Crafty thoughts this week. [1] My mind and hands have a tendency to wander, in a good way. I like trying new creative things, going off in new directions, then crossing some off the list (watercolour, papier mâché, basketry), and finding that others stick and become a part of my repertoire (bookbinding, cyanotypes). But eventually, like John Major (shudder), I always come
Always a joy reading your Sunday morning posts. They really make my week. And I do agree about making quilts to be used. I like the Americanism, comforters. Because for me quilts bring warmth and comfort. Saying that, I am currently making two wall hangings, my first and possibly last but it’s nice to try something different!
If you fancy a trip to Sheffield you would be extremely welcome at our small group. Accommodation could be provided with a choice of quilts!
Thanks! I'll let you know, always a possibility. And I'm fascinated by the way Sheffield constantly reinvents itself. A lot of energy and creativity there.
By reinvent you could definitely include roads in that comment! They reinvent themselves all the time! But there is a thriving art scene and the annual open studios are marvellous. You would be welcome any time
Fantastic post, thank you - just what I needed to read this morning. My head is too busy trying to find a creative direction, and you reminded me to let my eyes and hands do the work. Thank you.
I’m also a big fan of Anthony Trollope, who somehow found time to work his way up to a very senior position in the post office as well as being a prolific novelist. Perhaps if he’d been in charge today things would not have descended into the disgraceful situation that has blighted so many innocent people’s lives and continues to do so. Even this week the Post Office managed to publish confidential details about wronged postmasters and postmistresses on its website. Hard to comprehend such extraordinary levels of incompetence.
I've been quilting for more than ten years now, always functional and usually with someone in mind...all my nieces have gone off to University with a quilt, any friend who needs cheering up. I took a break last year when I was finishing the book, but have just started a new project. And I've noticed how much more accurate I've become over time. Never a strong point with me, I'm no perfectionist. But so far all my points show and are in line! What's happened? It won't last...
I‘m not a quilter but a collage artist, nevertheless I find the way you talk about creativity and decision making so interesting and relevant. Excellent post as always.
After seeing that wonderful The Quarry Men business card and being a single woman of a certain age, I am thinking of having business cards made that state, Engagements considered. Isn't engagement a multi-tasking word! Phew!
Love the way you have found a use for 'engagement' to get your quilting gears moving.
I get in knitting doldrums from time to time, too. Then I see something like a picture, or a baby layette, or a skein of yarn, or a bird in a tree and I am up and running again. In a way, I think it is almost like one's digestive system needing to work and make ready for feeding.
Thank you for sharing how your quilting engagement works!
As always a great read Jane! Love the look of this new quilt and of course your colour choices are brilliant. Your ‘quilting DNA’ is using big bold patterns and colour in really imaginative ways - why not mix your cotton with linen? - can’t wait to see the finished quilt. Thanks for the recommendation to listen to Ptolemy Mann - excellent Podcast.
I quilt too and I know that it never works if you try to fight your own instincts about colour and pattern. I can’t ‘decide’ to make a quilt. I suddenly get passionate about a fabric I happen to come across and a quilt develops around it.
Also like you I don’t make decorative panels etc. Quilts have to be useful. That extra layer on the bed, round the chilly knees in winter while reading. Even under the bum on a hard chair! Perhaps it’s a northern thing!
I'm looking forward to exploring the work of Ptolemy Mann--thanks for bringing her to my attention. Please post a picture of your patchwork once it's sewn together (no pressure!).
So glad to see you’re quilting again. Love your work, thoroughly enjoyed doing a workshop with you many years ago. Maybe one day I’ll even finish the quilt… it will definitely be one to use, and might be one to pass on to my only grandchild. Whatever. Doing the workshop with you got me back into the making groove, which I’ve not left since and for which I remain grateful. 👌🙏❤️
I am extremely happy to hear this! It doesn't really matter if the quilt remains unfinished, does it, if its unexpected role was to get you making again.
Lovely post to read, thanks so much for introducing me to Ptolemy Mann - love her use of colour. I am a very amateur quilter but have a stash of lovely fabrics rather paralysed with what to do with them - need to follow your example and just start cutting them up and sewing back together. I have one small quilted wall hanging - I just pop it in the wash when it gets dusty for a short cycle and hang it outside to dry.
Always a joy reading your Sunday morning posts. They really make my week. And I do agree about making quilts to be used. I like the Americanism, comforters. Because for me quilts bring warmth and comfort. Saying that, I am currently making two wall hangings, my first and possibly last but it’s nice to try something different!
