Embracing Intentional Creativity in Quilting

About a month ago one of my yoga teachers began class discussing ASAP. 

As soon as possible. 

But instead of as soon as possible she wanted us to ponder other possibilities. 

As slowly as possible. As smoothly as possible. As steadfast as possible. As sure as possible. 

Urgency and Our Nervous Systems

My teacher shared how we all move so quickly, constantly rushing – and how that sense of urgency overloads our nervous systems into thinking we are in a constant fight or flight mode. By moving slowly, smoothly, steadfast, or any other ‘s’ you want, you take time back for yourself. You give yourself space to calm down, relax, release anxiety and just breathe. 

Urgency as an artist

That sentiment, those classes have really been sitting with me. On my morning walks I’ve been thinking about “as slowly as possible” in relation to my work. 

We live in an urgency culture and artists sharing on social media doesn’t help, leading us to feel like we aren’t doing enough, making enough, creating enough. If we could only be faster or better. All of that has led me to this:

Do I find joy if I make quilts quickly?

Is there joy for me if I’m rushing to keep up with others? 

How do I actually like to make quilts?

I’m a Slow Maker

Historically, I’ve been a slow quilt maker. I rarely have a plan – usually a general concept that I work towards. That process, slow as it is, allows me to connect the fabric I’m using with the story I’m telling. It grounds me as I dive into my creativity because, as an artist it’s important for me to connect with the story. I need and want some cohesion between the parts. 

The Story of Making Matters

Ultimately, the story is in the seams, each methodical stitch, each cut, snip, or seam ripped piece. The names of quilts tell the stories, too, and when I’m not rushing, I can watch the story unfold with each piece I sew while each chapter is slowly written. Each piece perfectly placed so I can write a plot using hue, value, tint, tone, shade, or scale. 

When I look at my work, I can always recall the time I created it and the story I was telling. Perhaps I was working through a challenging life event, like in Therapy and Metamorphosis, or Metaphor – the story for those quilts are in their names. Or maybe a scrap quilt that tells many stories – each piece a slice from another story coming together to write a new book. 

Enjoy the Process

Slowing down allows you to savor the process, work with what you have, and create a connection to what you’re actually making. Cloth is simply our medium to create beauty and allowing ourselves to slow down also means we can intentionally not choose consumerism. We can work within a finite set of constraints (what we have) to make something beautiful. 

This isn’t don’t buy new fabric – we need the industry to survive – but be intentional about what you buy and how much you buy when you are creating to help you build that creative connection with your medium.

We’re Better Makers When We Create Intentionally

Slowing down also allows us to create more durable items. 

So often quilters guffaw when they hear about rules but rules exist for a reason and they are important BUT, and this is a big but, but if you know the rules then you know when and how you can break them to stretch boundaries. If you are going to spend the time and money to make something beautiful, make it last. And it’s easier to make something that will last when we aren’t rushing. 

Mastery comes slowly with the doing, the learning, the creating.  We weren’t born masters of our craft and we won’t get there if we continually rush. 

Take time to enjoy the process, to let the story write itself and, while you’re at it, sit back and enjoy a cup of sweet tea while you take it all in.  Don’t know how to make sweet tea? Drop me a line. I’ll share my recipe.

LINKY LOVE

READ: Therapy and Metamorphosis Quilt
READ: Metaphor Quilt
READ: What Rushing Does to Your Nervous System + How to Slow Down