Reflections on Nurturing

 

Quilt for my new son-in-law -
Batik fabrics from Malaysia mixed with 
aboriginal prints from AU 

This past month has revolved around nurturing patience.

The ceiling in my sewing room sprung a leak and is now waiting on drywall and plaster. Most of the room is sealed off behind plastic as a wistful barrier for dust. My work in progress had to be quickly folded up while my sewing machine and fabrics were covered with sheets.

Patience. Holding patterns. 

And... I've been able to focus on a couple smaller projects that needed finishing. I have been thinking more about how do I nurture my creative spirit while also giving out into the world. I found a small group of quilters who donate quilts for foster children and palliative care patients.

While I wait for my sewing room to become viable again, this holding patterns has given me space to not only envision future projects but to also reflect on how I felt as I worked on the last few pieces I have done. I have no idea if my sense of connection or intentionality around the process of quilting is experienced by others; all I know is that I savor that experience of dropping into the process of building a tangible item of love and care that someone can wrap themselves up in. Not all of my work are quilts big enough to wrap up in, but the smaller pieces have given me space to learn and grow while also crafting the places, moments and things that have caught my eye.

What does it looks like to make quilts that are hugs - wrapping someone up in acceptance, love, peace?  More and more, I am experiencing a deeper sense of connection with those for whom I am making the quilts - even if I never meet them. A baby quilt that celebrates new patterns and tradition at the same time. Crooked road quilts for a teenage niece that seems crazy, odd, quirky - until you look at the whole. 

The creative process has nurtured a part of my self that usually sits quietly in the corner waiting for all the other life experiences to make a little space. The artist. The creative. Finding ways to bring this creative spirit forward has been an eye opening experience. Not because I've suddenly become an Artiste, no. It is because I've been continuing to hold my self, my ideas, my projects with a high degree of compassion and gentle encouragement. I'm giving myself the chance to experiment and learn.

And I've made three quilts for foster care in my county. What is nurturing one's own spirit if you don't pass it on?

Group Challenge Quilt with center panel
provided by Calico Creations Quilt Shop