what an honor--day 8

One of my proudest moments was when I received a call from a woman who had purchased one of my large quilts over 30 years ago. She had only a small glimpse of it in hanging in their living room in a picture of a gathering she had held but still I recognized it as mine from the days I did color studies of log cabins.

The customer told me she cried when she realized that the old familiar quilt was removed. But it was time to redecorate and they wanted me to make a new quilt for the updated space. Stop for a moment and think about that--after living with my quilt for 30 years and it was a large piece--they trusted me to make a new quilt to fill the space and give them the same sense of joy and home.

prairie sunrise--quilt--Ann Brauer 2016

It does look good there, doesn't it? Don't you love the modern but friendly feeling of this quilt with the red in the sky echoing the red in the rug?  Doesn't the room look like it will host many more gatherings for the next 30 years? What do you think?

36 years and still standing--prairie scene

I was lucky enough to grow up on a farm in Illinois. One of those wonderful magical places that one often only read about. Although the farm was along a river which gave us a few rolling hills, there were also long views of the distant sky. Would the bands of rain we could see in the west fall where we needed them? Would the sun break through the clouds before it set?

Normally we stored the hay and straw in the loft in the barn but one year for some reason my dad baled it and stacked the bales just west of the barn.

I can remember as a child scaling to the top of this pile and sitting there with the best view around just looking at the horizon and dreaming of what lay beyond.

prairie scene--quilt--ann brauer 2017--photo by John Polak

Do you have a memory of a place that you return to try to capture in all its aspects?  What do you think?

Day 2 of my 36 Day challenge.

road trip--encampment

A hot hazy day in western Massachusetts. Thunderstorms in the forecast. Summer in the Berkshires. Tuesday. My free day.

The previous days I had had several great conversations. What inspires you? How do you get ideas? What do you look at from the corner of your being--not to copy but to observe and learn. These conversations with other artists at the Berkshire Craft Show are part of what makes doing shows so inspiring for me. The conversations had continued at the studio--a young artist who is trying to create her own style of art quilts. A phone interview I had for a feature article (more on that at a later date.) The writer had studied my quilts and asked probing questions.

Time for a road trip to MASS MoCA in North Adams. Now MASS MoCA is a true national treasure. So much art in a reused industrial complex. There is always something new and exciting to see. I go there as often as I can--frequently in winter. But there were new exhibits. Buildings that are not open then. Enough to see that we could wander and gaze until we had had enough.

I loved the photographs of Clifford Ross and especially digital video where he deconstructed the images into colors that danced through space in ways that a quilt maker could only dream about. The blue color washes of Liz Deschenes intrigued me in their simple complexity. Jim Shaw's cartoonish renditions of contemporary American politics were interesting but did not grab me.

So I was not sure what to expect when I entered Francesco Clemente's Encampment exhibit. At first you just see six colorful tents camped out in the large room that you can walk through. I started quickly just scanning the paintings done in collaboration with craftspeople of Rajastan, Do you see all the sketches on the surface. This could be studied for a long time.

Then I started looking more closely at the designs--such wonderful graphics, so many great colors--and I got caught up in seeing more and more possibilities and wonder within the tents.

Wouldn't those be great designs for my new circle quilts. Well not just like that but as a sketch--a starting point?

Don't you just love the colors?

And consider the possibilities here. Yes, this is all painted on canvas with the depth only from the perspective used.

And another wonderful design. What fun that would be to sketch out. Maybe it could be used for another project I am working on. Hmmm.

And even more of a challenge. Great concept though isn't it?

And of course there is this amazing beehive design. All I can say is wow.

And of course the wonderful use of greys and dark browns here. So archetypal. Not a "design" that I would use but so powerful in its own right.

Well I could go one. So many more wonderful paintings up stairs. Such great colors. And I still haven't shown you all of MASS MoCA. Maybe I need to go back myself and study these more. I want to.

Have you seen this show? Are you planning a road trip? What inspires you? How do you look at things differently? The website for the Museum is www.massmoca.org And don't forget--my studio in Shelburne Falls is about 20 miles away--just saying.

the quilts of Ann Brauer--I'm on a roll

I know I haven't been writing for a while. What can I say? Well, actually I have a good excuse and it is not just that I need to spend time in my garden. You see, I have been on a roll. Now let me explain. Finally I got inspired as in really inspired.  Now inspiration as many of you may know can be a very delicate and tender process. You just can't tell when it is going to strike or how long it is going to last or even where it is going to take you.  Certainly I didn't want to jinx it by talking about it too early or even thinking about it too much. Instead at least for me it is a question of making one quilt and then making the next one with all deliberate speed and letting the process pull me forward.

