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Wednesday, January 12, 2011

On my way back to Slow Cloth

The health issues that were plaguing our family continued to be problems through the end of the year. Today we are at Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN to see what can be done to get Hubby around the corner and through the woods, so to speak. It's been a rough start to a new year, but there's always hope for the next day, isn't there?

In the meantime, as I was spinning my wheels, getting this house ready for the market I dugout located this antique leaves and vines quilt top from the thirties in a "safe" place in my closet. A friend of mine located this in Shipshewana, IN a few years ago, and I absolutely fell in love. This is something I've always wanted to do, but since I don't do hand applique so much anymore, this will be the surrogate!  
It's king size, which is unusual for that time period.


I want this year to be the year of "slow cloth" as defined by Elaine Lipson. I plan on getting this tiop basted, then start the hand quilting journey with it through this year. Will you join me in slowing down and enjoying the journey? I've put Elaine's list of 10 qualities of Slow Cloth below my signature, but it can apply to just about anything you might "do", and I think it will enrich my daily life!





10 QUALITIES OF SLOW CLOTH,BY ELAINE LIPSON


  • She defined Slow Cloth several years ago on her blog. Read the original post which is beautifully written. (Copyright Elaine Lipson 2007-2010; all rights reserved).
  • Joy
    Slow Cloth has the possibility of joy in the process. In other words, the journey matters as much as the destination.
  • Contemplation
    Slow Cloth offers the quality of meditation or contemplation in the process.
  • Skill
    Slow Cloth involves skill and has the possibility of mastery.
  • Diversity
    Slow Cloth acknowledges the rich diversity and multicultural history of textile art.
  • Teaching
    Slow Cloth honors its teachers and lineage even in its most contemporary expressions.
  • Materials
    Slow Cloth is thoughtful in its use of materials and respects their source.
  • Quality
    Slow Cloth artists, designers, crafters and artisans want to make things that last and are well-made.
  • Beauty
    It's in the eye of the beholder, yes, but it's in our nature to reach for beauty and create it where we can.
  • Community
    Slow Cloth supports community by sharing knowledge and respecting relationships.
  • Expression
    Slow Cloth is expressive of individuals and/or cultures. The human creative force is reflected and evident in the work.


6 comments:

AuntieAllyn said...

That quilt is too fabulous!! Hope all goes well for hubby (and you)!

Mb Frezon said...

Best wishes to your guy hope they figure it out. Many thanks for that list -- things we all need to remember.

Debbie said...

I wish a full and speedy recovery for Kevin! Be sure to let us know what's happening, Sharon.

You don't do hand applique anymore? Do I remember correctly that it was you who used to say that your father used to cut out the applique pieces for you?

Quiltgranny said...

Yes, Debbie it was my dear dad who not only marked all the applique on freezer paper for me, but also all my stitch group friends. I don't do applique like I used to-which was ALL I used to do. Now, I machine piece more than I do hand work, and I don't hand quilt my quilts anymore either. I miss both, and plan on doing more of it in this next year!

Ms. Jan said...

Sharon, this is a most awesome quilt top and I look forward to following your slow cloth journey. I hope K is on the mend quickly. xoxo

SewWhatsNew said...

All the best to you and your husband. Your quilt is gorgeous. I have been doing the slow cloth for many years but did not know that there was such a name. A happy and healthy 2011 to you and your family