I'd like to think I'm a decent writer. Don't judge based on my blog stats, or by proper useage/grammar, etc.-- lol... but no matter if folks aren't interested in what I have to say, I really do like writing and reflecting. Speaking from the heart. Its good for my soul and maybe another soul might find a blessing in what I have to say. I think that as a designer that its a benefit to have some decent writing skills so I try to expand my copywriting skills by practicing here and there.
I'm writing some content for a project I'm designing for my Fine Printing and Book Making class at UAFS and its been interesting. I'm basically writing a little bit about how a quilt is a metaphor for life. I think its an interesting concept and I've enjoyed exploring it.
In considering the design, I've really tried to engage my thoughts--even watched How to Make an American Quilt! I got to thinking about this quilt--used and a little abused, loved by us all...it stays on the couch or somewhere thereabouts ready to warm on a chilly day. Its threadbare in some parts. I don't know exactly how old it is, but its very pretty. Hand quilted, all hand stitched, by Scott's grandmother. Its really a beautiful thing...on many levels.
Quilting now is a lot different than it used to be. Used to folks had to quilt because they didn't have the money for or access to yards of fabric. Quilting is about taking bits and pieces and processing it into a whole, creating a greater good and useful thing. Isn't that a lot like life? If you've ever sewn, you know that it takes a great deal of consideration and its quite meticulous. Life is definitely a lot like making a quilt-- I can't wait to share this project when I'm finished. Here's a peek...
This has been a process that I've really enjoyed building upon and simplifying. I've edited my thoughts into short bits to relate the ideas. This particular page relates the stitches made in a quilt to a person's works in life...dedication, love and concern make resilient stitches while a sloppy job yields a poor outcome. Just a little glimpse.
The closest I've actually come to making a quilt is this bag I made last summer...which I love. Its still upstairs hanging where it was when I finished it-- maybe I'll carry it to keep my mind on quilting and trying to design a good life.