One of the things I want to learn in retirement is how to quilt. I have taken stabs at it over the years, but life seemed to always get in the way. Which is ironic when you think about quilting. Quilting was a way for women to earn money, keep their families warm, and as they chose their patterns, I imagine them choosing what reflected life in those moments of sewing the pieces together.
In my mind, I can see women choosing to make the flying geese pattern when her children were grown and moving out on their own. I can see women making the broken dishes pattern when life seemed to be falling apart of changing in a significant way never to be the same again as she picked up the broken pieces of her life. I can see women making the wedding ring pattern as she prepared her dowery, something we don’t do today, and putting all her hopes and dreams into every stitch. And so, I would like to learn to quilt.
I know how to sew. I have been sewing in some capacity since I began to learn how when I was nine years old. What I need to learn are the techniques of sewing a quilt. I need to learn how to put one together. I definitely need to learn how to sew a mitered corner! And in the learning, I will put the pieces of my life down in fabric. I will choose my blocks to reflect what I have lived through. I will choose to show the joys, and I will choose to show the heartaches too.
Because quilting or any craft for that matter is an honest reflection of the artist. If the artist is not honest, then their craft suffers. It could even lead to artists block where they are unable to tap into the well of creativity that lies deep within us all. And we are all creative in our own unique ways. God created every human being as a creative person, and we create in ways that honestly reflect who we are.
Right now, I am sewing quilted bags just to get my creativity flowing and brush up on the skills I do have. I am enjoying picking out the colors and patterns of the fabrics I put together as I sew each piece. I love it when someone comes to mind as I am choosing the fabrics! I am also trying to think about how I can brush up on my hand sewing. The goal will be to make a quilt and then hand quilt it. I may never finish it. Hmmmm…maybe I need to make provisions for my UFO’s when I die. Or maybe I should just finish all my projects.
Anyway, I believe quilting will become my new creative outlet to help be best express life and all the wonderful ups and downs we experience.
I hope everyone finds a way they can be creative, a way to add beauty not only to your own life but to the world around you.
Peace,
Beth
Beth's Blog 