Hello bloggy friends and quilty sisters, I hope to have something new to show you soon, or perhaps demonstrate progress on something not-so-new (which might be even more satisfying). But this morning I just want to point you in the direction of a must-read blog post by Jacquie of Tallgrass Prairie Studio entitled, Igniting the Passion. The post is Jacquie's thoughtful and heartfelt response to the questions and discouragement of a new sewer/quilter by the very person who should have been an encouragement and inspiration to her -- her quilting instructor. It all started with a question about Wonky Log Cabins.
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| Molly's Wonky Log Cabin Quilt Thank you, Jacquie, for so eloquently putting into words what has been in my heart and my mind. To me, being a modern quilter includes a healthy respect for and finding inspiration from the quilters and quilts from the past as we continue to explore the possibilities in color, design, fabric, and style open to us today and support and encourage future generations of quilters. |
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| Izzy (see Spreading the Love and Spreading the Love, Part 2) Even though my mother really wasn't a quilter, she was a seamstress extraordinaire and always encouraged my creative efforts from drawing and painting to needlework. Who has encouraged or inspired you as a quilter? How are you spreading the love? I'm listening.... With wishes, true and kind -- Joan |
You are so right. I commented on Jacquie's post also. My mother wasn't a quilter either but she also encouraged me, starting with making doll clothes at age 6. I volunteer at my local middle school helping the Home Ec. teacher for just that reason. I hope I'm helping future quilters everyday.
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother was a seamstress who taught me to sew, not quilt. When I became interested in quilting I went to a local show and ran into the quilt police. I stayed away from quilting for years. Finally decided to enjoy myself and do it my way. Thank goodness for this is my passion.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I'm totally self-taught, with the exception of learning how to use a sewing machine in 3 months of home ec in the 7th grade. I taught myself how to quilt from a book 11 years ago, and more recently, I've learned a lot more online. A LOT has been by trial and error. But I could not do what I do now, experimenting, trying new techniques and styles, without the warm and welcoming community of quilters who blog (or is that bloggers who quilt?). They're my inspiration, all the time. I try to share that with every swap and every blog post, passing on what I learn as I figure it out myself.
ReplyDeleteEven with all the quilters in our church and in my family, it was one of my best friends who taught me to quilt and has been a source of incredible encouragement. I also get a lot of encouragement and inspiration from my bloggy friends, especially people like you, Joan. I thought Jacquie's post today was really amazing. Sad, that a so-called master quilter would be so disparaging. There is room for everyone in the world of quilting, no matter the style or level of expertise.
ReplyDeleteIt kind of reminds me of the constant friction in our church between "traditional" and "contemporary" worship music. It seems that the contemporary people are more "live and let live" and the traditional people seem more apt to believe "If you don't agree with me, then you are just wrong." Kind of what is sadly happening with some people in the quilting community. Breaks my heart...
I loved Jacque's post about the modern quilter! Doesn't modern mean to push the envelope, think outside the box, which all means be creative and use your imagination?! I love that quilters are putting their own twist on modern projects. My encouragement really comes from fellow bloggers and quilters around the world, since no one in my family quilts (or even sews anymore).
ReplyDeleteJoan, I think we're so lucky at the PMQG to have such encouraging and inspiring people around us. There are people of all levels with greatly varied tastes and everyone's style is valued. I always look forward to our meetings, and get inspiration from the many talented people there. I hope that I can inspire creativity in my kiddos, my son is already intersted in arranging 'quilts' with my scraps.
ReplyDeleteI also read that post this am and loved Jacquie's response. My seamstress grandmother taught me to sew as a teen, and I was an almost entirely self-taught quilter until a couple of years ago. I now teach quilting classes and try my best to encourage everyone to have fun. If it's not fun, then why take the time?
ReplyDeleteOh, and this wonderful community of quilting bloggers and flickr'ers encourages me everyday! Thanks and keep it coming :)
ReplyDeleteI, too, was really touched by her post. As a teacher, I can't imagine how anyone could discourage a spark of creativity. It's where all new and beautiful things come from! Where would we be without individual and unique ideas?
ReplyDeleteThank you Joan for the link to Jacqui's post, very thoughtful and thought provoking. I am inspired by my Mother, while she does not quilt, she is an incredible sewer and crafter, and encouraged me from an early age to just have a go. xo
ReplyDeleteMy students inspire me, I learn so much from them.
ReplyDeleteP.S. The secret to staying young? Flexible body AND mind.
you're very lucky to have had that encouragement in your life from your mother.
ReplyDeletethanks for drawing our attention to the story, so sad and thank goodness that quilter never gave up. I think if we want to keep learning, we'll keep looking for inspiration and encourage ourselves to have a go.
My mother was NOT a sewer. :-) But she was very encouraging when I learned how at a YWCA summer camp and she even bought me my own machine when I was still quite young. That kind of encouragement and support can go a long way. I've still never taken a quilting class but am in awe of the generosity among the sewing/quilting/crafting community. We are so lucky to have PMQG and the opportunity to meet regularly with such a creative group of people!
ReplyDeleteMy husband always encourages me! As far as quilting goes, a local quilt shop owner, and the online community are the tops!!! (You especially!)
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
KT
Hey!? It's working!!! LOOK, Joan...I can leave a comment. THANKS!!! : )
ReplyDeleteI believe in the 'quilt where you are' theory. We all have different likes, dislike, styles and preferences...there's room for ALL of it!!! A new hobbyist should ALWAYS be encouraged. ALWAYS - period.
I am inspired by crafters who don't have great technique but they make great things. I'm too much of a perfectionist and it slows me down. There's something to appreciate in anything handmade.
ReplyDeleteYou! And all of my sweet fabric/sewing friends who love to do this and find their way through it just like I do.
ReplyDeleteMmmm yes... Its a little sad when people get stuck in their ways. I think quilting has come SOOO far recently BECAUSE we are game to try something new, mix up colours that would normally be a NO NO! Make things a little crazy, a little wonky, its sad... People dont get to use their own creativity! Where do i begin with Inspiration??!! Well, theres definately you!! and i think the other 1000's Blogs I follow!! xx Thanks for sharing... this girl needs to join blogland... where we are all a little crazy and wonky ourselves!! xx
ReplyDeleteThree cheers for Jacquie! She nailed it and so clearly too. My mother was also an excellent seamstress, but did not quilt. She bought me my own sewing machine when I was 13, and I never felt there was anything I could not do when my mom was around. I am now 58 years old and find something new to do all of the time. Online blogs are remarkable, each in their own way, and I am grateful for them. One of my grown daughters is now learning to quilt, and I help her along the way long distance. She has no interest in using patterns and does her own thing so very well. My 6 year old granddaughter plays in the scrap bins and designs her own lap quilts. She knows she can start using the rotary cutter when she is 10 and has a protective glove. She is so excited about this. I do hope the woman who contacted Jacquie feels all of the support and encouragement she needs! What an awesome group of people you all are!
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