This time I am (knock on wood) lucky. As of June 1 I will have been in my new studio a year and I am loving it. Just imagining how the new work will look in such a great space is inspiration in itself.  Right now I also have time to create. My next craft show is not until the Berkshire Craft Show in August at Monument Mountain HIgh School in Great Barrington. The Evanston Show will be in September in a new location--I keep planning how the new quilts will look in that space.

Consider this one I call "blue sun". Yes it is framed. I still need to attach wire for hanging it but doesn't it look smart on the dolly. It is all pieced and quilted, and then I quilted on top of it to give it even more substance and texture.

blue sun--quilt--40x40 inches--Ann Brauer

Then there is the companion quilt which is not quite done--red sun. Won't the two look fabulous together?

red sun--quilt--40x40 inches--Ann Brauer

And of course the flame series. Are they table runners? Wall hangings? They can be used either separately or maybe a pairing go up the stair case.

three flames--each 12 x 60"--quilt--Ann Brauer

When I need a break from such concentration, I still make my smaller items. The eyeglass cases, the placemats, pillows. Some of my older quilts have put on sale. Shelburne Falls is beautiful right now with new flowers on the Bridge every day. There are some wonderful  new shops--a great little Mexican restaurant near where my studio in exile was, the cream puff bakery and of course the kitchen store just down stream from me has its bargains. Riverfest is June 6--always a family day.

Most of the summer I will be in my studio working on these new quilts. When you are in town, I hope you will stop by to admire the view from my walkway and give me your impressions of my work. Of course do call first if you are coming from a distance. If Shelburne Falls is not in your plans, you can check out my latest work on Facebook  and I do have many of these quilts listed on my Etsy shop. http://www.etsy.com/shop/annbrauer

Have a great late spring. I look forward to seeing some of you either in person or on line.

the wind up

OK-- by now--as you just might already know--I moved into a new studio. Yeah!!! Friends told me my work looks absolutely fabulous. Never have they seen it look so good.

September fields--quilt--Ann Brauer--2014

And sure enough, within days, my big quilt--September fields--is headed for its new home. Yeah!!! Again.

But that means that I need to make another new quilt. After all, I am doing the Berkshire Craft Show August 8-10 in Great Barrington, MA. Should I cheer again? And then The American Craft Exposition in Evanston Augut 22-24. Yikes, what was I thinking.

Well, there is no time to think. I have to start--NOW. But what to make. Truth be told, I am not always feeling creative. Especially not when I am building a new studio. (Not that that is something I do often--but lots of my energy goes to deciding what color the door should be, what about the color of the tile in the rental unit upstairs. And how can I promote the new studio?) You get the gist.

But I can't hold a pity party. I must dig deep and think quickly. I know I want the quilt to have lots of color in it. I do after all have a black and grey quilt--winter light--which is fabulous. So I want something different and joyous.

winter light--99x99"--Ann Brauer--2013--quilt

I look around me. This is a quilt I made as a test for a large quilt that never happened. Yes, I love the sweep of the colors. So rich and wonderful.

quilt by Ann Brauer

But is it too "country"? Too much design in the fabric? I wonder.

Maybe it would look more "modern" if I had thin stripes running through it.  Yes, these quilts have names and better pictures. But this is how I was thinking. Put them up in the studio. Stand back. Think and ponder.

quilt by Ann Brauer

I love the sweep of the colors. But while the white looks fantastic in this smaller quilt, would it be too busy in a large quilt?  I try to visualize it.

Maybe dark would look better? More like September fields. Hmmm.

quilt by Ann Brauer

Well, it is time to make what I know. I can't fret about the new quilt too long. Fretting after all takes up time and energy. So I start. One long thin strip of yellow.

quilt by Ann Brauer

Now it looks like I am getting somewhere, doesn't it?

I organize and play with the next row. Arrange and re-arrange the colors. How quickly do I want the progression to happen? What will it look like when the quilt is done. After all, this quilt will be BIG.

quilt by Ann Brauer

Time to start. These seams are long.

quilt by Ann Brauer

Nice colors though aren't they? Now it seems like I am getting some place. If only I can continue. One row at a time. 

And you--how do you start a big quilt? Do you find the wind up to be the hardest part? Do you just jump in? Do you go back to what you have made before to find inspiration? Is this a trick for keeping your style consistent?

