Note: This post was originally published in October 2018 and revised in January 2020. Hello friends! I’ve been thinking about what I could post to begin a new year of quilting and decided that so much of what I want to say I’ve written in this post. I hope you’ll enjoy it whether you read it first in 2018 or if you’re reading it for the first time now. This post really sums up my thoughts on quilting and how it has blessed my life over the years. Why I quilt? Recently I read a post written by a fellow quilter on the topic of why she quilts. She wrote beautifully on the subject, and it got me thinking. Quilting is a topic I think about a lot, of course.
Fabric and Quilts…
In the spring of 2018, we attended International Quilt Market in Portland to share our Clover Hollow collection. At the time I thought Clover Hollow was my favorite fabric group ever; however, Walkabout quickly became my favorite followed by Harper’s Garden and Summer Sweet. I’ve always loved fabric, though. I remember as a young girl that it was such a treat to be able to pick fabric for curtains or for bedspreads in my room. My Mom always made my curtains and hemmed pre-quilted fabric for bedspreads for me. (My grandmother hadn’t really started to quilt until I was a little older). As I’ve shared before, my first job was working in a fabric store…Cloth World! Needless to say, I spent a lot of my paychecks purchasing fabric for clothing, not quilts! (I sewed most of my own dresses during that time).
The Inspiration for this Why Quilt Post
In her post (also titled “Why I Quilt”), Alison of Cluck, Cluck, Sew mentions that quilting “nurtures creativity” and helps her to “quiet my busy mind.” Both of these thoughts really resonated with me as well. I think as quilters we all love to create beautiful things to nurture our own creativity and the creativity of those we gift our quilts to. And I also believe that quilting really is the best remedy to quiet a busy mind. I’m grateful for all of the years I’ve been able to quietly quilt and sew and relax from the cares of life. At one quilting retreat I attended, one of my friends at the table presented us with wonderful conversation starters. One of her questions was, “What is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for you?” As the women in our group one by one shared wonderful experiences with giving and service, I remember thinking what a gift that experience was. To be able to have such inspirational conversation while sewing was a great blessing I received that evening.
Quilting is a Blessing
Like Alison, I make a lot of quilts. I make quilts designed specifically for each new collection of fabric we design. I make quilts for publication in magazines and books. And I make quilts to gift to family and friends. Often those published are quilts that have been on my “bucket list” for a while (and with the addition of a deadline I finally get them completed). A friend mentioned in an email the other day how lucky we are to be able to have a business that revolves around our love of quilting. And I’ve thought of her words each day since I’ve read them. I hope I never take for granted being able to work in this incredible community of women and men who share a passion for quilts and quilting!
More on Quilting…
Along with the things I’ve already mentioned, I made a list in my notebook the other day of reasons why I quilt…
- I’ve always loved quilts and quilting (even when I thought my grandmother was a little crazy for cutting up fabric just to sew it back together)!
- I appreciate my family heritage of quilting (my maternal grandmother’s maternal and paternal grandmothers were both avid quilters).
- I love creating an art form that is also so very useful to family and friends.
- Quilting truly has soothed my soul through some trying times. I’ll never forget sewing a baby quilt for my youngest son. There were problems with the pregnancy, and at one time the doctor tried to prepare me for a possible loss of the baby when I was about three months along. Making that quilt gave me a lot of hope!
- I love to give handmade items. I believe this stems from the fact that my grandmother gave so many handmade gifts to her family and friends. And my Mom and my Aunt also loved to make things–setting a wonderful example for me of making and giving.
- I love to help others feel this same joy that comes from creating and making. And it’s such a wonderful blessing to associate with others who feel the same way!
- Quilting is a wonderful way to give back to the world. In times of need and crisis, handmade is always appreciated.
More Thoughts…
And while thinking about the subject of why I quilt, I’ve also been thinking of how to do more, give more…perhaps not in the sense that I’m going to make more quilts next year than I did this year, but rather in the sense that I would like to donate more quilts. There are so many good charity causes one can donate to. And I’d also like to make more baby quilts for friends and the children of friends who are now at that stage of life. I’m quite sure that I will never run out of ideas for quilts to make. Or quilts to make for fun. Or quilts to make for no reason at all. And I will continue to make them because I love to quilt!
Thanks so much for reading, for sharing your love of quilting, and for being a part of such a wonderful quilt community! And I would love to hear your thoughts on this subject as well…just leave a comment to join the conversation already started below!
