Where does this hobby fit into the grand scheme of things? This is a topic I’ve thought of often, but it’s hard to put into words…
I love to quilt and sew, and tell you a bit about it here, but why? and for what use? When I think about the things I believe in, and what I’ve been placed on this Earth to do, I wonder what cutting up pieces of fabric and sewing them back together again has to do with it.
But I also know that there is a part of me that must make and create and dream. I think that is in everyone, whether it’s painting a canvas, cooking gourmet meals, decorating a home, planting a beautiful garden, or piecing fabric.
It’s the times when I think of hungry people, of lonely children, or of people I love whose lives have ended suddenly, that I want to pick up my omnigrid ruler and hurl it across the room… But then I’d go and pick it up again because amidst sadness, ugliness, hunger, and want, we still have the need for beauty.
P.S. Don’t give up on me. I have two quilts almost ready to show you, if I can just get some pictures taken.
I've had these exact same questions! All I know is, creating keeps me sane. It really does. If I go too long without sewing or crafting, I start to feel a little down, like there's something missing. So I'll just keep at it until I find those answers.
I think that a quilt is a tangible expression of love and comfort besides being beautiful. A quilt can really make a positive difference in someone's life. At least that's what I tell myself when I spend hours working on one.
We are women….we must create! We do our share of caring for others…and I believe this is our outlet.
Love those fabrics. Do you mind telling me what line they are in? They would be perfect to make my niece who just got married a quilt from. I am going to do a blog post about her wedding and when you see the pics you will understand why. Her whole day was done in bright orange and hot pink!
I sometimes have the same feelings as well. But then I want to pick up that ruler and cut into some fabric. It helps through the hard times.
You said it! Well put.
I've thought about those same things. How does this quilting thing make the world a better place? I've been quilting for a long time and when I think back on all the friends I've made, all the students I've taught and how my quilting has touched others, I know it's had an impact. A positive one I think. A quilter that I've taught or inspired now has a joyful hobby. Maybe will make a quilt for another or teach another and bring a little joy to their lives. I don't think we'll ever know the impact we may have on the world. Keep quilting and keep sharing yourself with others.
I have crafted all my life – but never found it completely fulfilling until I began a quilt ministry at my church. Now I am busier than I've ever been, but definitely happier! I don't have a homemade quilt to put on my own bed, but this year I've taught new quilters and been part of making 47 quilts that we've given to people going through crisis times. I think everything I learned and did up to now has been training for what I am doing now. So don't chuck your ruler – you're just a WIP!
You are a wise woman to recognize your need for an outlet, a creative outlet. When I look around outside and see the patterns and the colors I know that God is creative. Made in his image, we are creative too.
I am glad that you have recognized this 'gift' in creating while you are young enough to develop your abilities. It is only recently that I have 'found' this world of quilting and I love it! But the brain doesn't get the messages to the hands as well as it should and sometimes the brain doesn't get the messages! I will keep trying because it brings such pleasure and yes, comfort.
As the days become darker may you see the Light and live in Hope. I enjoyed looking at the Hope quilt. Thanks for sharing.
I delight in you sharing from your heart….. it encourages those that read this blog.
I so relate to this post. You have put into words so eloquently what I often wrangle with myself. I see-saw from one side of the argument to the other, as life ebbs and flows. I don't have any answers. But I know quilting fulfils an innate need to create, and I have been made with that need. I think God is OK with that, providing I temper the obsession and don't lose sight of Him amongst it all! Thank you for a really honest and thought provoking post.
I think I've invited you before, but this post sparks me to do it again… Would you like to join us in making quilts for needy children at do. Good Stitches? I have lists of registered stitchers (who are able to piece but not quilt) and really need a few more quilters now so that I can launch more sewing circles. I'd be happy to hear your thoughts and ideas, if you want to make a circle that's a little different. I know that when I'm quilting for people in real, bare need, it means a lot for me.