Random Quilt Ramblings

Thinking a lot about quilts this morning. Not only did I crawl out from under two of them this morning when I finally got out of bed, but I stepped around another one lying on my floor in a heap. And passed another three on my walls. Looked at another one hanging up at work – also mine.

Started a list of all the quilts I have finished. I am up to 27 so far. I’ve gifted 6 that I remember, so there may be more. I don’t keep very good track of the ones I’ve finished. It’s mostly the process for me.

Of the ones that are more complicated than basic squares or rectangles in straight-ish lines,6 are made with my own piecing pattern. One is from a pattern Donna made. All the applique work is my own design except one. 1 complete quilt is from a commercial pattern.

I have 10 that need to be quilted or are in the process of being quilted. Two that I am currently actively working on piecing.

And a lot more that exist only in my head or in my quilt journal.

I love quilts, obviously. J I love the art, the craft, the time and the effort. I admire other people’s work. There are better quilters than I am, people who make a living designing fabric, doing classes, selling quilts. I am not one of those. Maybe I never will be. But I learn more with every quilt I make, and from most of the quilts I see. I learn what other people like, what sorts of things win at shows, and so forth. But at the end of the day, what's more important? Winning a show or enjoying the quilt I make? One day I may design one that checks off both boxes - we shall see. Either way, I will keep making.

I am not a visual thinker. I think in words – if I visualize, it is usually the words scrolling across my brain. But in quilts, I think in pictures and texture, and sound – the sound of the scissors and the machine, and the tearing of the fabric.

I used to ponder what kind of quilter I am – not traditional, not modern, not art. I didn’t fit a category, which is fine with me. I am a utilitarian quilter. I want my quilts to be used. Most are at least throw-sized. Those that aren’t, *shrug* can be hung on the wall as art, I suppose. Up to 29 counted now, forgot about a matched set of smaller ones.

I’m a little selfish. I wish there was a Patreon or Kickstarter or something for quilting – lots of people chip in to give me money so I could stay home and make quilts. There isn’t, though. So I make quilts in my spare time and when I match a quilt with a person, I give it away.

I like quilts. They warm, they comfort, they speak to me. They tell me about people and about the things that intrigue them. They welcome. They decorate. They fill a niche that no other art form can, as far as I am concerned.

Why do you like quilts?

S