creativity for the soul work in progress

on fear and creating.


Lincoln by Kim Soper/Leland Ave StudiosI’ve been working on a project that means a lot to me — for almost a year now. I have rarely shared it on social media. And I have yet to share it in this space as an assembled quilt top, until today. Sometimes, when things mean too much, they end up walking side by side with fear. And occasionally, that fear takes over — bringing the project to a screeching halt.

Lincoln by Kim Soper/Leland Ave Studios

Such has been the case with Lincoln. I am so excited about how it’s coming along. I am thrilled that I am able to use my vision for Improv With Intent to create a recognizable image that is neither paper pieced nor appliquéd. But because I took the time to step back and admit that am happy with the progress, I am terrified of going one step further. Fear, negative and destructive fear, has taken a hold of my rotary cutter and left me in a state of paralysis. It’s been months since I’ve made any new blocks for this quilt.

Lincoln by kim soper/lelandavestudios

I started this blog as an online diary — a way to keep track of my projects and what my thoughts were at the time of making those projects. I never knew if anyone would read it except for myself. But some of you did. And some of you stayed. And I thank you for that. Now, I am sharing this with you for a sense of accountability. And, because I am hoping that by making my fears known to the Universe, I can turn them into something positive: motivation.

Thanks for sticking with me through this pep talk. I know I just have to get the scrap bin out. Get moving. And make a mess. I’m hoping that now that you know what I need to do, I can get started. My inner critic is a loud talker. Sharing with you here will hopefully help me to push through the negative thoughts and get to work!

Linking Lets Bee Sewcial.

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  • Sarah
    April 6, 2016 at 3:49 pm

    Inner critics are always the loudest, aren’t they? I really like where this is going, and please consider me a cheerleader for more progress!!! A woman in my old knitting group used to say all the time: “isn’t it so nice we work in soft mediums?” Fabric (or yarn) can’t really be totally ruined. You could mess up a piece, sure, but you can just remove that section and try again. It’s not marble. 🙂 Hopefully, that helps.

  • Carla J
    April 6, 2016 at 3:56 pm

    Your “Lincoln” is coming along very well, and I am amazed at the fact that you’re using improv piecing! Trust in yourself and don’t let fear take over. If you make a block that you don’t like, then just remove it from the mix and make another. Remember, too, mistakes can be “happy accidents” and you might achieve something you didn’t expect. Don’t let fear stall you out (I’ll take my own advice to heart…). If you are happy with it and feel like it’s complete in your mind, it could be a really cool artsy piece, as is. It’s all up to what makes you happy with your project. I’m curious to see where you take this…

  • Audrey
    April 6, 2016 at 4:27 pm

    Each glimpse of this has been a treat. I know that sometimes the critic may whisper, but know that you have cheerleaders on your side as well! This is awesome!

  • Louise
    April 6, 2016 at 5:52 pm

    What I can see of it look wonderful! I hope this kind of piecing is in my future. Without seeing it on blogs like yours, I would have never known what was possible. I hope you’ll keep moving forward, knowing that newbies like me learn by watching. Thanks for sharing.

  • kris jarchow
    April 6, 2016 at 6:48 pm

    I am also cheering you on! this is fabulous and can’t wait to see more.

  • Yvonne (Quilting Jetgirl)
    April 6, 2016 at 8:56 pm

    You have got this. It is amazing, and what is beautiful and wonderful about sewing is that stitches can be ripped and resewn. I am in awe of the progress and look forward to seeing more as it progresses!

  • Jess @ Quilty Habit
    April 6, 2016 at 10:37 pm

    I love reading about your process. Keep going! It is going to be amazing. Give yourself the space you need (if necessary).

  • Chelsea Huckins
    April 6, 2016 at 10:52 pm

    WOW! You must keep going at all costs. We critique ourselves the hardest. Plus with quilting we always have seam rippers, there is always a redo!

  • Courtney
    April 6, 2016 at 11:33 pm

    This is amazing, I can’t wait to see more!!! I feel fairly confident quilting but I have no clue how to even start a project like this ; )

  • Kirsty@Bonjour
    April 7, 2016 at 3:28 am

    I’m over here slow clapping and chanting Go Kim, Go Kim, Go Kim. How’s that for support! This work really needs to be finished and receive the adulation it deserves. I think it’s amazing and will stay amazing – you’ll see. Now get back to it, girl!

  • Anne
    April 7, 2016 at 4:45 am

    Thank you for sharing (it is good to know that you are not alone in this!) and I hope that sharing helps you through the difficult time you have with this work, because -honestly- this top in the making is a gem. It really (really!) is beautiful and so very meaningful. Keep up the good work (and don’t worry about the pace; it is lovely).

  • Carrie Wikander
    April 7, 2016 at 8:20 am

    This , to me, is such an exciting piece! Even if you left it where it is right now, it’s amazing-instantly recognize able and amazing. I’m totally awed, really. Talk about Art! This is my inspiration for today. Thanks so much for sharing it! Just to start this was brave and it clearly is bringing you joy, so you’ll finish it, no worries.

  • Jayne Willis
    April 7, 2016 at 9:33 am

    I am so glad you shared this piece and shared your fears! Lincoln is going to be a spectacular piece of art when you are finished. This I will follow! We are hardest on ourselves. If you need a pep talk….you got it! Keep going, this is amazing, you got this in the bag!

  • Louisa @ Sewmotion
    April 7, 2016 at 2:41 pm

    I love where this project is going, even more so after learning its all improv piecing, you are a very clever quilter! good luck with your progress, and remember to breathe! 🙂

  • Lisa
    April 7, 2016 at 10:08 pm

    Kim I am so wowed by this project. I liked it at the beginning when I had no idea at all of what you were doing but what it’s growing into is just amazing. Thanks for sharing this I hope you can work through the fear and I think sharing it here is step one in that process. I’m giving you encouragement.

  • Judy
    April 8, 2016 at 12:44 pm

    Kim, most of us wouldn’t even begin to challenge ourselves with this kind of a project, so keep going, it’s looking amazing! No worries!

  • lincoln quilt is basted! - LELAND AVE STUDIOS
    September 26, 2016 at 1:00 pm

    […] a quick celebratory moment! After a year-plus of improv piecing, the lincoln quilt top is done — and has been basted! I cannot even get over the fabulous […]

  • Lincoln – LELAND AVE STUDIOS
    January 27, 2017 at 7:56 pm

    […] with the support of the amazing sewing community, you guys pushed me to get over my fear and keep going. So I did. And it was hard, and I felt like […]