How my brain works

I got my wonky stars quilt pieced tonight. As some of you may know, I have 5 quilts to make before Christmas. This one is #2.

When I first saw the wonky star, I knew I wanted to make a quilt of them. So I started out making 13 blocks, then lost my steam. I realize now it's because I didn't have any sort of plan to go with. Aside from dying the purple fabric, I simply just started sewing.

When Leah Day started UFO Sunday's I knew I had to get back to this one. So while I was sewing the Greek Cross Quilt I started thinking how I was going to layout this one.

I didn't want rows of stars(like the Greek Cross quilt is laid out). Although I love the Sparkle Punch quilt, I couldn't do that for one, my stars were all the same color and may get lost. For two, I had already pieced blocks. So unless I wanted to disassemble them or start over, that was not an option.

I like to do something a little different than every one else if I can. Also, I had to make it fast as possible. So I decided to do 2 vertical stripes of stars with negative space on either side and the middle. I also offset each star.

Here is the start of my backing. I got the idea after watching Elizabeth Heartman's Creative Quilt Backs on Craftsy. (If you haven't watched this free class, I highly recommend!!) The front is fairly simple, so I figured the back needed a surprise.

Sometimes I start with a clear plan, sometimes not. Sometimes it changes because of a better idea, sometimes the supplies at hand force me to change plans.I think about my design ideas while in the shower, while sewing, while at work.....ehem....pretty much all the time.

This week Leah tells us the importance of doing one project at a time. So if you get stumped at a certain point of the project,instead of starting a new project there are other things you can do while you think it through. You could skip ahead and make the backing of your project. You could also make the binding. Spend time with your kids. Take the day off from sewing. Orrrrrrr, you could clean your house:0 Mine, for one, gets neglected due to sewing a lot!!!! ;)