And most importantly, how will I get it done before those two craft shows?  Will it take on a life of its own? Can I just keep going?

For more information about the Berkshire Craft Show at Monument Mountain High School in Great Barrington now in its 41st year.   www.berkshirecraftsfair.or

And the American Craft Exposition at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. www.americancraftexpo.org

the quilts of Ann Brauer--Grand Opening Party June 28

You all are invited to a party June 28 at my new studio. There were so many people I needed to thank for making it happen. So many people I wanted to see. In the darkest hours after Irene, the thought of the opening party brought tears to my eyes. Now I don't recommend becoming a poster child for CERF+ which I am--not worth it. Although I do thank them for the help. And yes, I made that quilt AFTER Irene.

As well as the West County Relief Fund, the many friends who helped in so many different ways--the woman who spent the day before starting the new dream job she had worked so many years to get. My friends the craftspeople who helped just before a major craft show.  I told them they didn't have to but they returned just after the show and spent more time putting up my window film. Scott and Kate. Scott and Kate. The quilt makers who sent me precious contributions of fabric that I so desperately needed. The two great fabric stores in my area. Awesome. My amazing DH. Over and over. Those who helped me set up the temporary studio. So many hours these people gave me when I needed it most. I appreciate each and every thing you did.

Yes, it is time for a party.  I am in my new studio!! Of course, when I have had to choose between making quilts or promoting the party--well, sometimes the party won out and sometimes the quilts won out. That is what the new studio is made for after all. The light is absolutely fantastic. Thank you George Dole, Jr for listening to what I wanted and making it so much more what I wanted. The construction in awesome. Thanks Dole Brothers and the entire crew with a big shout out to George Dole himself who kept all the pieces going. What a great job you have done. Wait until you see the polished floor. I love it.

I confess I spend more time than I should just admiring the detail of the wood work. The mitered joints are beautiful. Thanks Scott. The finish is so smooth and shiny. Thanks Mike. And Spike. I love my polished floor. It is so substantial.

And of course those who did all the construction work. How many hours and days and weeks they spent digging the foundation--thanks Bucky and crew. Pouring the concrete. Raising the structure.

They had a cat walk to get the roof trusses installed--I didn't get much work done that day.

The many sub--contractors. Tim and Jim. Dale. The railing is great. The floor polisher who worked until midnight one day to get it done. My neighbors who let them use their space. Chris and Josh and Mike. My neighbors at my temporary space--Ellie, Kelly, Tiffany, Bob. My friends who encouraged me to go through with this process and gave me guidance to get it done. And of course, again my DH who put up with me in the stresses of construction.

OK. I could go on.

Instead it is time to party. The Grand Opening Party is June 28 from 4-7 and you are invited. Of course you are invited to the studio when I am open. I love to show it off. July 4 is the annual parade in town. Fire engines and old cars. Rescue vehicles and bicycles. It should go right past my studio. I can't wait. There is always the beauty of the Bridge of Flowers and the many great shops in Shelburne Falls. Then August will bring the Berkshire Craft Fair and the American Craft Exposition in Evanstion.  And for those who can't make it, I do have an Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/annbrauer  Or you can just follow me on the Internet. That is OK too.

And to everyone. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.



Ann Brauer
2 Conway Street
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370

the light returns

Maybe it is because I always leave work at the same time most days but suddenly it is still almost light when I reach my car. Yes, there is only a difference of seven or eight minutes. And snow on the ground does help. But the seasons are changing. The light is clarifying. For those who don't know, the afternoon sun does start setting later long before the days get noticeably longer. Something about our orbit around the sun. I don't really care about the reason though, I just know I love having the afternoons lengthen.

And what that means for me is that Baltimore is less than two months away. You know--the Baltimore Fine Craft Show February 21-23 at the Convention Center. Yikes, it is early this year.  It is time to switch from holiday orders. That daily requirement of making my most popular items--the blue placemats. The potholders. The eyeglass cases that I know will sell. Time to start making new quilts. The ones that push me and my limits. That will hopefully stand out against the 600 other exhibitors in Baltimore. For more information: http://shows.craftcouncil.org/baltimore

Yet for me there is just this bit of fear and hesitation. What if I am no longer creative? Sure, I can make a tea cozy and plan five more tea cozies. That is easy. But what if I just can't create anything new and exciting and beautiful.

