First Quilt

Back in February I picked up Palmiers Kiss, Icelandic Poppies Bluebell Metallic and Climbing Branches Kiss from Jen Hewett’s Unruly Nature collection from Gather Here. No real plan for them, they were just too lovely to resist.

I liked the notion of trying a quilt/throw, but didn't want to cut those yummy patterns into tiny pieces. Several searches of big block quilts later, I had some ideas, but no real pattern. Then I picked up a fourth print from the collection, Metallic Bluebell Cup And Saucer Vine, from Three Little Birds along with some speckled backing fabric.

Some more thinking had me finally cutting into the fabric, using my ruler as the size guide.

I arranged the pieces, mixing and matching as I went. I have pieces and fabric left, but like where it landed size-wise after a day of sewing.

I'm my mother's daughter, so this one was destined for hand quilting.

Stitch, stitch, stitch, then it was time to give self binding a try.

Fabric from Jen Hewett’s Unruly Nature collection
Assembled blocks using Jen Hewett’s Unruly Nature fabric

Bubbles!

Bubble from class three with my Beginning Glassblowing students at DC GlassWorks.

This was our first night working with a blowpipe to test our newfound skills at gathering glass from the furnace, using blocks and working with tools like the steel marver and jacks.

Next week we'll follow (most of) the steps from this list to make cylinders!

The ripple effects of creativity

I've often thought of crafting as a stress reliever.

There's nothing quite like turning all your attention to transforming a humble ball of rope into an airy wall hanging or a simple block of rubber into a stamp that you use to print a beautiful pattern on all the things.

Losing yourself in the process of making with your hands (even as you say a few choice words about that pesky knot that's appeared out of no where) gives you a chance to break away from the stresses of everyday. To think about something totally different.

New research out of the University of Otago in New Zealand tells us that act of creation has more ripple effects than we knew. "Everyday creative activity may lead to an 'upward spiral' of increased wellbeing and creativity." So in addition to the stress relief you might while crafting, you might just get an extra boost the next day too. Sounds good to me!