Are Directions Necessary?

I have found that directions are ‘nice to have,’ but not a necessity. A general direction is helpful. Are we headed east or west? Do you want to make chicken or pasta for dinner? Do you even want to make dinner?  

I feel the same way about sewing. What colors do I want to use? Did I fall in love with a fabric I just had to have? Do I want a quilt for my bed or maybe a decorative accessory like a table runner or pillow? The general direction is helpful.

The problem arises when we adhere too closely to that direction or directional information. I rarely end where I thought I would when I began. I have to allow some flex or I lose my way entirely. 

A few years ago I bought a jelly roll of fabrics that were filled with rich reds and greens. I thought I would use them to make some Christmas items and didn’t, later using them to cut 2 ½” squares and work on improving my piecing skills. I sewed square after square together and can now say that I am confident in piecing squares. They may not always be perfect but they are good. 

Once they were pieced I didn’t want to make a throw that was only holiday colors so I found a sashing fabric in a complementary color and toned down the red and green. It’s not at all where I began, but it took me on a different journey and I am pleased with the results. 

Yesterday I thought I was cutting out circles to do some hand sewing while on my next road trip adventure. Then I had an idea. I would start small- a real stretch for me- and I cut out just three circles and created a small banner for a friend who paints, using a lot of circles in her work. I enjoyed the side trip and am pleased with the results. I hope that she will enjoy it as well. And I hope you’ll hop on over to her Instagram page and explore her directions. Check out Instagram @colorcolourpop. You’ll enjoy the detour.