Now I know that if I get going the quilts will come. So I tell myself not to think too much. To just start. Make a quilt that I haven't been thinking about that much. What about the next in the desert sun series? Love those colors.

desert sun--32x48"--Ann Brauer

Start with the grey. I know that. See if that gives me the momentum. Sometimes that first block is the hardest, isn't it?

So lonely it looks by itself. Is it too blue? Too green? Do the greys work together?  I must finish that row.

Then make the green. No, I am not going to study the quilt to get the green "right". I want this quilt to have its own personality. Let the quilt choose its destiny.

Doesn't that look wonderful and fresh? Which I confess is just how I feel right now. So eager to go to work and just see what happens. Last night I even envisioned another quilt. One not even based on quilts I have previously done. Maybe I can get in the groove again. Hmm. Wonder what will happen? Does this ever happen to you? How do you get going again?

chasing rainbows

Now as readers of my blog well know, I have a love-hate relationship with custom orders. On the one hand, I also worry if I am going to get the piece just right for the customer. After all, they are entrusting me to add a piece that meets their vision to their home. What a responsibility. I must examine the images of the room and try to absorb it before I create just the right quilt.

On the other hand, I find the finished quilt does stretch me in ways that I would not always venture. This is especially true of large quilts.

Of course the customer may want to know what the quilt looks like before I make it--this is only fair. Indeed it helps me refine my vision. But I am a self taught artist and while I may get the vision in my mind, frequently it is hard for me to convey the concept to the customer.

So sometimes I do what I do best--make a quilt. Think with the fabric. Make sure that my idea works.

This time, the order is for a large quilt similar to my quilt "rainbows of autumn."

rainbows of autumn--quilt--45x45"--Ann Brauer

But using the piecing techniques of "winter light". You may remember this quilt also. Large strips with colors that progress from light to dark. Of course this time, the inserts are not included.

winter light--99x99 inches--quilt--Ann Brauer

However the colors will be different. The teals and oranges of spring. Just a bit of fuschia. Some  browns and tans. Blues. I don't want a color progression but more the rolling colors of "rainbows of autumn". So I arrange and rearrange the fabrics.

And start to sew. Yes, this sample will be smaller--much smaller than the finished quilt so I can't use nearly as many fabric. But maybe it will give me an idea what it will look like and help me learn what the possibilities of this colorway are. What changes I need to make. Let me see.

Not bad. I am not sure about that yellow--is it too bright? And the one complex color running through may be more conceptual than actual. Hmmm.

A bit more of how it will look. Let me continue.

A little more rounded out with that brown on the bottom and a bit more blue on the top. It may be too orange. Where is the fuschia? And I do want the colors to roll just a bit more. But still a start.

Now it is getting to be fun. What a fun colorway. What do you think? Do you ever make small samples like this? What will the customer think?

To be continued.....

the quilts of Ann Brauer--September song

Yes, amazing it is September already. August just flew by as I did not one but two wonderful craft shows. So many people I met. So nice to see such a positive reaction to my new work. And now I have month to fill orders and get ready for the busy season ahead. And of course I have to find room in my garden for just a few more daylilies that I just had to order--I did try to contain myself though--really.

Anyhow enough chit chat for now. The BIG news is that progress is being made on my new studio almost every single day. As I noted in an article in The Recorder, I can stand at my counter at 6 Bridge Street and watch them pour concrete for 2 Conway Street and I confess I do that probably a little too much during the course of the day. The new building has a wonderful very solid foundation which will be raised far above ground level. In addition the two entrances into the new building will have a flood barrier that I can insert if a weather event warrants. There will also be a coating on the first couple feet of the new building which is water proof. (My architect does know his stuff.) For those who want to follow the progress more, I  post often on Facebook--www.facebook.com/annbrauerquiltstudio and will try to write more often on my blog about it.

Meanwhile I will be in the studio most days in September making work for my next show which is the Paradise City Arts Festival at the Three County Fairgrounds in Northampton October 12-14. This is a glorious show with good food and great live music as well as some of the best fine craft and art around. Columbus Day is late this year so the colors should be fabulous as well. Shelburne Falls will be holding another ArtWalk on September 14 from 4-8 pm and of course I will be open all day. Just another excuse to visit the Falls in the 'tween season and see how lovely the Bridge of Flowers is. Later in the year I will be doing the Washington Craft Show and CraftBoston.

