Week 6 -2009
I said that I would write some thoughts about the Journal Quilt project when I had time to reflect on the process. I think that this reflection/evaluation part of the design process is really important.
I have decided that it is a wonderful thing to because of a number of reasons. It extended my skills and encouraged me to be creative. The small size of the blocks also helped this aspect. My free-hand machine embroidery, which I have always loved doing, was vastly improved.
The project encouraged ( should I say forced me? ) to be aware and thinking of the project at all times. Due to the pressure of one block a week, I could not afford to get too far behind so there was a constant deadline which encouraged me to be quilting, and I needed to think about what would be the inspiration for my block that week. Now that it is finished and hanging on the wall, the quilt is a great record of the year and the experiences which were contained within the year. But, I can show friends and relatives where they were involved in the story of the quilt. My friend , Gertrud, who is included in Week 42, went to the blog and read all the stories after being shown her block!
Would I do it again? That is the big question!! Yes I would! But, I am glad I am having a rest in 2009!
When I look at Elizabet Perry’s WoolGathering website, http://www.elizabethperry.com/woolgathering I admire greatly her creativity and dedication to do a drawing per day! It is not only ALWAYS doing the drawing ( no excuses, no putting it off until tomorrow), but also scanning it and writing about it EVERY DAY for seven years!
I certainly relate to her statement at the top of the web page ” looking-thinking-drawing-being “.
I think the Journal Quilt would be a great group activity. For instance, members of a quilting group could be allocated or volunteer for a number of weeks throughout the year. Imagine the discussions!
However, I don’t think that my stash of black and white fabrics has diminished!!!!