Quilting Happiness: Finding Your Quilting Style

July 19, 2013 by Tiffany 6 Comments

I am selective about the books and magazines I buy related to sewing, probably because I’d prefer to spend my money on fabric! However, a new book called Quilting Happiness is coming out soon, and I became excited since reading about it on some of the blogs I follow.*

The book features a creative exercise to hone your understanding of your quilting style. You look through a few books and magazines–they need not be related to quilting, but from personal experience, I do not suggest using many lawyer magazines because the photos are BLAND–and pull your favorite images for a collage. Looking at the photos, you try to identify common themes. There is Blog Hop, but I just did this on my own for fun. Here’s my collage:

At first, it seemed there were two distinct styles emerging: rustic/farm and modern/bright. Since I couldn’t define my preferences into a single style, I started listing features of images I didn’t like side-by-side with the images I preferred.

With the list, I realized it didn’t matter whether the images were rustic or modern: I still preferred de-cluttered, clean lines–like the ones in Thomas Edison’s lab. I preferred images with either one central focus (a line of galoshes) or “anything goes” images (the lab full of stuff) over those that fell somewhere in between.

Not only did I not select any asymmetrical quilts for my collage, I even exercised OCD in repositioning some of the images I chose! The maximum angle I am comfortable using hovers around 19 degrees. : ) I haven’t been able to reconcile this with the fact I was okay using a manilla folder when I didn’t have any paper handy. No OCD there!

Interestingly, I selected images that (for me at least) indicate a challenge. The postage stamp quilt is comprised of simple squares, but I find palettes challenging and liked the one in the photo. I played violin for 12 years and want to improve my wrist position. The CD/record quilt uses reverse appliqué; appliqué is a technique I hope to try soon!

Finally, I was drawn to images that were somehow nostalgic, historical, or sentimental. The fox and raccoon stuffed animals reminded me of a bear my aunt made me when I was little. I spent my childhood reading and love books; I started writing a novel when I was about 7 years old on an old typewriter and am therefore in love with Julie Rothman’s fabric.

I made this collage because I thought looking through a bunch of images sounded fun. I was surprised I actually learned some things about myself. Try the exercise and see if you do, too!

*I don’t have a copy of the book and did not get paid to write this. I do find the advice of some of my favorite bloggers is spot-on and hope the book is as good as it looks.