I’m a big fan of self-improvement and productivity books; they’re really the only type of non-fiction books I read (although one of my goals for this year is to give some other types of non-fiction books a try). One component that I’ve seen time and time again from these productivity experts is an emphasis on understanding WHY we do things, especially as related to projects that require consistency over time.
As much as I love sewing and quilting, there is no doubt that it requires consistent stitching over time to end up with a completed quilt or other sewing project. Even for the most experienced sewist, quilts are made one stitch at a time.
There are lots of reasons why we quilt and sew. Each quilter has their own reasons, and these reasons have probably changed over time. Understanding the reasons behind why we sew and quilt can help keep us going during the times when we struggle in the sewing room. Knowing our “big why” can help keep us moving forward one stitch at a time even when our seams don’t match, we’ve lopped off a corner, or we’ve had to unstitch the same seam four times in a row.
My Big Why for Quilting and Sewing
For me, I’ve identified a few different components of my “big why” that keep me coming back to my sewing room even on tough days.
1. I love learning new techniques and trying new sewing gadgets.
Quilters are some of the most innovative people I know, and we are always coming up with a new technique or new approach to an aspect of quilting that has often been thought of as “traditional.”
This is how Mom and I ended up creating Contain It! English Paper-Pieced Style Accessories. We took a class on English paper-piecing, and then thought “what if we made these shapes three-dimensional” followed by “what if these 3D containers were washable?” We were energized by the idea of taking something old (English paper-piecing) and making it new again with a different technique that allowed for the creation of beautiful and functional home decor accessories.
2. I love making handmade gifts for the important people in my life that are tailored to their specific interests and lifestyle.
It’s easy to get a trinket personalized with a person’s name now, but it still takes a lot of effort to create a personalized quilt based on their favorite book series. At the end of the process, however, you end up with a one-of-a-kind gift that truly reflects their unique interests.
3. I love that I’m carrying on a family tradition.
As far as I know, Grammy was the first quilter in our family. She taught Mom to quilt in the 1980s, and then Mom (and Grammy) taught me to quilt. Quilting was and is a big part of both of their lives, and I enjoy carrying on that tradition.
Identifying Your Big Why
Identifying your “big why” doesn’t have to be a hard task; just take few quiet minutes to really think about WHY you sew and quilt. Here are a few ideas to get you going:
- Is it to be a lifelong learner?
- To inspire others?
- To teach a new generation of quilters?
- To create beautiful show quilts?
Understanding the “why” behind your quilting and sewing can help keep you energized to just keep stitching, even when your bobbin runs out with just one inch to go. `
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