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| A peek at the back of Coded Paragraph by Joel Ignacio of Vallejo, California |
In the scramble to define, the need for order surfaces. And that is understandable. We need order. Otherwise, life would be like driving in most third-world countries. We don't want that!
Quilting is my time, it is my hobby, my very pleasurable retreat from the cares of the world. The wonders of textiles have long entranced me, and always will.
The prospect of someone / anyone trying to impose rules on that has always made me run the other way. I will never forget going to a quilt guild meeting in Indianapolis decades ago. A very scary stern-eyed woman stood up and said not just anyone could work on their opportunity quilt - just the best stitchers. She would pull out stitches if they were not right, she warned.
I never went back. It took me years and considerable coaxing to get me to finally join a quilt guild. Our local guild is a pleasure to attend (otherwise, I wouldn't be there).
So! In our quest to define modern, let's not resort to becoming those scary old women who threaten to pull out the stitches. Let's have fun and revel in the wonders of what is available for us to stitch together today. Let's sew, let's make quilts! To use, to cherish. AND - be totally delighted that there is passion for quilting with a new audience.
Stop judging, start enjoying.
Hear, hear!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed meeting and visiting with you (and Jenifer) at QuiltCon! I hope our paths cross again one of these days!
Very well said. Let's quilt!
ReplyDeleteStanding applause!
ReplyDeleteOh I love this post. One woman who entered a quilt into the show said that a comment from the judges on her quilt was that some of the fabrics she chose did not seem relevant to each other. (I hope I didn't misquote that). Anyway, it practically made the hair stand up on my arms. Says who? I guess that's one of the risks you take putting something in a show--dealing with the 'rules & order'.
ReplyDeleteYou are a woman after my heart!
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts exactly -- I wish they would stop with the definitions because definitions usually mean that someone will be excluded.
Oh, my! How intimidating that stern-eyed woman must have been! I love your sentiments - ditto!
ReplyDeleteI am horrified to hear how narrow minded quilters can be...especially since I am an old lady who appreciates the talent and aesthetics of modern quilters. Follow your heart!
ReplyDeletePerfectly stated! It is how I try to live my life. :o)
ReplyDeleteI'm with you! I remember years ago getting Ladies Patchwork magazine , it was my introduction to
ReplyDeleteGwen Marston and also a woman whose name I forget, but she had a column every issue. My favorite quote from her "Anyone can make a triangle with three points"...she's very funny and definitely has the right idea...I love your blog, and the quilts, I wish the thrift shops around here had some, but it is always a pleasure to see the gems you have collected...Karin
But at the same time the Modern quilters have set themselves apart.
ReplyDeleteWell said Deb. Modern in my mind was established by young minded quilters who said "What rules, I like this and this is how I'm going to make a quilt!" Then came the media explosion about modern. Blogs started chatting and the rest is history so to speak. But not much is different except that, the darn quilts look fresh and inviting. I think why modern is new is because they are freshening up the traditional blocks with new inspiration and that can only be good.
ReplyDeleteThere should be no judgement....everyone should just create with an eye to what or how pleases them. Well said, Deb.
ReplyDeleteHi Deb, I'd like to thank you for taking a photo of my Coded Paragraph quilt at QuiltCon and attributing me :) I wasn't able to attend and it was nice to see someone interacting with my quilt. I agree with what you posted above with the rules. I have heard some criticism about this very quilt and at first I was put off and felt like a failure... but I'm moving on, because I'm happy with my quilt and think I did a good job for someone who just started quilting 2 years ago. Thanks again, Joel :)
ReplyDeleteHi Joel - what a treat to hear from you! The story behind the photo is that is my daughter Betsy showing the back of your quilt. She volunteered to white glove and we both liked the surprise of your quilt being two-sided. It's a great quilt, quite an accomplishment for someone relatively new to quilting. Thanks for the comment ...
ReplyDeleteI have heard about (but did not actually hear) about the "rules for modern quilting lecture" at QuiltCon. There appear to have been many "modern" quilters who did not like it - and I'm thankful for that.
ReplyDeleteI understand that someone might be needing to quantify modern quilting for a dissertation (or whatever!), but the idea of "rules" is what keeps me from joining any type of quilting group, modern or otherwise.
Thanks for your blog, Deb - it is much appreciated.