Quilting?

I've never been attracted to quilting. A sewing machine has always been part of my life be it mine, my mother's or grandmother's. But, garments are always center stage. There wasn't even a whisper of a quilt waiting in the wings while my circle of creative influence created many a quilt. This year, while deep in recovery from multiple injuries that have kept me from my crafts, I attended a quilt show with my dear friend for her birthday. The colors were utterly inspiring. Brilliant hues of pink, orange, lime, purple, aqua and many other playful and typically child-oriented drew me in. I buy and sew clothing with a lot of quilting cottons because they are so forgiving, brilliant, and cheerful. They make me happy. But

I've not been inspired to make my own quilt out of them. But wonder of wonders, you never know when Brigid will step into your life an bless your hearth with the roaring fire of creative inspiration. We wandered into a booth that was filled with projects for wee ones in bright cheery colors balanced with crisp white. What to my wondering eyes did appear? Why Cluck Cluck Sew's Pow Wow quilt. And, for the first time I thought, "Hey, I could do that!" And my creative fire roared to life. I bought the pattern and that is how my interest in Quilting began.

Let's jump back to a few years ago. I discovers these delightful blocks of typical 40's vintage fabrics complete with a few tea stains. I bought them thinking it would be a fast way to have a blanket or a quick gift to make. Little did I know they would become my first quilt.

Now that I've regained use of all my faculties, I dove straight back into sewing. It would be excellent therapy for mind, body, & soul. Wanting deeply to start the Pow Wow quilt, but feeling a deeper need to clear out my stash and use why I have, I jumped into the estate sale quilt. The colors in it are red, white and pink, mainly. Very different from the brilliant quilts I'd been planning & it's shabby chic style is quite a departure from my bright & colorful style. It's not perfect as it person who made the blocks or time have stretched and mis-shapen them. But I love it anyway. I used a fusible batt as I haven't done any quilting and wanted to start simply. I kept the quilting simple and focused on the 4" blocks. The only thing left is the binding. Then? I'll have a lovely lap quilt. Or rather, my kitties will have a resting spot for cat naps.

To the person that originally pieced these blocks, but never had the chance, the time, or was uninspired to complete their lovely quilt, thank you. My heart is happy, my mind re-engaged, and my body on the mend. Thank you universe for connecting us. What you do can inspire others even if you never know it. So keep creating. Buy your critic a ticket to a vacation on a remote island, and be happy with what ever you do.