Two ends of the Spectrum

My mother-in-law introduced me to quilting. She is a traditional quilter and loves old style patterns and blocks. Although I loved learning from her, I disliked making the same block over and over. I quickly realized I don’t like to do the same thing twice. Traditional, block-based quilts felt tedious to me. Hence my transition to art quilts.

Reading Misik’s challenge, pieced traditional quilts were the first thing that came to mind. But I read further and had to acknowledge the positive aspects of repetition. In nature there is a rhythmic cycle, in music there is the chorus, in life, I survive by repeatedly placing one foot in front of the other.

I have felt the joy of the sound of the needle as it moves repeatedly through fabric while I am quilting. I enjoy the simplicity of stitch after stitch. When I pause enough to observe, I realize the repeated blocks allow for both peace and dynamic energy in a quilt. Repetition can create beauty and harmony.

I find it interesting that repetition embodies two ends of the spectrum: tedium and meditation.

I don’t know where I’m headed with this challenge, but I know it will be fun to explore this theme. And, of course, the results will be revealed on February 27, 2018. Stay tuned!