out and marked the quilting lines...  And I asked myself "why was I reluctant to whip together a quick project???"

In my debate, the slow stitching argument won out.  I pulled her out when we made the decision to cut our trip short and make it home before the high winds that were being predicted decided to roar.  (I'll share lots of photos and stories of our experience on Route 66 in the next Sew & Tell Party.)

Here's the progress I made...

It was good that we returned early... Dave had customers calling wanting to send projects for him and we were both trying to fight off a cold bug that we picked up along the way.  What a souvenir! Bleh...

I'll get the binding (a left over from my Pieces of My Life quilt) attached after I finish the quilting, and hand stitch it too... probably with a navy-blue big stitch.  

Feeling stuck in a rut??? Pull yourself out of that rut by doing something that will be your creative self a great deal of JOY!  And then spread it around like it is confetti! (but not bad germs...)

Oh, and btw, I made a fabulous, creative dinner that night of shrimp alfredo and salad.  It was simple, it was fast and it didn't involve any of the ingredients/items that I had already loaded into the camper.  And we had not had it for a long time... Perfect!

Keep Piecing,

Melva

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