My New Manifesto

I'm a verbal processor, which is one reason I have a blog. I have to write what I think in order to organize it in my mind.
I feel a desire to explain my new outlook on quilt making.
For so many years I had many different reasons for making my quilts; art for one, commerce for another, justifying my career for a third. Now deep into my retirement I have let go of many of the reasons that used to motivate me and have discovered a new one (or two) which allows me a certain freedom to just HAVE FUN.

I've let go of a need to sell my work. It just doesn't make me as happy as it used to do. I just spend the money on yarn that I really don't need. (a whole 'nother story).

I've let go of needing to have an ending place to put this new work. I figure, I'll make it and the place will come.

I've let go of saving my 'good' fabric for something important. That never came up, so I am not saving it anymore. I am USING IT UP....mostly the prints will become backs, and that solves one of my biggest issues, not being able to decide what to put on the back. Make the back first and design a front to fit. What a concept!

I am less interested in making groundbreaking art and much more interested in enjoying the process. No one can give me the experience but myself and it is the experience that makes me happy.


And I am really enjoying the quilting again, now that I have adjusted my work space to better fit my needs. I am sewing now everyday and working through my stash, which doesn't seem to get smaller.

I am hanging my finished tops and backs to keep them smooth until such time as my table is cleared and I can sandwich and quilt them.
What happens when the quilts pile up? I will add them to our attic space while they await a new home.


Today's back, 65x72"