To Quilt or Not to Quilt?

May not be news to many of you but I am a definite "ponderer "....those who know me really well.....say perhaps I doth "ponder" too much!

But it's who I am and I doubt that will change now....I also like a good old waffle about what's going on in my pondering state. So today folks you are the recipients...like it or not! If not  you are welcome to come back another day.

The catalyst for this recent ponderence was two things really...firstly comments said with a smile on the dial by some non quilters. You will have heard them too...
WHAT are you going to do with ALL those quilts? How many beds do you have to put quilts on hahaha? Gee you must spend a lot of money on fabrics!  Aren't you sick of making quilts?  I  wish I had time for hobbies! WHAT are your kids going to do with ALL this STUFF when you're gone????

NOW! As I do 'try' kindness first, I  refrain from saying .....what are you going to do with ALL those empty wine bottles and trashy magazines you love (and NO I am not a wowser) and  don't worry....NO there isn't one left to you in my  Will lol!
It intrigues me with all the waste and minute by minute gratification  today that creating a quilt is seen in a negative light!
The other thing was a project that has proven a bit challenging for me and thus being avoided....namely my Yoko Saito quilt. As it is this month's UFO project I have been working on it....and yes an hour in....problems!
Several reverse sewing episodes and it has to come out again because it's crooked!

So it got me thinking......what is it about making quilts that intrigues us so? Particularly when things go awry!
Gorgeous fabrics and designs that grab our attention for sure....but why do we have four beds in the house and twenty quilts plus numerous projects under construction.

For me? Honing the skills I have learnt over many years. It doesn't happen overnight.....why should I not use them and continue to improve them!

Rising nervously to a challenge and meeting it in your own way, encouragement from friends along the way is definitely good for self esteem and your soul.

Having the joy of seeing my needlework in my home and remembering all the experiences that went into making that quilt......choosing fabrics, stitching along with friends and the pleasure of creating something useful and beautiful.

I quilted long before I blogged so whilst it's nice to share what I am making with likeminded people I have just as many quilts made and given away that haven't made it to a blog post....so I don't think it's for 'poser' value!

You can express your tastes and creativity in a myriad of ways....that says YOU!
And express love to others also.
I do love the invisible thread of connection to all the needlewomen that have gone before. To me its a shout out to say.....what you created with your heart and hands really mattered....thanks for the inspiration!

And attempting to do projects in a manner they would have recognised feels lovely to me....

My conclusion is because the gentle coming together of needle, thread and fabric soothes my soul. My mind quietens. It brings me relief from this crazy world we now live in and the stresses of life.  I like that it's not finished in 5 minutes. It is my happy place.....even when unpicking happens. It's FUN!
To me it is also the act of creating.....I don't care if there are 20 in the cupboard....one day they will warm someone or make them smile. I shan't be here to care!
Lastly but definitely not least is the magic circle of wonderful women who ply their needles.....who constantly inspire and assist with a helpful hint or that piece of fabric you need to finish a quilt, who go to their stash and contributions to your new 'scrappy' arrives in your mailbox unsolicited.....ahhh makes your heart smile!

Thanks for staying with me if you have......I love being a quilter and needlewoman! How about you?

Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx