Sometimes we have to make tough decisions in our lives, decisions that we don’t want to make but know in our heart and mind that it is the best one to make. This sounds very dramatic especially when I’m only referring to a sewing project but this project has been a huge part of my life since April of 2010. Yes you guessed it ……it’s my hexagon quilt. I have worked on my quilt every day since the 11th April, sometimes spending up to 10 hours working but averaging about 4 hours a day on it. Progress has been slow but steady with the hexagon tally now sitting at 14,852. My highest weekly total has been 726 with my lowest 242. Last week was a 242 week. Most of you who visit my blog regularly will have followed the progress reports as I complete each of the borders. Some of you have left lovely comments which I really appreciate and love reading. I have almost finished the second last border……..just waiting on some fabric to arrive (I ran out and had to search the internet to find some more). Last night was the time to reassess the final huge border. In the original quilt, this border is comprised of approximately 11,000 hexagons. Working on a 10 week timeline to complete, it doesn’t take a genius to do the maths and see what a massive job it would be. As Russell put it – “ you would need to work on it about 11 hours every day of the week”……a task I know is impossible. I had considered scaling down the design of the final border thinking that would work well, but when I started to scale back the hexagon flowers I found that I had to add more rows of straight hexagons so that the new design would fit. In the end I would only be reducing the total by about 500 – 1000…….not enough in the scale of things. So after thinking and bouncing ideas around I have decided to change the final border completely. The new border will be comprised of approximately 3,000 hexagons – a target I know I can reach so that I can finish the quilt by the 1st May deadline. I am extremely disappointed that I will not be able to replicate the quilt, but know in my heart (and head) that it is the best decision for me (and my family). Maybe one day I will get to make another quilt just as Prudence made way back in 1857 ……. Just don’t tell Russell I plan to! So my ‘Dear Prudence’ quilt will now be renamed to add a little of me into her design……. ‘Dear Prudence with love from Linda’
Linda :)
PS. For last update and photos: Click here
Sounds like a very wise decision. It is going to look stunning with the plans you have changed to, so enjoy seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I am full of admiration for all the work you have done on this beautiful quilt!!!
Posted by: Karen | January 17, 2011 at 06:39 PM
I am sorry it has not worked out the way you had anticipated, I know how hard you have worked every single day since you started. I am sure it will be breathtaking all the same and can't wait to see it in the exhibition.
Posted by: Lenora | January 17, 2011 at 09:06 PM
You've done a great job Linda with what you have achieved sofar on your lovely hexagon quilt. Its a credit to you and the quilt looks fantastic!! You have got further with it than I would have...... I wouldn't even have the fabric cut out by now!! A fantastic effort and we have been with you the whole way. xx
Posted by: Janine Thow | January 18, 2011 at 11:44 PM