Why I Enjoy Quilting!

[lyric]

Several weeks ago I was pondering the whys and decided to write them down.

Why I Love Quilting?

What about you quilting divas and dons? What about quilting floats your boat?

[shermur]

Re: Why I Enjoy Quilting!

Quilting is a creative outlet for me. IT's my alone time away from the complications of life. It's carrying on a family tradition.

[alliek]

Re: Why I Enjoy Quilting!

It's MY TIME. Completely mine. I do not have to be concerned with whether someone likes the design or colors. I get excited over new fabrics and projects. I sit in my "sewing" room (dining room) and put together the shapes and colors that please me (or frustrate me!!) Whatever it is, it centers me and pleases me.

[lyric]

Re: Why I Enjoy Quilting!

I can not paint or draw. I am thinking quilting will fill that so-called deficit; you feel me??

[lyric]

Hot dog this just may be it!

This is wicked good, cool, scary; check out this link mushywiki! | Treadles / KenmoreConversion

I've got to study this. Oh boy!

[HandsomeRyan]

Re: Why I Enjoy Quilting!

Interesting topic.

I would say the primary reason I like quilting is that I like making things. I guess the ability to make things (fabric or otherwise) makes me feel empowered. If I want a bed runner for my bed, I'll make one. It turned out nice but doesn't match the curtains, I'll make those too. While some people sit around wishing that someone would make things that they would like- I take control and produce things that I will like. I am responsible for my own happiness and fulfillment. My wife has also showed an interest and while she is not passionate about it the way I am, I enjoy the time we spend together. Finally, it allows me to make things which I can give to others. I have been overwhelmed in the last few weeks with all the kindness people have shown me and I hope to pay that forward by making quilts and other sewing projects for others to enhance their lives.

Some may think it is odd that a 28 year old guy would choose quilting. Since I started working in horticulture at age 15 I'm pretty used to being the "non traditional" person in the group. Most of the classes I took and later taught it was me and a room full of women old enough to be my mother or grandmother. Same with my work life- the average garden center customer (when that is what I did) was a woman at least a generation older than me. It never really bothered me. When I decided I wanted to quilt I never really gave any consideration about what others would think. Most people have been overwhelmingly supportive. The lady at the Husqvarna dealer in one of the local Joann's who asked me, "Are you sure it isn't under your wife's name**" has been the minority and most people in the quilting community regardless of age or gender have welcomed me with open arms and open hearts. I only hope that I am able to contribute in addition to what I gain from the wisdom all of you have so graciously shared with me.

**My wife doesn't even know how to sew, why would a sewing machine be registered in her name?!

[bonniebella]

Re: Why I Enjoy Quilting!

I have tried many crafts over the years, never been really good at any and lost interest quite quickly. Quilting is the only one I have stayed with for longer than one or two projects and I have plans for well into the future. I like to create and am amazed how different the same block can look in another fabric or the same fabric in another block. I lose track of time in my sewing room, my own little world. Even if something turns out not quite right after momentary frustration I think I am probably the only one who notices my mistakes. Well maybe talented quilters would but not the people in my life I am sharing my creations with.

[lyric]

Re: Why I Enjoy Quilting!

Even if something turns out not quite right after momentary frustration I think I am probably the only one who notices my mistakes. Well maybe talented quilters would but not the people in my life I am sharing my creations with.

Booo yah, that's what I'm talking about, BonnieBella! THAT'S what it's all about.

Cheers to YOU.

[lyric]

Re: Why I Enjoy Quilting!

**My wife doesn't even know how to sew, why would a sewing machine be registered in her name?!

I know, right!!!!!

[KathyCrofoot]

Re: Why I Enjoy Quilting!

I wrote this on my blog in August

Why do I quilt?

So why do I quilt? To feed my creativity, and to share my love. I quilt to wrap someone in love and comfort, to bring a smile to their faces. I quilt to thank our service members, to let them know I appreciate the freedoms their service provides. I quilt for the love of creating something beautiful and meaningful from a pile of fabric (scraps). I quilt because I must.



