Why We Quilt... And Yet, One More (But Not The Last) Reason

If you've been following along with the last few posts you'll find the theme of "why we quilt" a continuing one.  Today I would like to touch upon those who have gone before us and how inspiration has played a big part in why we quilt, and continue to, to this day.  As a new quilter back in the mid 1980's I recall being inspired, and nurtured, by the established quilting community within my own local Guild. These ladies were all highly competent, gifted quiltmakers in their own right who, seemingly, had all the time in the world to guide a wide-eyed, ready to learn young woman in the proper quilting direction. I quite literally sat at the feet of some of these quilting masters soaking up every tidbit they had to share! Here is one, Vera Bell, these photos were taken at a Guild show back in 1992, she was 77 years old. I am particularly interested in both of these photographs because I just so happen to be piecing both a sixty degree diamond quilt and a tumbler right now. As you can see, Vera was an accomplished, and stylish(!), quilt artist; a lovely lady both inside and out. She was no stranger to winning ribbons and the colorwash beauty, hand-quilted of course, on the right won her the Best of Show that year. I recall falling in love with a most stunning Carpenter's Wheel quilt that she made for her son's home. He lived in a converted barn and she leaned heavily on a silver-gray color palette  incorporating a few, choice, bright accent colors to complement the rustic two-story barnboard wall where he planned to hang it. I can't see a Carpenter's Wheel quilt today without remembering Vera.  Does this lovely lady inspire me still? Yes, she does!  Looking at these photos reminds me that I can always go that extra mile, do a little bit more, challenge myself. That sixty degree diamond quilt as well as the tumbler that I am currently piecing I had planned to trim up straight and square along the edge. Now I am thinking about appliqueeing them to a border, capitalizing on the shapes and not destroying the integrity of the pattern, that's exactly what Vera did. We quilt because we love it; we're nudged to be our best by those who have gone before and encouraged us along the way, those who recognized that spark and had the good sense to breathe life on our fledgling attempts, thus igniting the flame and passing the torch!  I will always be grateful for that inspiration that has fueled me and drives me still... it's why we quilt.

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Vera E Bell 1915 - 2005 was a member of the Bell family. Vera was born on April 24, 1915. Vera died on February 17, 2005 at 89 years old. Vera E Bell's last known residence is at Winston Salem, Forsyth County, NC 27103.

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Life is Good!

Then And Now

I posted about this subject earlier this summer, beginning a diet and removing my acrylic nails... big changes that happened at the same time. The nails were the easy part, I had to take drastic measures on the diet; counted calories, removed between meal snacks and eliminated desserts and empty calories. It wasn't fun, but the pounds did come off, slowly. I expected the s-l-o-w-l-y part, being a woman of, *ahem*, a certain age; but now that it's gone it's not going back on. No, it isn't; it will have to find somewhere else to live, somebody else's hips to hang out on. I was in denial, I even blamed the dryer for shrinking my jeans, (that's where I held onto the weight, below the belt) I have apologized to my Kenmore but it just stared back at me blankly; doubting my sincerity, I am certain. The hardest thing for me to give up were those little square cheese crackers in the red box, (you know the ones), I could devour fistfuls of them at a time! Once I was able to control the afternoon craving for those my life did get easier. Of course there's nothing new, magical or different about practicing some much needed self-control and ramping up the physical exercise. It's the same old formula for losing weight that it's always been, the simple one that I seem to forget all too easily over and over again. But no more, now, with the hint of chill in the early autumn air, I can feel the benefits from months of sacrificing bad habits for a healthier lifestyle in small ways that mean a great deal: more energy, a favorite belt that isn't too tight anymore (just being able to tuck shirts in!) and rings that slip on and off the way they are supposed to. Less food, better choices, huge results~ go figure!

Life is Good!
...and even better when clothes fit...

Changes, Self-Imposed

I've revisited a few of my life choices and made some changes. I've returned from the land of denial to the village of reality as far as my body is concerned. My rings were tight, so were my waistbands. I had convinced myself that summer weather and the clothes dryer were to blame. They're not. I am eating healthier and I am not snacking between meals anymore, I feel better already. When I write these things here they seem boring and mundane, believe me, they are neither for me. I have had a great long-term friendship with my nail technician, almost six years. My fingernails are weak and fragile, I had turned to acrylic assistance; until today, that is. I realized that this is no longer healthy for my nail beds or my wallet. I can better use the time and the money, With courage and determination I sat down and removed every bit of the acrylic myself, it was a long and painful process. My nails look pathetic, but they will grow out, in time. It's time for changes. The time is now!

Life is Good!

Living Complaint Free?

Well, not exactly... I continue to try and live a happy and rewarding 'complaint free' life. It's not easy at all, in fact...it's very hard. I have gone one(!) day without moving my bracelet; and, in all fairness, I must admit that the one day in question is one where I never even left the house! (That shouldn't even really count, but I'm claiming it anyway.) It's so much easier to live without complaining, criticizing or gossiping when I'm not surrounded by temptation~ by the world. If you're so inclined, give it a try, challenge yourself. Even though I am certain it will be a long, long time (months? a year?) before I remove my bracelet I can tell you this much: the attempts at cultivating this habit are already yielding some great rewards. I am happier, calmer, and more productive. All that from this simple little wrist-reminder? You betcha!

Transform your Life

"Your thoughts create your world and your words indicate your thoughts. When you eliminate complaining from your life you will enjoy happier relationships, better health and greater prosperity. The Complaint Free program helps you set a trap for your own negativity and redirect your mind towards a more positive and rewarding life." -Will Bowen

Life is Good!