Day 326 – Hosta Leaves
Thank you all so much for your supportive comments to my “No!” post! It’s amazing how helpful writing it all out can turn things around. For many months I’ve felt bad for saying “No” to many business opportunities, worried that if I turn too many people down, they will all stop liking me!
But now I’m able to see that saying “No” to these things is essential. I want to be at home and teach online. Period. Running around the country (or world) will only take me away from where I want to be and what I want to be doing.
So speaking of teaching, let’s get back on track with a new design! Looking at our recent Pivoting designs, I can see things have gotten pretty complex. Let’s simplify things a bit with this simple combination of leaves and tear drop shapes that make a pretty Hosta Leaf:
Again, if this design looks familiar, it’s probably because it was originally published in the Quilting Arts In Stitches Online Magazine more than a year ago. With more than 300 designs, it can hard to keep track of them all, but I’m quite sure we haven’t repeated any so far.
Difficulty Level – Intermediate. This is a very simple combination of shapes that come together to make a beautiful design. Focus first on creating the tear drop shape and then echoing with the hosta leaf shape. If you find yourself struggling to stitch the leaf shape properly, try drawing the design several times to get the hang of it first.
Design Family – Pivoting. The mother of all pivoting designs is Paisley, a fun design stitched with simple tear drop shapes. Get the hang of Paisley first, then try your hand at this design. Chances are if you can quilt Paisley, Hosta Leaves will be very easy for you to stitch.
Directional Texture – All Directions. Experiment with making your starting tear drop shape very short and squat, and also very long and wiggly to see how this will change the overall texture of the design.
Suggestions for Use – There are so many flower and leaf themed quilts these days that would look beautiful when stitched with this design. Hosta Leaves can easily fit in any area of your quilt, so don’t hesitate to try it around appliques, in your sashing, or even the borders of your next quilt.
Just wanted to say how much I appreciate all your FMQ designs. I am amazed at your creativity and your dedication to quilting. I have also been moved and touched by your personal journey. You are am amazing person, I am so impressed by the wisdom and strength you are exhibiting. I think you are making some very wise and empowering choices. As you write it is clear that you have thought about these decisions and weighed the consequences of your actions and are willing to accept the results. It take a strong person to move out of bad situations and take control. Life can be joyous and wonderful. I truly hope you will be able to continue to move in that direction.
When I get caught up in "what will people think?" I remember my aha moment when I realized that they DON"T think. Others aren't thinking about me, they are thinking about themselves, how will it affect them, how are they doing, even how they look. And that's very freeing! No one cares as much about me as I do! So I need to be sure that I am caring for myself! Because if I don't care about myself, who will? So say NO when you need to, those who care will understand and those who don't understand don't care anyway so who needs them!
Thank you for what you are doing with your blog and your life. Very best wishes.
i would love to see this video but it is just colors ad pixalated – the audio is fine. i tried clicking below which took me to another site but the video behaved the same. also viewed in a different browser and it was the same. boo hooo ! i think your designs are really beautiful and am trying to learn how to do free motion quilting. thank you.
martha e, aka nanascottie
Thanks for choosing to teach online. I learn so much from you. I appreciate that you share your journey so that we can know you, which adds a richness to your teaching. The way you articulate clear direction is helpful beyond words. You didn't become so good at what you do by mistake, it's part of who you are and who you continue to become. I'm happy to support your store and spread the word about your wonderful blog. Thanks, Leah! You are the best!
Leah,
You might like the book, "the Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz. Here is a quote from it:
"If someone is not treating you with love and respect, it is a gift if they walk away from you. If that person doesn't walk away, you will surely endure many years of suffering with him or her. Walking away may hurt for awhile, but your heart will eventually heal. Then you can choose what you really want. Then you will find that you do not need to trust others as much as you need to trust your self to make the right choices." Hope there are not too many typo's.
Jodi B
Happy Birthday!
Just wanted to wish you a happy birthday!
Your tutorials are so great! Have been a huge inspiration for those of us who do our FMQ on our domestic/home machines. A huge thanks!! AND Birthday wishes (early;-) Doreen
Happy Birthday Leah! And congratulations for just saying "No" at such an early age. I was in my mid-40's when I said "no". You are a survivor, again…congratulations!!
Hi, Leah!
Happy Birthday!
I wish that all your dreams come true!
And hope your are VERY VERY VERY HAPPY!
Have a wonderful day!
And THANK YOU!
For all that you teach and share every day with us!
A hug!
thanks for sharing Hosta, I converted this to a pattern for my Longarm, I have always steered away from leaves thinking I couldnt make them look good. But after watching your video, gave me the confidience to give it a try. Check out my blog http://www.quiltingbyjeannie.blogspot.com to see how they turned out on an overall pattern. Thanks again, i learn so much from you