Things That Make Me Uncomfortable

Welcome to summer and Quilt Block Mania!

A few weeks ago I signed up to participate in an online group, called Quilt Block Mania in order to share free patterns with our followers.  It sounded like fun and a great way to introduce people to our website.  I even knew immediately which block I wanted to share for the first theme of "summer".  However, it didn't occur to me that I might not love the color way chosen for this first month.  Don't get me wrong, I think having a color theme makes complete sense and don't expect to always love the choice.  But when I looked at the palette, I just wasn't sure I could see a dragonfly in those colors.

I was determined to overcome my initial reaction to the colors and set to work.  I was pleased with the results and then dove into my fabric stash to try to find those colors. That proved to be very challenging and I ended up adding some blue and my yellow is brighter than the color stick but is certainly included in the inspirational picture.

As I collected fabrics and began to work, I reflected on the many times that being uncomfortable has brought about growth in my life.  I've learned to acknowledge my feelings and choose to move towards uncomfortable situations instead of pushing them away.  The past 12 months have certainly been uncomfortable!  From adding another business to our already expanding set up, to taking on employees, to pumping up our quilt show schedule only to have it deflate overnight...and now the discomfort of the constantly changing health warnings and the growing pains of our society...well, it seems to be never ending.

The unfamiliar combination of colors in this block remind me that beauty and progress come when we are willing to try something new.  To look at our world through a new pair of glasses, and to consider different points of view.  I suspect that I will look back, in the not too far future, and think that this was one of the most amazing years of my life.  How are you looking at these uncomfortable times?  Will you try to make this block using colors that aren't your favorites?  Will you greet the rest of your day with joy for the "uncomfortable-ness" of it?  I hope so!  Enjoy my dragonfly block and please share my blog with a friend.

This block is made using traditional piecing.  No special rulers or templates are needed, but we do have a great set that may enhance your precision.  Check it out HERE. 

 

 

Here are links to all the blocks in the Quilt Block Mania Summer Series:
Camping Tent by Carolina Moore
Beach Umbrella by Jennifer Fulton
Flip Flops by Becca Fenstermaker
Summer Cocktail by Marian Pena
Beach Ball by Laura Piland
Popsicle by Sherry Shish
Curvy fish by Velda Roy
Angelfish by Lisa Amundson
Bucket and Shovel by Heidi Pridemore
Wonky Beach Umbrella by Jamie Siel
Starfish by Leanne Parsons
Sailboat at Sunset by Glenda Wilder
Yacht by Sue Griffiths
Food/Ice Cream Truck by Laura Strickland
Crab by Afton Warrick
Sleeping bag and star by Sarah Vanderburgh
Funky Flower by Kathryn LeBlanc
IceCream Cond by Sarah Marcina
Sunglasses by Celine Perkins
Sun by Charisma Horton
Hello Summer by Amarar Creacions
Tall Ships by Kris Driessen
Life Saver Preserver by Sandy Fitzpatrick
Dragon Fly by Julie Luoma
Up in The Air by Judit Hajdu
Surfboard by Susan Arnold
Beach Treasures by Linda Bratten
Two Scoops by Shari Butler
Free to Fly by Marcea Owen

Show off your blocks on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/556520081896344/

   

 

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