Saturday, August 29, 2009

Six Word Saturday

Quilting makes me feel in control

I realized this today while working on the bottom quilt at 6:00 am. Now, the reality is that I have been asked to make 3 baby quilts for friends - so I've had a mission going anyway. The first one below, is baby sized and sort of a crazy quilt with many different fabrics and all done on the diagonal. I'm just finishing the binding and it will go to it's new home next week (I hope)

And the second one - well, while buying quilt batting for the first one, I saw this green/blue collection of fabric and decided to try making a baby quilt from those fabrics, side by side with white squares. But once I got everything all cut out, I realized that I didn't like it for a baby quilt..so am making it for myself! The colors don't show up so well in the basement light but it's really pretty, and very springlike and cool looking (why am I making this as fall is approaching? - let's not even try to analyze the hidden denial in that one)


But as I was sewing this morning I got (once again) the revelation that sewing quilt squares is a way of control for me - and after a few weeks of being off work, and having fun with family, and then going back to work...well I need to feel like I can control something. I used to clean house when I felt like this, now I make quilts.

I'd rather make quilts. I'll save the housecleaning for dire times - where very serious control is needed. When it's either clean...or get some serious revenge on whatever is pissing me off.

10 comments:

BT said...

Mim, those quilts are gorgeous, I especially like the green and white one and I can see why you'd want to keep it. It's beautiful. Are you a teacher then?

Cris, Artist in Oregon said...

Oh these are beautiful. Hey yes why clean when you can create something this lovely to keep. Cleaning lasts only so long. LOL

Mim said...

BT - so NOT a teacher - just do this for fun.
Thanks Cris - you;ve got the idea

Call Me Cate said...

Everyone needs an outlet - I think quilting would cause me more frustration than it would solve but I do have other very methodical hobbies and there's so much comfort to be have. Keep up the beautiful quilting.

Thanks for playing 6WS.

Bea said...

Working with color and fiber is so different for me than when I work with my other mixed media things. Putting together a quilt is a very relaxing process. I understand completely. I keep a supply of bright happy fabrics so that when I feel the need to touch my colors I make baby quilts for the Children's Hospital. Sadly, they never run out of need. :)Bea

Lisa at Greenbow said...

These quilts are marvelous. I love the colors on the second one and the baby quilt is youthful without being cutsie. Great!

I have a really clean house when I am angry too. The older I get the more mellow and less angry I get. tee hee...

Katiejane said...

These are very pretty, no matter what the reason for making them! Your lines and squares are so perfect.

soulbrush said...

i used to freak out about housework, but nowadays i am well past that, couldn't care less...it only needs cleaning again tomorrow...so i do the minimum and just survive...bugger the housework is what i say...play instead.did i ever tell you that my dil has started a quilting course, and absolutely loves it, she is smitten.

ArtistUnplugged said...

Oh, the sneeze illustration is wonderful! Your quilts are soooo beautiful. Wish i would have learned to quilt from my mother but I cherish the ones of her that I have.

PAK ART said...

I too do housework when I need some control. Lucky for me I dont feel that need too often! My house suffers though - I'm more like soulbrush, do the bare minimum and get on with life! I do love your quilts, I've tried quilting in the past but have always found it irritating, not calming at all. I think I have a bum sewing machine.