And Sew It Goes

Tag: creativity

  • Surrender to Creativity

    “The creative process is a process of surrender, not control.” Julia Cameron Today I veered from a plan I made a while ago. I planned to work on a wall hanging that consisted of circles. You may have read about it here or on my instagram page. Something happened on the way to choosing fabrics…

  • Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

    As I prepare for a road trip, I am in a quandary. What shall I bring? Not the clothing or snacks, but what will I bring to ‘do’ when traveling?  I’m a reader. Kindle loaded. Check! I’m a curious learner. Podcast queue- Ready to go!  I’m a maker, a creator. Here is where the problems…

  • 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?…

  • Simple Pleasures

    If you enjoy a favorite drink at a local coffee shop, or an item at your favorite restaurant then you know the feeling I have when I find the perfect fabric. It is amazing. That first look. The way it feels, drapes, blends with other fabrics in my stash or with the fabrics I’m going…

  • Lifelong Learning

    I love to learn. I always have, though I’ve not necessarily wanted to learn what was being taught in school. Heresy from a lifelong educator.  Years in schools with children who are eager learners and those who are not proves this time and again. When we want to learn something nothing will stop us. When…

  • Babies

    One of the most common reasons to sew a quilt is to welcome a new baby. As we prepared for a new addition to our family, I considered how I might share a quilt that parents and baby alike would enjoy. This particular branch of the family has a ‘thing’ for giraffes. So, I thought…

  • Lessons Learned

    After returning from the Gee’s Bend Quilting Retreat in late March, I was excited about the possibilities ahead. I imagined quilts made with methods I had never tried before and the fun that I could have. The one piece of quilting advice I keep thinking about is ‘don’t think.’ Easier said than done! That is…

  • Gee’s Bend Quilting Retreat: Day Three

    The final day of the Gee’s Bend Quilting Retreat was a beehive of activity. It was filled with last minute additions, finishing touches- hand and machine quilting-, and new projects being started even though time was running out.  ‘Show and Tell’  was a memorable part of the last day. It was a feast for the…

  • Gee’s Bend Quilting Retreat: Day Two

    Quilters love to quilt. You can feel it in the room. Watching them design quilts blocks and figure out next steps, is nothing short of inspiring.  I’ve made a few blocks, none with a purpose beyond practicing sewing quilting blocks in the tradition of Gee’s Bend quilts.  I’ve cut fabric into squares and strips. Gathered…

  • Good Old Pythagoras 

    Binding a quilt is something that many quilters avoid. It can be tricky and, at times, frustrating. I learned to bind a quilt by watching a series of YouTube videos. This was super helpful, but they didn’t explain the why. Why does this work?  Because I love math, I couldn’t leave it there.  Why does…