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Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Quilting teaches me.... Simplicity

Introduction
I've been quilting for a lifetime, literally, and have come to the conclusion that we do what we love in part because it challenges us to learn. Anyone who quilts can attest to the idea of learning about fabric and supplies, blocks and backings, sewing and making. 
I'm exploring the other things that quilting teaches.

Erica's Hot Pink Girl
Simplicity is not something that may quickly come to mind when we think about quilting. After all, there are those fancy quilting motifs and, yikes!, those itty-bitty block pieces. What about this EPP business? Is there anything simple about quilting? I didn't think so.
Jack jumped over the candlestick
Well, I didn't. You know, way back when I started quilting. That first quilt was actually very simple, but I certainly didn't think so at the time. Let's fast-forward a couple of ten years. By that time I'd made many quilts, some for no reason except that I wanted to. I'd get an idea for a quilt and that quilt just had to be made. It didn't matter how difficult--I just convinced myself to study and figure it out. 

 Always though, I'd come back to an easy quilt. It's a great way to quilt while my brain rests and thinks up new quilts. Funny how that works. 

 The simplicity part. There are times when a simple quilt is the only way to go. Four-patches and nine-patches--straightforward, easy, controlled or scrappy...none it matters except the quilt. 
Sophie's Quilt (with 5 Babuska babies)
Simple quilts have their own kind of beauty. Those matching corners, which are okay even if they don't quite match. The straight lines and open areas. Perfect for a simple girl--one who lives in tee-shirts and flip-flops. Perfect for a new baby who just wants to be snuggled and warm. Perfect for almost anyone, almost anytime.

 Don't get me wrong, I love dreaming up new ideas and creating quilts with hidden meanings. Art quilts are my current rave. But I always come back to simple. 

Quilting teaches me...
Contentment

3 comments:

  1. Karen SOctober 12, 2018 at 5:15 AM

    Simple quilts can be a great way to set off a special fabric and make it shine!

    ReplyDelete
  2. NancyOctober 12, 2018 at 9:46 PM

    Not all quilts are simple, of course -- many pieces, many colors. Sometimes after I make a busy quilt I just want the quiet peace of making a simple quilt. I started this year that way. And then, of course, there't the quiet simplicity of quilting a simple quilt. Simple is perfect when our lives are too busy.

    ReplyDelete
  3. KajaOctober 13, 2018 at 2:19 AM

    This is such a good idea for a series of posts, Mary. I am very much enjoying them and they are giving me pause for thought too.

    ReplyDelete

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