Sunday, April 24, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Quilting Controversies and Artists ad Nauseum
I happened upon some recent blogs opining the decline of "excellence" in quilting and the lack of originality in designs today. One blogger wrote about the "dumbing down" of quilting today. Another wrote about the work of one particular quilter that had been published in American Craft magazine, basically saying that it wasn't up to the standards of the magazine. These blogs were full of the term "quilt artist" (which they deemed themselves to be) and it made me recall past controversies about the legitimacy of quilt artists who created their quilts by MACHINE. (Oh the shame of it!) And I wonder...will there always be snotty, condescending, self-proclaimed quilt "artists" who try to wring every last drop of joy out of the quilting process? Who disdain the efforts of the millions of quilters who happily create their quilts using the patterns purchased from others? Who belittle, snipe and ridicule folks who want to play and not follow the rules (or who ONLY want to follow the rules)? These back-biters have tiny souls and thus I would argue that they have no repository of creativity upon which they can rightfully call themselves artists.
So to these Creators of Controversy I say: Drop the "artist" schtick, would you? Everybody and their brother calls themselves artists now. Artists are as common as a copper penny. Instead, call yourselves what you really are: critics.
So to these Creators of Controversy I say: Drop the "artist" schtick, would you? Everybody and their brother calls themselves artists now. Artists are as common as a copper penny. Instead, call yourselves what you really are: critics.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Its (My) Friday!
Since I work Mondays and Tuesdays at my local quilt shop, Tuesday night has become my FRIDAY night. Not that the job is so stressful that I'm looking forward to "Friday" (what does it matter anyway, in retirement?), its just a comforting routine - a carryover from the "real" work world. I like it.
As usual, I am full of so many plans and possibilities. Tomorrow I will spend the day sewing with two of my bestest sewing buddies. I plan to finish a wristlet I cut out and then machine-blanket-stitch an applique quilt for my mom. Said quilt is on a black background so I'd better get it done before I am unable to sew on a black background also! (Besides, it was her birthday yesterday and it would be a nice present for her to have it all done!) If there is a ghost of a chance that I might finish both projects, I'm taking along my BOM applique project, too. I know...its a very ambitious agenda but hey, nothing ventured, nothing gained!
Happy Fri...er...Tuesday!
As usual, I am full of so many plans and possibilities. Tomorrow I will spend the day sewing with two of my bestest sewing buddies. I plan to finish a wristlet I cut out and then machine-blanket-stitch an applique quilt for my mom. Said quilt is on a black background so I'd better get it done before I am unable to sew on a black background also! (Besides, it was her birthday yesterday and it would be a nice present for her to have it all done!) If there is a ghost of a chance that I might finish both projects, I'm taking along my BOM applique project, too. I know...its a very ambitious agenda but hey, nothing ventured, nothing gained!
Happy Fri...er...Tuesday!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Rebukes and Confrontations and Words in General
I am amazed at what we are capable of saying to one another - loved ones and friends alike - that tears each other down and foments resentment, bitterness and confrontation. Proverbs 12:18 says "Reckless words pierce like a sword but the tongue of the wise brings healing".
The bad things in life seem to stick in our memory...sometimes a whole lifetime...longer than do the good things.
Like gossip: "The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts" Prov. 26:22. We remember - and believe - the bad things we hear about others, even if we have no proof ourselves.
I feel badly when I gossip, and I should. It is SO destructive. And yet I still do it and am ashamed. Words cannot be unsaid and their power lasts as long as the hearers remember.
I feel badly when I fail to support a friend who is being unjustly accused or is the subject of gossip. Words unspoken can be as detrimental as those spoken rashly. Silence implies agreement.
I must strive to be like a deep well where ill-spoken words fall and are diluted and forgotten. I must strive to be like a gushing spring where well-spoken words refresh and encourage and support.
The bad things in life seem to stick in our memory...sometimes a whole lifetime...longer than do the good things.
Like gossip: "The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts" Prov. 26:22. We remember - and believe - the bad things we hear about others, even if we have no proof ourselves.
I feel badly when I gossip, and I should. It is SO destructive. And yet I still do it and am ashamed. Words cannot be unsaid and their power lasts as long as the hearers remember.
I feel badly when I fail to support a friend who is being unjustly accused or is the subject of gossip. Words unspoken can be as detrimental as those spoken rashly. Silence implies agreement.
I must strive to be like a deep well where ill-spoken words fall and are diluted and forgotten. I must strive to be like a gushing spring where well-spoken words refresh and encourage and support.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Look What I Found!
Gotta get me some of this!
Cute fabric panel, eh? Its from Exclusively Quilters (2009) and I found one...its on the way!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Allergies
It is official. I'm allergic to all the grasses (big time) for which I was tested. And some trees and nasty weeds. And...CATS! (but not as bad as the grasses).
SO, Miss Wattson, you'd better be on your best behavior, to make my misery worth your charming company! :D Just kidding. I can't evict an old lady, even if she is an ornery cat.
SO, Miss Wattson, you'd better be on your best behavior, to make my misery worth your charming company! :D Just kidding. I can't evict an old lady, even if she is an ornery cat.
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