Carolyn Sands says
What a lovely post. I’m sure your thoughts will resonate with many as they did with me.
sherri McConnell says
Thank you!
Shirley says
I love your post. so glad I found you
sherri McConnell says
Thank you so much! Happy quilting!
Sherri
Brenda says
Lovely, thoughtful post! I remember Cloth World! We no longer have one in our neck of the woods, but I remember my mother buying fabric there. I must admit as long as there are new fabric collections and new patterns I guess I will continue to quilt. Have a great day!
sherri McConnell says
Yay! Someone remembers Cloth World! Have a great day!
Claudia says
I love this post, and I can relate to so many of your thoughts about quiltiing! We are part of a lovely and cherished “sisterhood” that connects us and other quilters forever. Thank you for putting into words what many of us feel.
sherri McConnell says
I love your choice of the word sisterhood…yes!
Missy Reynolds says
I so look forward to your blog posts every week. Everything you mentioned about why you quilt is absolutely true. I love making baby quilts to give to the nurses I work with. It gives me so much joy to know their little ones will be wrapped in love and gives me an opportunity to share in their lives. Recently, I started making quilts for my colleagues who have begun to retire. I’ve worked with some of them for more than 30 years. I’m so blessed to have such a wonderful, 2nd family. One of them commented the other day that quilting is my therapy. Oh so true! It is peaceful, relaxing, and rewarding, not to mention, so much fun!!! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and creativity!
sherri McConnell says
Thank you for your comments! I don’t know why, but I’ve really been wanting to make baby quilts to give to hospitals lately!
Pris Phillips says
I started a charity called Wee Ones Quilts in 2015. We make and donate high quality baby quilts to the NICU here in my town in North Idaho. If you’d like more information you can PM me on Facebook Messenger or email me at WeeOnesQuilts@gmail.com. It’s a wonderful story of how it all came about! Warmly, Pris Phillips
PS I read Allison’s blog post too… and felt the same way you did! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us!!
sherri McConnell says
I love this idea, too! Wasn’t Alison’s post wonderful! I may be emailing you after quilt market…it sounds like a great way to give!
Kitty Davies says
I make quilts for Quilts for Kids. They go to children in the hospital. It joins my love of quilting with the needs of others
sherri McConnell says
I love how you expressed joining “our love of quilting with the needs of others.” That’s what it’s all about! Happy quilting!
Susan S says
I had a nice few pleasant moments thinking about the nicest thing someone had done for me. Thank you!
sherri McConnell says
I’ve been wanting to write about that experience for a while, and today’s post seemed the perfect time to share it!
Susan Smith says
I loved reading your thoughts on this subject. I love sewing, creating and giving handmade gifts too so quilting is a perfect hobby. To me, a quilt is a tangible expression of love to wrap up and snuggle in, almost like a hug from the person who made it. There is a lot of time and thought involved in making quilts and that is a big part of the gift!
Judith Fairchild says
I enjoyed your blog. My favorite thing about quilting is the surprises you get when an idea comes together in reality. Both my grandmothers quilted. And they learned from their mothers. The best gift a grandparent can give is the joy of making gifts.
sherri McConnell says
I agree!
Rachel Stone says
I enjoyed your post and the thoughts you shared on why you quilt! I could add to your list that quilting is also a way to preserve history – the unique history of your family. I’ve made a memory quilt for my sister who is quite a bit younger than me. I sewed many dresses for her as we were growing up. We are both married now and a couple years ago I gave her an appliqued quilt of dolls each one wearing a dress from the scraps I’d saved from her dresses as a child. Such a fulfilling project and she loved it and the special memories it brought back!
sherri McConnell says
I love this…yes, preserving history is another reason why we quilt!
Mary Lou Porteus says
quilting for me let’s my creativity flow. My favorite part is picking the fabrics. Then finding the pattern that fits it. Then the excitement starts as you cut it out. You have these stacks of fabric you can’t wait to sew together. Than you have this beautiful quilt top. I think to my self layering isn’t the most fun, but a soon as you do you technically have a quilt. Then you have to design how you will quilt it. Again creativity. Then you finally put the binding on and you realized you have created something beautiful. And as everyone knows you get to gift it or keep it. I can’t decide which makes me happier!