If you fancy a trip to Sheffield you would be extremely welcome at our small group. Accommodation could be provided with a choice of quilts!
I would love Jane to come to Sheffield as I could come and see her! I live in the Peak District.
Thanks! I'll let you know, always a possibility. And I'm fascinated by the way Sheffield constantly reinvents itself. A lot of energy and creativity there.
By reinvent you could definitely include roads in that comment! They reinvent themselves all the time! But there is a thriving art scene and the annual open studios are marvellous. You would be welcome any time
Fantastic post, thank you - just what I needed to read this morning. My head is too busy trying to find a creative direction, and you reminded me to let my eyes and hands do the work. Thank you.
I absolutely love how this quilt is looking. Really fresh and exciting! Will be great to see it all sewn up 👍🏻 well done for just getting on with it 🤣
I’m also a big fan of Anthony Trollope, who somehow found time to work his way up to a very senior position in the post office as well as being a prolific novelist. Perhaps if he’d been in charge today things would not have descended into the disgraceful situation that has blighted so many innocent people’s lives and continues to do so. Even this week the Post Office managed to publish confidential details about wronged postmasters and postmistresses on its website. Hard to comprehend such extraordinary levels of incompetence.
I've been quilting for more than ten years now, always functional and usually with someone in mind...all my nieces have gone off to University with a quilt, any friend who needs cheering up. I took a break last year when I was finishing the book, but have just started a new project. And I've noticed how much more accurate I've become over time. Never a strong point with me, I'm no perfectionist. But so far all my points show and are in line! What's happened? It won't last...
I‘m not a quilter but a collage artist, nevertheless I find the way you talk about creativity and decision making so interesting and relevant. Excellent post as always.
Thank you!
After seeing that wonderful The Quarry Men business card and being a single woman of a certain age, I am thinking of having business cards made that state, Engagements considered. Isn't engagement a multi-tasking word! Phew!
Love the way you have found a use for 'engagement' to get your quilting gears moving.
I get in knitting doldrums from time to time, too. Then I see something like a picture, or a baby layette, or a skein of yarn, or a bird in a tree and I am up and running again. In a way, I think it is almost like one's digestive system needing to work and make ready for feeding.
Thank you for sharing how your quilting engagement works!
As always a great read Jane! Love the look of this new quilt and of course your colour choices are brilliant. Your ‘quilting DNA’ is using big bold patterns and colour in really imaginative ways - why not mix your cotton with linen? - can’t wait to see the finished quilt. Thanks for the recommendation to listen to Ptolemy Mann - excellent Podcast.
Thank you!
Just adored reading this and watching your quilt grow as the story continued. Bliss!
I quilt too and I know that it never works if you try to fight your own instincts about colour and pattern. I can’t ‘decide’ to make a quilt. I suddenly get passionate about a fabric I happen to come across and a quilt develops around it.
Also like you I don’t make decorative panels etc. Quilts have to be useful. That extra layer on the bed, round the chilly knees in winter while reading. Even under the bum on a hard chair! Perhaps it’s a northern thing!
I'm looking forward to exploring the work of Ptolemy Mann--thanks for bringing her to my attention. Please post a picture of your patchwork once it's sewn together (no pressure!).
So glad to see you’re quilting again. Love your work, thoroughly enjoyed doing a workshop with you many years ago. Maybe one day I’ll even finish the quilt… it will definitely be one to use, and might be one to pass on to my only grandchild. Whatever. Doing the workshop with you got me back into the making groove, which I’ve not left since and for which I remain grateful. 👌🙏❤️
I am extremely happy to hear this! It doesn't really matter if the quilt remains unfinished, does it, if its unexpected role was to get you making again.
Thank you for writing about your quilts! I’ve used a pattern in your book to create one quilt.
I’m so proud of that creation! I want to make another quilt for my other child. You’ve inspired me so much.
I'm delighted to hear it! Thank you
That is a beautiful quilt. Good work, and good on you for just keeping at it.
Looking good!
Lovely post to read, thanks so much for introducing me to Ptolemy Mann - love her use of colour. I am a very amateur quilter but have a stash of lovely fabrics rather paralysed with what to do with them - need to follow your example and just start cutting them up and sewing back together. I have one small quilted wall hanging - I just pop it in the wash when it gets dusty for a short cycle and hang it outside to dry.