Here in the UK the BBC runs a show where folks bring in things to be appraised (like the antique roadshow) then they bring the item to auction to test the accuracy of the appraisal. The show is filmed in different locations all over the UK. During the show the host, Paul Martin, does a segment on something historical or artistic specific to the area. I love this show!
So when one of my neighbors told me the show was coming to a town near us and invited me to come along to the appraisal day it only took me a second to say yes! I have long been considering slimming down the piles of antique/vintage quilts I have been accumulating over the past 25 years. I brought about 25 with me to England so the selection was already limited. In the end I picked out a pyramid quilt circa 1880 made in the Maryland area. It is the quilt on the far right in the photo (taken at the Augusta Museum of History quilt exhibit last year.) I thought it would bother...quilt seperation anxiety maybe...but in a way it is a relief when they selected it to be filmed and to go to auction. I'll let you know what happens when it "goes under the hammer" in October!Do you think it is possible that having too many quilts, fabrics, boxes, threads, beads, yada, yada, yada....can inhibit creativity? Sometimes I just get overwhelmed looking at all the neat "stuff" I have to work with and as a result get very little done. I'm wondering if paring back could clear some space both in my "studio" and in my head!
Speaking of clearing....here is a quilt top I unearthed. It was folded inbetween two antique quilts. Maybe there is hope of my finding the English paperpiecing quilt that was 80% finished before we packed up back in the states! If my memory serves me this fabric came from a quilt show in Maryland back in the mid-90's!
13 comments:
Lovely quilts, but I REALLY like the strippy/4-patch. I think I HAVE that fabric also, given to me recently. Thanks for the idea!
Ooh this is exciting - you'll have to tell us when the programme will be aired. As for the dampening of creativity why not get DH to put some of it in the garage - out of sight, out of mind - and see if that makes it feel less daunting. However if you are considering 'downsizing' on your supplies I'll happily give something a good home :o)
Maybe it's because you're just coming back from a spell of being unwell, we all go through times when we just can't drum up much enthusiasm and inspiration - don't be too hard on yourself
Good question - and I'd have to say, yes, sometimes having too much stuff can inhibit creativity. If you are really blocked, why not choose an arbitrary number of items you have been wanting to work with - say 2 or 3 - and then force yourself to use those with no more than 3 other items and just make something - postcards, a little journal quilt, etc. Sometimes I do this and it unsticks me a little. I tend to get stuck in the trap of thinking I can't use such and such an item because I'm "saving it for something". So then, there's nothing I can use, but also the stuff doesn't get used ever because no project is ever good enough...
Oh, just read Anne's comment - another good idea, put some away.
Or send it to me :)
Oh that sounds like a fun show! And your quilt is lovely. I hope it goes for big bucks! I love the top you unearthed! That is really pretty!
I recognize the sashing in your strippy, I'd say your dating is accurate. Yes, I become overwhelmed at times, too by many choices. Your antique pyramid quilt is lovely, good luck!
Great four patch/strippy quilt! I have wondered that same thing about having too much - too many choices being a roadblock to creativity. Have you tried to limit the colors you can choose from or one cabinet or drawer? If you find something that works, please share.
What fun you will have with the auction! Hopefully, you have placed a reserve on the quilt so it doesn't go too low in value.
It will be interesting to see how an American quilt does at auction in the UK. Did the appraiser give you any idea on that point? (Will it go for more, or less, because it's American?)
Love the 4-patch strippy! What a happy find.
Playing in my scraps usually gets me unstuck. They are not "precious" and I have no preconceived ideas about what I want to do with them. Anne makes a good point about having to recover from being ill too. I've certainly been through what she describes.
Please let us know when the show is on, I would love to see the quilt being sold for a good sum - I hope you've set a reserve as it would be terrible if it went too cheap.
Too much stuff? Perhaps just a re-organization so you know what you have, what you really want and what you will never use. I have put some fabrics aside to do Linus quilts - novelty fabrics that I love, but realistically will never use as both my sons have a few quilts now and I would rather other kids had the joy and comfort of a quilt as well.
Be careful which 6 1/2 inch square you give away. I found I often take slivers off the corner when cutting. I had to buy one "full price" (!) at a retreat because I'd shaved so much off. Good luck at the auction! Great quilts.
Can't wait to hear what happens with your quilt and what a wonderful way to use the funds! I'm glad you're feeling better and back to doing what you enjoy!
As for the creativity question -- yes actually. I KNOW I get less creative when I'm completely clogged with clutter and stuff. IE -- I haven't touched my machine in over two weeks because I just can't get to it/know where to start/know what to do. So, time for some decluttering and getting ready to work again!
Beautfil beautiful quilts. I can't wait to see you on the TV. Don't forget to let us know the date.
I do think decluttering also declutters your mind, but I agree with Anne. Ask DH to put it in the garage - don't get rid of it - you could regret it. And if you are thinking of getting rid of any of those quilts - me please!
Flog it is a lovely programme at the BBC. When I sit behind my sewingmachine, I love to see it.
I hope your quilts will bring you a lot of money!!! I am a bit jealous at you, having so much delightful old quilts ;). They are so hard to come by here in Holland.
Kind regards from a quilter from the Netherlands
www.qwilleke.web-log.nl
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