Make it matter

Have you heard about The Slow Stitching Movement? I believe this is so spot-on I want to make sure you know about it. Do you remember Mark Lipinski, former Executive Editor of the Quilter's Home magazine from a few years back? The magazine went out of print when the popular editor, Mark Lipinski, needed all his energy to battle a serious illness. Now, he's back...energetic and influential as ever....kick-starting The Slow Stitching Movement.

Here is how Mark describes The Slow Stitching Movement on his website and blog:

"Quick, fast, easy. In our busy multitasking world, those buzzwords capture our attention. But speed can kill creativity and the enjoyment of our creative pursuits. Maybe what we really need to do is slow down, enjoy the process and create fiber art that we're really proud of."

Nancy stitching on a Hawaiian quilt

In August, the three of us - me, Nancy and Janice - attended a presentation by Mark in Portland, OR. (If you ever have the opportunity to attend one of Mark's events you better just go!) During his presentation the three of us nodded our heads in complete agreement; the immediate connection with his message and our intentions were all too obvious.

"Speed can kill creativity..." Are you feeling it, too? I sure am.

With the recent popularity of the Slow Stitching Movement I have been doing a lot of thinking about my process and my work. Being one who loves handwork and the feel of nice cotton fabric, much of what Mark said resonated with me. He talked about stopping to think about what we are doing and why. We live in a world where everything is created quickly or available at a moment's notice. Slowing down and being thoughtful in what I do, and how I do it, is good for my health, well-being and, of course, my art. 
 

I began my quilting experience with the idea that it was all about the end result, and wanted to get there as quickly as possible. As I worked, I learned something about myself: the parts that excited me most were the things that took time and thought. The reason I was quilting shifted, it was no longer all about the end result, it was more about the process. When I realized this, it gave me permission to slow down, and really think about how I was going to create my pieces.

One of my aha moments occurred as I was finishing my first bed quilt (a queen-size nine patch). It was then I realized the most enjoyable part was hand stitching the binding! Stitching by hand. By hand! And that led me to needleturn applique. The meditative process of needleturn ... the needle goes in... slides through the fabric... and out the other side... Over and over and over again. While stitching, I seem able to solve the problems of the world. Oh, the wonderful benefits of engaging in the process at this level! Have you experienced that joy recently?

While working on a large quilt, such as a Hawaiian bed quilt, many changes will occur in your life. Depending on how diligent you are, your quilt can take years to complete. In that time you experience many life changes; and when you look at your quilt you remember those experiences. The imprints of memories in a tangible form. And isn't that one of the incredible things about creating your art? 

This is how it applies to me in my world, but it can be said about any and all fiber art. Whether it is done on your machine or by hand, just take a deep breath, think about what you are doing, experience it, relax, and enjoy! 

Visit The Slow Stitching Movement website to watch Mark's podcast, follow the blog, view the Gallery, and more.

Then consider how adding needleturn applique to your quilts can help you slow down, relax, and enjoy the process. The quilt will be finished in time, and you will have a work of art to be proud of.

To learn needleturn applique, or improve your skills look for one of our DVDs in your local library, your quilt guild library, or purchase your very own copy here. Make your quilting matter.

African Safari

While most of our patterns tend to be tropical in nature, we expanded into the warm-weather climates of the African grasslands with our Giraffe Family quilt; now part of our trio of safari-themed quilts along with Zebras and Elephants.

Did you know that the word safari originates from the Arabic word safar which means journey? In Swahili, safari means a long journey. Today a safari is any journey where you can observe animals in their natural habitat - be it in Africa, Australia, Alaska, India, Peru...

Most of us have only ever seen giraffes in zoos, but we know more than a few of you have seen them in the wild, on safari. How exciting that must have been!

Giraffes typically range in height from 14 to 19 feet (4 to 6 meters) and can weigh upwards of 2,800 pounds (794 kg). Herbivores, they are able to eat the leaves from the taller trees, which other animals cannot reach. Acacia, pictured in this quilt, is a favorite.

They live in family groupings of about six. Mothers give birth standing up, which means the baby drops about 5 feet to the ground! The baby stands in about 30 minutes, and is ready to run with its mother in just 10 hours.

Begin your collection of safari-themed quilts with this one while it is our Internet Special.

Giraffe Family, 24" x 36". Normal price $12.00, for a short time this pattern is our Internet Special for only $10.00.  Buy yours now. 

Take a peek. See the variety of Giraffe Family quilts made by our customers in the 2FAQ Gallery.