Diane W says
Good post. I have a deep passion with quilting. Ive crotcheted, knitted, scrapbooked, made cards, etc and always came back to quilting. Its usable, an heirloom, adds so much to a bed, livingroom, etc. And when you give one as a gift, the receiver is so incredibly happy. Now that I own an Innova, I can really go to town!!
sherri McConnell says
Oh, lucky you to be able to quilt the finished product!
gailss1 says
A very warm and enjoyable post Sherri and have to say I can relate to all your points you have mentioned. One of the biggest ones for me is plain and simple ….it truly fills my heart when I quilt. Thanks
sherri McConnell says
Your description is perfect!
Diane says
♥️
Hildy says
Thanks for sharing this wonderful post with us! I started quiting in the 90ies when my mom took a class and shared what she lerned there with me. But it was more of a on/off thing I was too busy with school and life as a teenager. I really started with quilting everyday when I went to university and needed a way to relax in the evenings (beside watching tv). Like you quilting relaxes me and soothe my soul. It perfect for unwinding from the day and it’s also my ‘me-time. And it also is a way to be creative and make something for my home and lasts for a long time. Each project is a piece form my heart and soul and I hope it also inspires others to create something.
sherri McConnell says
I love these thoughts, Hildy! I don’t think I realized your Mom quilted as well!
Beverly Hess says
Very well said! Quilting means so much to me, it truly calms my soul and takes me to a peaceful place. It has led me to new friendships and connections that mean so much in my life.
sherri McConnell says
The quilting friendships are the best, aren’t they?! I don’t know where I’d be without my quilting friends!
Connie says
Very well said! Thanks for your blog! I read it all the time!
sherri McConnell says
Thank you so much!
Mary on Lake Pulaski says
I don’t know who said it first but – Quilting feeds my soul.
Thanks for the great pos
sherri McConnell says
Exactly, Mary! So true!
Mary says
So cheerful and uplifting. Thank you, I so enjoy these!
Nancy Bishop says
I’ve been quilting since 1995. In 2011 we moved to Tennessee and joined a wonderful church. Everyone made us feel like family and I felt the “need” to make a quilt for a very I’ll lady in our church. When I was making the quilt, I prayed for her and called it a prayer quilt. I had heard about prayer shawls but sine I quilt, that’s what I was going to make. I told her that if she wore it out, I would make her another one. Things would go from bad to worse and then good again for her. Fast forward, she called me after Christmas and all she said was “blue please”!!!! How wonderful to know that something I made was literally used to threadbare. Since that first prayer quilt, I’ve made around three dozen or more since then and I know I get so much joy, peace and contentment , I’ll probably never stop.
sherri McConnell says
Thank you so much for sharing this! What a wonderful blessing for both of you!
Christi says
I’m old and here is my thought on quilts. Makes me happy twice once when I make it and once when I give it away and see the smile on the face of the person who receives it. My sister told me you are so lucky to have a hobby in your old age that you love so much. Never once did I think of it that way, but I guess it’s true.
sherri McConnell says
I agree! I’m so grateful to have this hobby that I can do for years to come!
Helen LeBrett says
Beautiful post Sherri! I just have to create, and quilting does that for me. Sometimes I just need to sit behind the machine and stitch: something about the sound of the machine and those seams going together. And I do love to make quilts for the babies of my lovely young women who I used to teach, and the children of my nieces and nephews. I have 28 nieces and nephews, so with making quilts for their babies I will never run out of recipients!!! 🙂 Hugs, H
sherri McConnell says
You do have a lot of quilting to do, Helen! Thank you for sharing!
Karee Sowards says
Your thoughts on Why I Quilt are so reflective of our community as a whole and its individual creators. Your words express much of my own hunger to quilt, to give, to dream. I have an additional reason or two: Creating, specifically creating Beauty, fills me with peace and hope. It is almost divine. My lamp is filled.
Add to that the knowledge the recipient has that they are worth and worthy of such a creation lasts a lifetime. It sustains them. It comforts them. So beauty fills them, also. This element is tremendously significant for me. The need to be connected, long term, is profound. Quilts endure and they provide that sustenance no matter the distance or time that separates us. Generation to generation, the knowledge of effort and love are wrapped in quilts. And those anonymous charity quilts are ten times as impactful because need and need to know they are of worth is magnified.
Thank you for triggering such contemplations. Your talents and thoughts bless and encourage us to we bless others. Hand and heart are inseparable.
sherri McConnell says
Your words are so beautiful, Karee! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! Happy quilting!
Sherri
Diane says
Wonderful post! Thank you!
