Daylesford: or, Order out of chaos

I’m dusting off my blog again after a longer than usual funk in both my quilting and writing. The details — the why’s and wherefore’s — aren’t worth writing about. I’m just happy to be here again sharing my new project and thanking the heavens for this latest inspiration from Australian quilt maker, Jen Kingwell. It’s one from her newest book, Quilt Recipes, and quite a number of quilters I follow are creating their own versions of it.

Jen Kingwell describes it as a “Choose Your Own Adventure” quilt where just about anything goes. But it assembles quickly because the little patchwork elements placed here and there in the concentric borders take minimal time to create, since the quilt is made up of mostly larger pieces of fabric.

This one is great for stash-busting — something I love to be able to do — and the improvisational aspect is super fun. So, too, the Gees Bend vibe.

I started with a wonky Hollow Star in the center which I wasn’t very happy with but didn’t want to throw out. (If I ever make more of those I promise to use the proper technique!) And I am trying to discipline myself to use strips and pieces I’ve already got cut, (in other words, my leftovers) rather than slicing into new pretty new yardage I’ve purchased recently. We’ll see how far I get with that idea …

A couple months ago I sorted and put away all my fabric scraps and cleaned up my sewing room before we went on vacation. Now I have not one but two big tables piled up again. Pure chaos! Help!! But I’ve learned from experience not to succumb to feeling guilty (for creating yet another mess; oh, how my father hated a mess!) or overwhelmed, accepting instead that it is part of the process. I am learning to just relax and trust.

Even Jada seemed eager to participate. “It’s been a long time since you’ve laid out a quilt on the floor for me to walk across,” I could hear her saying.

So far, Jada and I are pleased.

Onward!

Or shall I say, “Around and around I will go!”, wiith thanks to Jen Kingwell.

Here’s to banishing all our funks.

Here’s to fun, new adventures.

Here’s to joy and light in this often dark and troubled world. Let’s do what we can.