Monday, February 22, 2010

Quilt Block

I haven't written any prose since Friday. I wish I could get time during the weekend, but it's "family time." But I did make something yesterday! See?

It's a quilt block. :-) It's about 15'' square. My husband and I took a quilting class yesterday*, and this is what I made. I tried to be as precise as I could, but I go through projects quickly and always make mistakes. (I really should wear a seam-ripper around my neck whilst sewing.) Jim has always wanted to make quilts and I wanted to learn how to be more precise in my sewing. He was the only man there, naturally, but no one seemed to mind. In much the way it is with children's writers gatherings, when a man is about, the women are thrilled to have some diversity. He is hoping to make some sort of mathematical quilt, with fractals, I think**.

Things I learned about quilting that can be applied to writing:
1. Get an idea for the scope of the project first.
2. Don't get discouraged about how much time it might take--do one block at a time.
3. If you are precise every step of the way, the pieces will fit together much better. (This pleases my critical side.)
4. If you rush, you'll probably make a mess that won't fit together. (A bit like NaNoWriMo was for me, really.)
5. Enjoy it.

* What a date, eh?
** Did I mention I married a mathematical freak of nature? Well, I did. Math freaks are hot.

9 comments:

Shannon O'Donnell said...

What a fun post (and what a cool husband)! I love the idea of comparing writing to quilting. :-)

Jonathon Arntson said...

That's awesome. I am creating a cover as a prize from a contest I held and that right there is the perfect motivation!

Jacqui said...

I love quilting, and yes, it's the math. Mathletes are hot indeed.

Mary Witzl said...

I'm awed that you were able to get your husband to go quilting with you. My husband cooks and cleans, but I could sooner get him to fly to the moon than quilt. Which is a pity because I'm awful at quilting.

Valerie Storey said...

Hi Amber,
I enjoy reading your blog and thought you deserved a blog award. I've just posted one for you at my own page, www.valeriestorey.blogspot.com. Although the award is about posting 7 things about yourself and handing out to 7 more blogs, don't feel you have to do that. You have enough to contend with I'm sure! Happy quilting.

Laura Pauling said...

In my older days of quilting, which didn't last long, I made one wall hanging. And then, I started a queen size quilt. Big mistake. I have most of the squares done in the attic. Some day, I want to hire a professional to finish the job. What I enjoyed the most about quilting was designing it out and picking fabrics, but the finishing it got a little tedious. Writing can be too, but it's a tedious I don't mind. Good luck with it!

Amber Lough said...

Thank you, Valerie!

Marcia said...

Please do post a picture of the fractal quilt if your husband makes it. In fact, tell him he's got to! :)

Christina Farley said...

I'm so impressed with your quilting!