And now for the Quilt of the Month. This time I decided to sell my quilt--spring garden.

spring garden--90x90"--quilt--Ann Brauer

This was a groundbreaking quilt for me when I made it back in 2000. Its sister is in the collection of the American Museum of Art + Design down in the Big Apple. This quilt was recently returned to me from a gallery where it was displayed for a number of years. I had initially considered keeping it as  part of my personal collection but, as I reminded myself when I listed it on Etsy, I am building a new studio. Anyhow, if you are interested you can find it on my Etsy shop at
www.etsy.com/shop/annbrauer  Do note that the quilt does have a bit of a ripple when it hangs although I will gladly sew another strip of Velcro onto the bottom should you wish.  While on my Etsy show you can also see that I am trying to add more eyeglass cases to the shop to replenish those that sell. And I am wondering if I should post a few placemats and potholders on the site--what do you think?

OK--this is a long newsletter. I hope to see some of you in my studio this month or on the web so to speak. As always enjoy the season.

Thanks so much for reading.

the quilts of Ann Brauer--groundbreaking edition

Dear all,

Oh how quickly this summer is flying by, isn't it? Sure the weather was first rainy, then oh so hot. Then a wee bit chilly. Too dry. And of course a few perfect days.  After all this is New England, right?

Meanwhile I am busily getting ready for not one but two craft shows this month. The first one is the Berkshire Crafts Show at Monument Mountain High School in Great Barrington, MA on August 9-11. This is such a fabulous small show put on by the teachers to raise money for programs at the school. Artists do come from across the North East and even further to participate in this show so if you are in the area, please do plan on dropping by and seeing what is available. I have so much new work for the show. For more information http://www.berkshirecraftsfair.org/

Late summer--quilts--Ann Brauer

Then later in the month is the American Craft Exposition in Evanston, IL August 23-25. This is one of the top shows in the country--I am always delighted when I get accepted as I love to browse the aisles and see what everyone has been doing. This year if you check out their web site you will see they have lots of special ticket prices--for instance a pre purchased pack of four tickets is only $40 if you buy before August 19. So make plans now. For further information http://americancraftexpo.org/

And for those who want to purchase from me but can't make it to the studio or one of these shows, I am experimenting with a small presence on Etsy including new pillows and purses so do check it out and let me know what you think. Of course I can special list any items that you want if you find that most convenient. Just let me know. http://www.etsy.com/shop/AnnBrauer

Pillows--Ann Brauer

And now for the BIG BIG news is that my request for a variance for my new studio did get approved--yeah!!! A few more hoops to jump through and then groundbreaking should be some time in August. To catch you up, my hope is to rebuild my studio (on a very firm foundation I might add) and add a second story to help finance this project. I am meeting with the architect again tonight but it sure is going to be a gorgeous building and I am so excited that I have to pinch myself to make sure it will really happen. Of course I will keep everyone posted about the progress--may even toss in a couple of surprise sales to celebrate so stay tuned. Doesn't the building look great?

Well I guess that is a lot of news for this month. I hope you all are having a great summer.

Thanks for reading.

the quilts of Ann Brauer--32 years and counting

OK let me get the weather out of the way first--more rain and thunderstorms here. If I could I would love to share it with my many friends out west  but alas.... Sigh!!! Anyhow the flowers in the garden are thriving, the weeds are doing quite well too and in Shelburne Falls I have never seen the Bridge of Flowers more beautiful. I have been on a roll in the studio making new quilts--it is so much fun when ideas just come to me and I can't wait until I get to show them to you.

I did calculate that as of today I will have been supporting myself (well, it does depend on your definition of how much money one needs to survive) for the last 32 years. Pretty amazing isn't it? Maybe I will have a treat at McCusker's this morning to celebrate.

I don't have any shows planned this month but there will be another ArtWalk in Shelburne Falls on Saturday July 13 and my studio will be open until 8pm that night. I do hope those in the area will drop by and explore the many wonderful art and craft studios in town. The studio will be closed the following week-end so I can attend a family function--congrats Dove and Philippe--but otherwise I should be working to prepare for the Berkshire Craft Show and the American Craft Exposition in Evanston, IL next month though do call first if you are coming from a distance.

And now for the Quilt of the Month. Well actually two long hangings.

The first is the study in neutrals. It is about 12 x 60" and does indeed have the interesting crooks in it that would either make a statement hanging (there is a sleeve for hanging) or could be a fantastic table runner. And the second is a study in blue. It is about 11x55" and has Velcro for hanging. It too has a slight slant that should not be noticeable as a table runner or can get attached to a wall so that  it hangs fairly straight. Each is $300 plus applicable taxes and shipping and are sold on a first come first served basis--please do specify which one you want.

blue wall hanging--Ann Brauer

neutral wall hanging--Ann Brauer

I hope you get just the right amount of rain and sun this summer and do look forward to seeing many of you in the studio or at craft shows later in the summer.

