Today’s interview in our Creativity on Display series introduces us to a woman who loves quilting and considers her hobby an artistic pursuit and a blessing from God. For anyone who ever snuggled under a warm quilt on a cold Michigan night, we know that this creative expression is appreciated for its usefulness as well as its beauty. Read more to find out what is involved with the creation of a quilt.
You enjoy creating quilts. How were your first introduced to quilting?
My high school home education teacher told me after I admired her quilts that I would never be able to quilt because it required patience that I did not possess. She had made me hand sew my zipper in my wedding dress she was helping with and I complained about it! Her statement, though, was enough of a challenge to get me started.
How many quilts have you made through the years?
I have made 8 full size quilts and too many small projects to count. Since I hand quilt them it can take me a year to make one.
Can quilting become an artistic pursuit for anyone? What kind of effort and skill does it require to do it well?
When I first started I did not realize that quilting is an artistic pursuit.
I just thought one followed the instructions and one produced a quilt. Now I see that it requires more. The choice of colors in a quilt can determine its beauty. Quilts originally were made of scraps found around the house. Nowadays we purchase fabrics with the idea of cutting them into little pieces and sewing them back together.
I love mixing different patterns, colors, and textures together, stepping back and allowing my eye to follow the colors. Within a quilt the light and dark colors can draw your eye along the pattern of the quilt. I enjoy the geometry and the symmetry of different patterns. I like that I can start a project not totally knowing how it will turn out because I may change designs as I work along. I like this flexibility. Some women like to draw pictures with their fabric and their quilts become works of art much as painting in an art museum.
Quilting requires many hours of practice. At first one may tear out as much as you put in until one gets the hang of matching seams, points, and corners. There is a sense of satisfaction the first time all one’s corners meet properly.
What does quilting mean to you personally?
Quilting forces me to slow down and observe. I observe colors and patterns in nature. I like to take my time and enjoy the project as I work. It also forces me to loosen up a bit and not be too structured and too intense. Through quilting I have learned about the Amish and Mennonite communities and their simplicity of life.
Quilting is my hobby, not something I have to do. Therefore, I have put it away for awhile and brought it back during different times of my life.
How has God allowed you to bless others with this skill and desire He has given you?
The summer before my son was married his fiancée asked me to help her make a quilt for their new home. It was such a thrill to be able to spend hours with her and we learned about each other as we grew closer.
I have been able to teach a couple of girls from church how to quilt. It is so important for young ladies to have someone in addition to mom to talk to. This has been a privilege for me.
It is fun to do a “show and tell” with friends. It is fun to encourage others in their projects.
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