Brenda says
Thankyou for sharing this post again! Why I quilt has changed over the years. I tried to make a few blocks as a young teen but became distracted and put the blocks away. I still have those few blocks, and every now and then pull them out and smile. For me now, It’s now playing with all the pretty fabrics! I love the colors! I love to share my love of quilting and infect others with this beautiful art form!
Rae says
I need to “make”. I love to quilt because it’s something that I can do well. I’m a good stitcher, having learned first how to make my own clothes. Coming from a frugal upbringing, I love buying fabric and having it on hand when I start a new project. My first quilt was made from my new husband’s shirts, unbenownst to him! I started LAQ in 2000. I’m still a better piecer than LAQer but I enjoy the process from beginning to end. Thanks for your inspiration! Oh, and does it surprise you when someone doesn’t quilt? I make gifts for special occasions but when someone asks for a quilt outright, I suggest that they come over and make it with me!
Cora Hamner says
I belong to a group called Common Threads from Richmond Hill, GA. We make and donate quilts for victims of fires, cancer and just because. We also make pillow cases for kids to take home from hospital. Pajama pants for in house patients to slip on while going to therapy. Of course they get to take them home. The scraps are for more quilts. We make pillow pals, small pillows t cushion bodies wherever necessary. And chemo hots. I really enjoy this as I am now confined to a wheelchair and can no longer attend meetings. Your blog is wonderful, keep up the good work.
Susan says
Thank you, for bringing back memories of a very happy time in my life. Cloth World in Austin, TX, hired me part-time in the 1980’s, first as a sales “associate”:-) and then as a model-garment maker. Yes, not much of my paychecks left the store! Bless you.
Shari says
I am an avid cross stitcher, and I have collected many quilts throughout the years. I just started quilting within the last year, and find the art of creating very relaxing.
Kathy Z says
I’ve been quilting for about 25 years and two years ago joined a quilt guild. I’m so happy I found this group because they hand-quilt the tops and that’s what I like to do. We meet every Wednesday and sit around 8 foot quilting frames and quilt for 4 hours. Our oldest member is 92 and she comes every week. It’s a great time to socialize and offer support to anyone who is in need. I love to quilt because it is a great stress buster for me and lets me show my creative side. Thanks for the questions. I think I’ll ask them to our quilt guild members. Best wishes to you, Sherri, in the new year.
Kay Welch says
This post will be a wonderful one to reread when those times strike that make me think “why am I quilting?”. It doesn’t happen as often as in the past, but there are times when I am struggling with a project or something happens to upset the “apple cart. that I think “I’m not meant to be a quilter.” I come from a heritage of master quilters, so I set the bar for myself very high. I began cutting myself some slack, practicing more, and now my skills have improved. Taking the pressure off myself made my quilting skills improve quickly. My sister and I have added another place to donate quilts which holds a special place for us. Our newest grand niece, Tiffani, began a non-profit, GloryB this past autumn. GloryB supports and provides aid to survivors of trafficking and other horrible abuses. She and I plan to make comfort quilts for Tiffani to have on hand to give to her survivor sisters. I’m also participating in your scrap challenge , as well as some other monthly challenges. Looking forward to your posts this year. Happy New Year
Jan says
Thank you so much for all your posts. I enjoy every one. I feel like quilting is my “therapy “. ?
Shannon Slagle says
I so look forward to all your blog posts, especially Saturday’s posts! I’ve been doing your Block of the Month and have 11 and 12 2019 to get finished up and put together, so then i can start this year’s. Thank you for those!! Also looking forward to “Summer Sweet” apprearing in my sewing room!
Elaine says
Beautiful Sherri! I echo your thoughts in everything! What a joy quilting is! I also worked at Cloth World when I was a teen!! ?
Sherry G says
Great post, Sherri! For me quilting is my creative outlet. And just like you, I love that my choice of art form is something that is useful! I am by nature and professionally a planner, so I spend a lot of time PLANNING projects I would like to do and I need to focus in 2020 on getting more of them started and completed! I took several years off from quilting when life got super busy with my kids, but the past two year I’ve been back into my quilting and enjoying it more than ever! I work full time so I only get a few quilts done each year, but I make sure each one has meaning. Some day when I’m no longer working I hope to increase the number of projects I can get done each year. I have so many projects on my Quilting Bucket List that I will need to live to be 100 just to get them all done! 🙂
Thank you for all your great tips and advice on your blog and in your videos. I read them ALL!
Happy 2020!