Thursday, July 17, 2014

Your Style!

How do you approach this activity called "Quilting"?  Do you follow patterns others have designed?  Do you like to change patterns you find just a bit to make them your own?  Are you the kit buyer?  Unsure of picking out the right fabrics?  Do you do your own designing to fit your style or the style of the person you are making the quilt for?  Art quilter?

The truth is we are all a bit different and we are all talented and make beautiful works of art no matter what our style is?  As for me, I don't seem to stay with any particular style or have the same style for any great length of time.  I believe I am moving to a new place these days.  I do want to keep designing and creating new quilts, experimenting with color and the modern look while holding on to my traditional past.  How do you that?  I don't know just yet but I am in the process of discovering some answers  for myself.  My first discovery is that I need to let go of what others are doing and simply find who and what I am.  I have known this and heard this for a long time but it is finally seeping into the deep recesses of my brain.  It's tough getting through all of that hardwood.

The last year has been an emotional and mental roller coaster.  I have some new roles to play as a Mother, friend and career person.  Today I am excited about visiting with family and leading a retreat with some of the best women I know and that I count as dear friends.

May you be blessed bountifully and continue your quilting journey with joy!

Dee

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Rain and Storms and Wind, Oh My!

So far it has been a wet summer.  In the last couple of weeks we have had some type of moisture come down nearly every day.  Begs the question if I am in Oregon or Michigan?  Last week we had a big storm that knocked out our electricity for 2 1/2 days. The lightening display was a wonder to behold.  We do have a generator that kept our refrigerator running and the lights on in several rooms so that was wonderful, but having no computer or tv makes ones life a bit different than what one is accustomed to.

In spite of no electricity I managed to complete prizes for the retreat, work on the two wedding quilts, finish the ring bearer pillow and get the step-outs for the retreat completed.  Things are coming together and that feels good.  It's hard to believe that at the end of next week we will be on our way to CA.

During the electrical outage I did have a learning moment.  I had been running low on motivation for the projects that needed to be done.  Without the machine and lights I was forced to do different things and dream a little.  Playing with my art supplies and my drawing/sketching journal was just the thing I needed to get back on the creative track.  I have now decided that I will schedule a day of drawing, playing and dreaming on my calendar at least once a month.  Seeing the next few dates already in my planner makes me smile and eager to get busy.  Maybe you too could find some time for creative play and dreaming.

Living in Grace and Gratitude-

Dee

Brett and Stephanie's wedding quilt coming together

Ring bearers pillow ( silk ribbon and lace)

prizes