Tuesday, January 19, 2010

A block a day keeps the doctor away...

...or something like that.

The hour or so I spend crouched on the floor (which is where my cutting mat is), my fabric strips laid out like paints on a palette... it's the happiest, calmest hour of my day.

It's order from chaos. It's creative freedom. It's resourcefulness, taking all those little bits and stitching them together. Most of all, as always when I sew a gift, it's the thinking. Of course, I spend lots of time thinking about these people I make things for. But there's something particular about the process of slow creation--the planning and the pinning and the cutting and the sewing-- that gives me long happy hours of it. This person, future recipient of the quilt, is more present in my mind than at any other time, even though she's my second-favorite person in the world. (Second only to Patrick, which isn't even a fair fight.)

In May, Alexis, my former maid-of-honor and friend since Freshman year of college, will walk away with a shiny new master's degree. This time of planning-pinning-cutting-sewing is my time for her-- to remember all the challenges and happinesses of the past eight years, consider what this all means for her and for us, and hope she doesn't fly too far away. And think about her future house, and how nice this quilt will look on her bed.


11 comments:

alanna rose said...

Thanks for stopping by!

I love the colors on this quilt, what a wonderful gift!

Kristina Strain said...

Thanks! I was going for a somewhat sophisticated blend of neutrals, navy, a little black, and bits of red here and there. It's looking a little more rag-tag than I expected, but I still like it. Thanks for your comment!

Kelly@TearingUpHouses said...

that is THE sweetest thing you are doing. what a lucky, LUCKY friend you have.

kelly

Becky said...

I think your blocks absolutely ROCK!! But they are nothing when compared to what a fabulously wonderful friend you are!

Kristina Strain said...

Gee thanks! But really, who out there *doesn't* do sweet things for their friends? That's why they're friends, isn't it?

the nest said...

hi kristina! thank you for visiting woolnest and commenting; it put a smile on my face. :)

your blog is chock-full of inspiration; i'm going to check back...

Alli (One Pearl Button) said...

Lovely post (and gorgeous quilt!). Handmade gifts are so incredibly special.

I hope you feel better soon!

Danielle and Clint said...

Can't wait to see it finished! My grandma use to quilt and I remember just when I thought she was done, she had a ways to go. But it was always worth it in the end!

Kristina Strain said...

Danielle-- I know what you mean. Even though the "pretty part" is done (the top) there's still the binding and, well, quilting to be done. My grandma quilted, too. :)

kristi.w. said...

Wow, this is cool! I always admired those who can make quilts. It takes such patience, but the end result is always so impressive. Nice work.

N said...

You summed up my feelings exactly when I am sewing! It is such a beautiful escape and time for reflection. Thanks for stopping by my blog. I can tell already we're going to be happy bloggy friends!

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