The Stages of Life

Recently,

I have contemplated the stages of life

 as they relate to my quilting endeavors.

First, is the infancy stage...

I am so full of hope and vitality that
I buy multitudes of new patterns and want to make each one.

Just a few in my queue and
I am anxiously awaiting a few more from My Red Door Designs this week.

Then comes middle childhood, where my imagination and creative juices go wild,
 hence working on several projects all at once.

My Garden, by Kathi Campbell of Heart to Hand,
is a new BOM program at The Olde World Quilt Shoppe.

Another Kathi Campbell project, October Garden.

During my adolescence,

I have a great passion for the project and make good progress.

Just the binding to go on this wall hanging,
Home is Best by Norma Whaley of Timeless Traditions Quilts.

Then the project moves into early adulthood where I see it as a responsibility; 

but I want to make my mark,
so I actually finish a few things.

Heart Table Mat, designed by Norma Whaley.

 Flower Baskets, by Lisa Bongean.

Coxcomb Medallion, by Lisa Bongean.

In the midlife of the project,

I start to contemplate whether completing the project will truly enrich my life.

Scrap Basket Blossoms,
from Kim Diehl's book, Simple Applique.
Two of the side borders are quilted, but I doubt I will finish the other two.
I made this quilt while teaching Kim's applique technique.

As a benevolent, mature adult,

I consider donating the project to raise funds for a worthy cause! 

And in those last few years,
I am sure wisdom will help me let go of the projects that just don't matter.