I quilt for the smile on a little girl's face. I quilt because it calms me and keeps me centered and grounded.

[GrammaBabs]

Re: Why I Enjoy Quilting!

This just shows what great self-esteem you have.. something many do not posses..we love you Ryan.. being comfortable in a room full of women is not a bad thing for a guy... my DH is the same.. he's a sports nut, still plays softball and bowls,, mows his own lawn and snowblows the drive.... here in the comm. where it's "done for you"...but would still rather sit at the table with the gals!

Interesting topic.

I would say the primary reason I like quilting is that I like making things. I guess the ability to make things (fabric or otherwise) makes me feel empowered. If I want a bed runner for my bed, I'll make one. It turned out nice but doesn't match the curtains, I'll make those too. While some people sit around wishing that someone would make things that they would like- I take control and produce things that I will like. I am responsible for my own happiness and fulfillment. My wife has also showed an interest and while she is not passionate about it the way I am, I enjoy the time we spend together. Finally, it allows me to make things which I can give to others. I have been overwhelmed in the last few weeks with all the kindness people have shown me and I hope to pay that forward by making quilts and other sewing projects for others to enhance their lives.

Some may think it is odd that a 28 year old guy would choose quilting. Since I started working in horticulture at age 15 I'm pretty used to being the "non traditional" person in the group. Most of the classes I took and later taught it was me and a room full of women old enough to be my mother or grandmother. Same with my work life- the average garden center customer (when that is what I did) was a woman at least a generation older than me. It never really bothered me. When I decided I wanted to quilt I never really gave any consideration about what others would think. Most people have been overwhelmingly supportive. The lady at the Husqvarna dealer in one of the local Joann's who asked me, "Are you sure it isn't under your wife's name**" has been the minority and most people in the quilting community regardless of age or gender have welcomed me with open arms and open hearts. I only hope that I am able to contribute in addition to what I gain from the wisdom all of you have so graciously shared with me.

**My wife doesn't even know how to sew, why would a sewing machine be registered in her name?!

[GrammaBabs]

Re: Why I Enjoy Quilting!

Kathy... so many reason you mentioned are spot on for me as well,,, But for me,, I just HAVE to be creating or using fabric, or yarn or food... I love, knitting, crocheting, cooking and now quilting,,, oh and I love to Dance up a storm.. I guess it's self expression and making it "mine" not many "patterns" do I make according to the directions.. picking the color and patterns... I make it "mine".. and love to share my knowledge and give away something when I can see that they really do LOVE IT!!!

[HandsomeRyan]

Re: Why I Enjoy Quilting!

This just shows what great self-esteem you have.. something many do not posses..we love you Ryan.

Yeah. I subscribe to the "I have enough friends" life philosophy. I don't mean that in the negative way like I have enough and don't need more. Quite the opposite, I love making new friends. What I mean is I have enough friends and if someone chooses to look down on me because the things I enjoy, I don't care because I have enough other friends already who love and accept me for who I am so I don't need to impress anyone.

[mamaquilt]

Re: Why I Enjoy Quilting!

I quilt because I love to create! The same way as I love to knit, sew, crochet or weave. For me creating and repurposing is the ultimate kick(???) Hope everyone understands what I mean.

[Jackiequilts]

Re: Why I Enjoy Quilting!

After I got past 8th grade Home Ec which my mom made me take so I would learn to sew, I discovered I liked it. Made most of my clothes for college and then when my kids were young and the budget was tight, it was so peaceful creating at night when they were in bed. Got away from sewing and took up cross stitch which I did for years, intricate patterns. Took a BOM class at the local quilt shop and got the quilting bug. I have a very stressful job. Sewing and creating is still peaceful and it makes me feel that I am in touch with history and the people who 'touched' the real things in life. My mom would be so proud if she could see me today.