Why We Quilt - A Reflection on the Meaning of National Quilting Month
(excerpt from feature article - BLOCK Magazine, Volume 12, Issue 1)
No matter how you first found your way to quilting, it has likely become a part of your identity. But have you ever stopped to think about the reasons why you quilt?
Is it for creative expression that drives you? Quilting offers a chance to turn your ideas into tangible works of art that will last for a lifetime! As Christine Ricks from the BLOCK team points out, working on a tangible project with her hands has been a great way to grow her creativity. “I work at a computer all day, and it is so satisfying to quilt—applying my graphic design skills to this tactile hobby,” she says. “I get to be as creative as I want and still at the end of the day end up with something that I made with my own hands. So satisfying!”
Perhaps it’s the connection to a community that has drawn you in. When you’re taking part in a shared tradition alongside guilds, making group quilts, or swapping blocks with quilting bees, the quilting community comes alive in new and invigorating ways. Laura Wolf-Cameron discovered just that in her crafting group that has met together for 16 years. “I find happiness and inspiration both in seeing what others create and in crafting together,” she says.
Another reason for quilting? Crafting handmade treasures is a heartfelt way to share a piece of yourself with others—a tangible expression of love and care. Even fabric scraps from previous projects can be transformed into charitable creations, spreading warmth and kindness to those in need! As Lora Kroush puts it, “Quilting is a way for me to show someone how much I care about them, but it’s also a way to express myself.”
Other quilters are drawn in by the therapeutic value of this relaxing hobby. While they stitch up a quilt top, they can feel their stress melting away. As Liz Gubernatis explained, quilting provides a moment of peace—even if it sometimes drives her crazy! “I love learning new things, and making things with my hands, and giving love—but most of all I love the peaceful zen of just stitching,” she explained. “It calms a bad day and makes a good day better.”
Debbie Holterman agrees that quilting is a wonderful act of self-care—a chance to stay in the present moment and forget the worries of the day! “In truth, quilting is an escape for me,” Debbie says. “When I’m quilting, I’m satisfying my need to create, and I’m not thinking about pressures or worries.”
Still others appreciate the practicality and functionality of quilting! You can use quilts to preserve memories (hello, T-shirt quilts!) and create a family heirloom that will last for all time. As Lindsay Conner explains, finishing a quilt and seeing a loved one snuggled underneath its cozy layers is the icing on the cake. “I made a memory quilt of my son’s onesies from newborn to 12 months,” she says. “Stitching it together was a way for me to move into the next era of motherhood—remembering all the sleepless nights and baby food fights. At the same time, it was so fun to make a quilt for my son’s toddler bed that he can pass on to his own children someday!”
Quilting is also a wonderful way to learn new techniques while creating warm, useful creations. “I love quilting because it is an endless learning experience,” says Denise Russell. “One can never say, ‘I finally know everything about quilting.’ Because somewhere, someone will devise a new technique or a more efficient way to do what I've been doing for years, and bam! I am headed to school again!”
Quilting is a long-honored tradition. No matter how or why, honoring the quilting heritage is sure to bring happiness to your life. So keep sewing your troubles away, continue to stitch pieces of your heart into fabric, and pass the tradition on to your loved ones.
How have you been celebrating National Quilting Month this year? Share them with us on social media using the #msqcshowandtell hashtag on social media, or click here to see what we've been up to over on Instagram!
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