Ann Brauer
6 Bridge Street
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370

ann@annbrauer.com
413 625-8605

keeping up

Yes  I know. It has been a while since my last blog post. Now it is not that I haven't tried. I have even written several great posts in that lovely time of 5 am when I am almost awake but not really. Amazing how inspiration can strike then, isn't it?

But in the light of day--do they get written? No.

Now it is not that I am lazy. Puleeaze. But just busy. After all, I have done two great craft shows with one more planned for next month. Yes, that is a lot of work. Not that I am complaining mind you. I do like to meet people. Try to see how others react to my latest quilts. What questions do they have? What are they looking for? How can I help them? Then there are the family issues. And yes, I have been experimenting with a new site on social media. If you want check me out on Houzz. Do check me out if you wish here. http://www.houzz.com/pro/annbrauer/ann-brauer-quilt-studio  But I digress.

Still I am glad to be back working in the studio getting ready for my last show of the spring--CraftBoston Spring April 19-21 at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston. Definitely a show worth going to if you are in the Boston area. Here is more info: http://www.societyofcrafts.org/cbspring/springinfo.asp And yes, I do need to make more quilts.

I decided to work on another variation of my quilt three as almost a warm-up quilt.  Getting back into the swing of things so to speak. You may remember it. Three separate color ways that could be hung either this way

Or this way.

Which do you prefer?  I loved the optical illusion it created. The edges really are straight but it looks like it curves, doesn't it?  Now I had started the quilt last winter. Made the first section and then it sat there. Too many other things to do. This week though it seemed just the quilt to finish. So I made the teal section and then decided that I should use green and not grey. After all, I did not want to duplicate myself. So I searched all over the studio for the right greens. This quilt is very soft and many green fabrics are either very bright or very yellow and I wanted a moss green. More like this. Hard to find but I did it.

And pinned it up to the quilt. Doesn't look great does it? Have I lost my touch?

But what if? Am I missing the obvious answer? Yes, this small changes does pull it together, doesn't it? Whew. I think this is it. Amazing how a small change makes such a big difference.

As for keeping up, well I know that I can't do everything. I mean not only do I have quilts to make, but I also have e-mails to send to answer questions from customers. Samples of fabric to send. Even a studio to clean for the spring. But I guess that having too much to do is better than a clean house, isn't it? For me, I try to do one thing every morning. Check it off the list. Then work on the next quilt.

How do you prioritize? Any good strategies you have learned?

too big to fail

Those who have been following my blog know that I have been piecing my new quilt. Sewing until my back aches. My hands are tired. And even my sewing machine is saying--or would be if sewing machines could speak--"Enough already Ann. Take a break. Do something else."

Still I am lucky. Unlike many quilts, this one just seems to be falling into place as though it knows what it is meant to look like. That is until I get to the top of the quilt. Now I have hanging where I can see it as I sew my quilt--october snow. I love this piece. The intense colors contrasted against the black and white stripes. I feel it is taking quilts to a new place. Both modern and traditional, isn't it? What a statement.

Now I know I can just have the top fade into lighter blues--but isn't that too obvious? Too much like a quilt that others might make. Too safe, if you know what I mean. So I decide I want to take a risk. See what happens if the blue is confined and defined at the top. I wait a day or two. Lie awake in the morning trying to picture in my mind what it will look like.

And then decide to go for it. Now sometimes when I try--the risk is just time. I can take out a row or two of stitches and return to Plan A. Or maybe move on to Plan C or D or--well, you get the idea.

But this quilt is so big I can't really see the whole thing on my design wall. Sure I take pictures all the time. Step back and ponder. Realize that I could if I really had to remake a couple of rows.

But I think it will work. I want to see this quilt as I imagine it. So instead I keep sewing the rows together. Keep moving forward knowing that it will look different when the whole thing is finished. Yes, I take the image and then flip it in the camera to get an idea what it will look like although the rows are not sewn together yet.

Yes, it is scary. Am I wasting my time? How many comments am I going to get at the Paradise City Arts Festival www.paradisecityarts.com wondering why I added the black and white stripes? Is this a good thing? Is it stretching the quilt? Or am I making the wrong decision? What do you think? Does this ever happen to you?