Monday, May 23, 2011

No photos - just an epihany

I have this site and all its wonderful contributors to thank for the fabulous epiphany I had this morning. You see, I'm leaving next week for a 3- to 4-month trip in our trailer up to Canada, in which we'll visit the Canadian Rockies for a while and then take the Alaska Highway up and back. In all my previous summer trips, which have been no longer than 2 months, I've taken my sewing machine and "kits" - sets of fabric picked out for different projects.  It took a lot of pre-planning, since there was no way I could take ALL my stash. 

However, in preparation for this long trip, it came to me this morning that I don't need to pre-plan or take "kits" at all.  I'm going to take all my scraps - from 2.5/3/5" squares to strips to odd-sized pieces, all smaller than F8s.  And that's a LOT of fabric.  I'm going to take my two Gwen Marston liberated quilting books as well as my Word Play book, and I'm going to make all kinds of fabric and cool things. I'll probably throw in a few large pieces of solids in orange and red, but since I can't pass a quilt shop without going in, I know I'll be able to pick up more solid if I need it.

It takes a big load off my brain as I count the days to retirement (7 more work days!), knowing I'm just going to throw all my scraps in the box instead of having to take time to plan out what I MIGHT want to do. 

I'm looking forward to sharing what I come up with along the way! Thanks for the inspiration.

9 comments:

Lisa said...

Congrat on retiring! And your 4 month trek. I think I'm a little jealous! Can't wait to see what you have to show us when you return.

Nifty Quilts said...

That sounds like a wonderful trip! Just your scraps, your machine, and the beautiful scenery. Have a great time, and congratulations on your retirement!

Impera Magna said...

How exciting... retirement AND a great road trip! Congrats on your decision to play with scraps... I love the level of creativity getting scrappy!

Janet said...

Have a fabulous trip. If you come through Carcross, Yukon look me up.

Deb said...

Wow what a great setting for creative inspiration--a road trip! I am envious!! Have a great time!

Deb

Miki Willa said...

Congrats on your retirement. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do mine. Your trip sounds fantastic, as do your sewing plans. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!

Unknown said...

Have a great trip - it sounds awesome! Looking forward to seeing what you have made when you get back

Nina Lise@Mrs Moen said...

Happy retirement and enjoy your camper and scraps! It sounds like a good match!

Magpie Sue said...

You can make a memory quilt of your first trip in retirement! What fun! I hope you enjoy your trip and find many happy surprises along the way. :- )