The Strawberry Patch Quilt, and Why I Quilt

 Like any community, the online quilting and sewing community is not perfect. There has been a bit of a firestorm (about something other than DS Quilts fabric at Joanns) about the nature of that community. Who belongs? Who is left out? What makes a quilter "modern" or "traditional"? Has quilting been "dumbed down" by popular bloggers who create relatively simple quilts? And then a discussion of garden variety frustrations, that happen in any community: cliques, feeling intimidated, some hating on particular patterns/designers/fabric lines.

I have mostly stayed out of the discussion, because I think it is ultimately unproductive, and because I tend to agree with Lee: I have loved being a part of the online quilting community. I don't think it is particularly negative, or cliquish, or frustrating. If there is a particular blogger that drives me nuts, I just don't read her/his blog. If there are people whose quilts seem (are) superior to mine, I tend to think it is because they are talented, have worked their tails off, are precise and patient, etc. I know that I have improved leaps and bounds in the last few years.

While I was making this quilt (which I finished before the baby arrived!), I thought a lot about why I sew (and blog), and here is a quick list, in no particular order:
1. Local Friends--this quilt, which reminds me of a strawberry patch, was inspired not by a blogger, but by a quilt my best friend made last year. It was gorgeous, and perfect, and easily my favorite quilt made by anyone all year. I changed up the fabrics and the colors, and it isn't nearly as lovely as hers was. :) I am lucky to have tons and tons of friends that sew, and getting together and sewing with them is one of my favorite things in the world.

2. Feedback: Who doesn't love feedback? Flickr and blogging are a great way to get feedback.
3. Skill building--I have learned SO much over the last few years. Check out the machine binding! It worked.
4. Online friends--I am so looking forward to meeting people I have met online at Quilt Market and the Sewing Summit.
5. I appreciate having a creative outlet. I am not artistic in any other way!
6. I love completing a project. It stays completed. I get satisfaction out of it.
7. Inspiration online--have you ever seen so much talent and beauty in one place?

I'm pretty sure I could go on and on, but I'm late to pick up kids from school.

Enjoy sewing. Enjoy the weekend. Linked up at my favorite, Sew & Tell Fridays at Amy's, and also the fabulous Quiltstory.