Quilting takes action

[Rita C.]

I have to admit I have also received a few comments about getting a life when I say that I like to quilt. I just think it is ignorance because these people equate quilting or any other form of needlework as 'women's work' and therefore it is associated with being enslaved. A real light-bulb moment for me was while reading 'The Color Purple' becoming aware that Celie was using the tools of her oppression to create the means of her economic independence and with it the feeling of self worth. The Gees Bend Quilters have done exactly the same thing. There will always be those who belittle what we do but it is only because they cannot do it themselves and don't understand our creative urges.

[Norma H.]

Now, I must add a bit to this conversation. The "I have no patience for that" is very often heard and "so much work" is another one. My answer is that there is no work in it, it's pure joy.
If someone says "I wish I could do that" I tell them that everyone can do it, if they really want to. You see, they don't. In my opinion everyone does exactly what they want even if they say they don't, because if they wanted to do something else they would change something in their life.
I just show how much happiness this gives me and I guess some are feeling the lack of happiness in their own life and that's why they try to explain something to me. I don't care what people say or mean.
Lorchen you pointed it out so well: It's so very important that we all feel comfortable in our own skin, because then it doesn't upset us what others say or think.

[fiona j.]

As I sat hand quilting a block for a quilt-as-you-go quilt at my daughter's dance class, a mum said "Oh it's wonderful people still do those old things!" As she was engaged in writing a music lesson for the next day, I said "It's wonderful that people still appreciate that old-fashioned music too!" Then told her how big business quilting and other textile arts are, how many forums I belong to and now have friends all over the world, how I can actually have what I WANT in my house and not just what's available to buy, how it enables me to express my creative side and my love for my family. Plus that I teach and she's now signed up for a couple of lessons... Suspect we will begin with threading a needle!

[fiona j.]

Betty Jo, Here in the heart of Ohio, there are additional schools of thought: "I have my quilts made by the Amish" with the implication that's where the "real quilters" are getting it done. Or "I take my tops to the Amish". Now this one I think is fine and quite commonplace--unless the implication is that's where the "real quilters" are getting it done. I am not Amish, but I could hold my own quilting alongside them. So I just smile and know in my heart that I am a quilter--a real quilter.

[fiona j.]

Plus that I teach and she's now signed up for a couple of lessons... Suspect we will begin with threading a needle!

if is isn't describing the difference between a pin and a needle :roll:
Nice move though :wink:

[fiona j.]

Hi Betty Jo,

Thanks for sharing. I, too, am fortunate to have a son and husband who appreciate my passion for quilting. Most of my friends and family are amazed when they see quilts that I've made. I cannot say the same for one particular relative, who wouldn't even attend my guild's local quilt show. I'm embarrassed to repeat her comment when I invited her to come. However, I know that the things people say about someone else speak volumes about themselves. Her comments reflect the fact that she's unhappy with her life in retirement as she has few friends, no hobbies, and no interests. I have made so many wonderful friendships just because of quilting.

[Betty J.]

Hi Betty Jo,

I have made so many wonderful friendships just because of quilting.

I have too, Nancy. Isn't it great?!

[Susan B.]

Lorchen - do you speak Elvish?

What a joy, to wake up on a Saturday morning and read this thread and laugh and laugh and laugh.

I kind of feel sorry for people who don't create. What dull lives they must lead.
My urban environment grows more crowded and less attractive every day, filled with stresses. I escape into beauty every day.

Yeah for sons. I will never forget my son's expression when he entered the Renwick Art Gallery with me when he was about 12 years old. Upon seeing a Tiffany Glass exhibit for the first time, he, I believe for the first time, stood still, jawed dropped, and just said "Wow."
He also said the coolest thing he had ever seen was a wall-hanging of a Great Blue Heron that I gave him for his birthday, in his late 20's.

He married a young woman who quilts.

[Lotti D.]

as i do quite a bit of my quilting in public places (on trains, on buses, in waiting rooms, on airplanes, in hotel lobbies, in hotel restaurants and bars, at the hairdresser, i even started taking my squares to our monthly jazz-night (every month a different jazz band plays in one of our local restaurants - dinner & jazz - great night - and now - after we finish dinner - i also sew...), i get a lot of people coming up to me to ask what i'm making - some are quite astonished when i tell them that the quilt i'm working on is not planned for either a mouse or a doll, but for a full-sized person to snuggle under - somehow they find it strange that i make squares out of strips of fabrics - and then join these to make large quilts.... but many watch me work and ask about it - and when the see a few squares coming together they can see the possibilities and appreciate the work going into it - but also come up with their own ideas how i could continue or for something else i could make. oh yes - most start with - why don't you sew the pieces together with a machine - and i have to explain that if i needed the machine i would have to be at home wherer my machine was - not out enjoying a jazz concert - and during the breaks good conversations with friends. i have "home"-projects - and i have "on-the-go"-projects - doing both lets me be much more productive and gives me a little more time to do what i love...
and - hand-sewing is soooooooo relaxing - keeps me sane - well sane-ish :P

[Patti K.]

I could not help myself from joining this post. I typically hide in the shadows reading everyones comments. But I was so touched by Lorchen reply. I too want my children and grandchildren to remember me with love and significance. My quilting is not only my passion it is my creative expression. I have a high pressure job in the software industry and people often will joke that they can't believe I do "old grandma things" I just smile and say yes I do!!!! In life we do what is most important. My family and my quilting (can't forget the dogs) are what is most important. Thank you Lorchen!

[Hannelore N.]

Giggle...... I wish I did speak 'elvish', 'necronese', or even 'eldarish'. It sometimes feel like it when discussing anything Warhammer with the guys who play it.

About the 'value' of quilting. My late mother, who made most of my clothes in the 1950s and 1960s never understood why I felt so strongly about 'playing with fabrics and threads'. She told me again and again that it was a waste of time, especially seeing that my house was not clean and tidy (by her standards). I should have got my priorities right - in her opinion. My two sons support whatever I do, as long as they can see that I am happy, and my future daughter-in-law loves everything I make (The girl got excellent taste!).

And if the above is not reason enough to turn fabric into all sorts of things, my quilts, bags, pin cushions, table runners, coasters, lanyards, etc. have made more money for charities over the years than I would have been able to donate in cash.

[Hannelore N.]

When I make bags for my daughter---every time she uses one--she gets many comments and they want to know where she got it and can they get one. I always tell her yes but it is going to cost them.

[Sherry B.]

I always wish we had a "like" button here like we do on Facebook. There are so many comments on this post that I would like to say "like." :-) I agree with pkaplan that quilting is not only my passion, it is my creative expression. And I loved what Lorchen said about our families remembering us with love. I would like to think that the people who make negative remarks aren't insulting on purpose and maybe they are just ignorant about what quilting is all about. And I honestly can't relate to people who don't have hobbies. Even when I worked full time, I had time for hobbies. I think I've tried just about everything and have decided that quilting is my favorite and my passion.

[fiona j.]

Mmm, I can't understand while anyone would prefer cleaning the house to creating! Apparently, though, there are such oddities out there...

[fiona j.]

I'm so fortunate...my family appreciates and admires my quilts. In fact my sons have used the phrase "bad ass" more than once! Such good boyz! :wink: