The Beginning of My Journey

Perhaps it is because of our younger son's interest

Grace Episcopal Church - Bainbridge

in healing processes such as yoga and meditation,

but it strikes me there are elements within

our current challenge of maps and mapping

beyond the tangible.

I think these elements are what led me 

to choose to map my own journey as a quilt maker

using the quilts that I've made as markers on a timeline.

I'm sure I'll find my path has not been NOT linear

but more like that of a labyrinth -

curving and winding, 

tracing back on itself, and

often re-emerging near where I began.

 AND / OR

The Longleat Hedge Maze in Wiltshire, England © Jason Hawkes/Getty Images

I may find that my journey more closely resembles a maze.

 (This article sheds light on the 

similarities and differences

between labyrinths and mazes. )

Either way, 

THIS is where I started.

My very first top was made 

in a LQS Beginning Machine Piecing 

class in late 2003/early 2004.

I learned how to use a rotary cutter and mat,

how to handle quilting rulers,

how to chain piece, and

how to believe in my desire/ability to make.

(I also learned I'm not fond of Y-seams)

Just as the first sampler quilt top was completed,

DH and I spent our first week at 

the John C. Campbell Folk School

where he took a week-long woodturning class

(you can see where that took him HERE) 

and I took a week-long quilting class

with a supply list that included these words:

"Bring 80 light 9" squares and 80 dark 9" squares" 

Those words struck terror into my heart.

I had no stash.

How could I come up with that many different squares?

I don't remember just how many 

half-yards the LQS owner sold me,

but I took my motley assortment of squares to the class

and came home with the top for this still-a-favorite quilt.

A few of the fabrics in the quilt are mine 

but most are those of the others in the class

due to the creative way the instructor had us

swap fabrics to achieve a scrappy mix

beyond what any of us could have 

created on our own.

My greatest take-away from that week?

Scrappy quilt are my favorites.

The second greatest take-away?

Documenting our quilts involves more than

dates and dollars and design information.

It also involves the 'why' behind our choices.

I will be forever grateful to Patty and Catherine, 

my first two instructors,

for providing me with a solid foundation,

showing me there were endless possibilities,

and sharing their deep joy of process.

Quiltdivajulie