Chuck it already, you won't use it again!

The view Tulips Quilt Top

The day is gorgeous, and I am slacking in the sewing room organization department. I snagged a little sunshine at lunch, but I am still recovering from the virus I read about in the paper. Yesterday I wore myself out cleaning and organizing all the garden stuff into the new shed, so I think I am tired of cleaning for the moment. It was a big job, so I am glad it is done!

The roses are growing nicely, buds are forming, but so far no color yet. The tulips are at the end, so I am ready for the roses.

I threw a bunch of stuff away yesterday, spurred by my grandmother who is moving out of her home, and realizing that she kept everything, I decided I don't want to become that way, and I had a throw away party with myself. I tell ya, some decisions were hard, and I teetered, but there is nothing like the feeling of a bursting full trash can when the day comes for it's pick up.

I need to take that advice into the studio I suppose (and the closet). I've already gone through that stuff though, its just a matter of finding a room arrangement I like for a room that is just a bit too small for all it does.

The quilt in the picture is for my nephew, and I have it pinned and waiting. I will start in, as soon as I can make my way to the machine. Guess I could have turned the light on, but the photo speaks so much about how I feel about the cleaning up part sometimes. I like the creating but I leave a wildfire of a mess when I re-arrange. How bout you? I know you can hardly wait for the after picture!

Finish The Old - Make Room For The New

"I fall in love with a material, a fabric, something that leads me down a path, and I go with it"
-Bohn

Nothing like cleaning and organizing your studio, to get ready for a new path! I needed to extend my cabinet out in back, since I have several quilts BEGGING and PLEADING to finally be quilted. I’m a prolific sewer, and yet things get delayed, waiting for backs, waiting for time to pin, etc. I really enjoy the quilting process, though I must admit, the scourge of this endeavor is minor tucks which really tick me off. They wiggle in despite my best efforts at their elimination. What I like about quilting is the fluidity of taking a needle and drawing on the canvas of your quilt.

This next quilt I am going to work on, I give my permission to just freehand and make stuff up. I have been noticing textures and thinking on the theme of "Protection," which really is the spiritual emphasis of this quilt since it will be going to a child who needs that in his life right now.

I put up this quote in my studio, because I want to have the courage to let things flow and not get caught up in what I should do, or what really would be matchy, or what I have seen before. Colors need abstract friends, and I want to make sure that they are never lonely or bored, or are void of someone to debate with in my pieces.

Finishing up these more traditional styles, I will reflect on what I learned, and how I can use that to create at a different level, with the incorporation of new inspiration, and products that evolve to transcend the "quilt." Now let me clarify, that I do not mean, look like a painting or a drawing, but I want a fluidity in the pieces that one doesn’t necessarily associate with quilts.

That said, I challenge sewers everywhere to be brave and go down your path, whatever it may be: fished out vintage, crazy batik, just a clear plastic bag full of scraps that need arranging -paths may be found style or forced style, or just plain improvisation.