These are strange times, so I have been doing some strange things that are completely out of my comfort zone. It seems a fitting time to try something new.

Partial view of discharged quilt before dye

I unearthed some quilt tops and decided my goal this summer was to quilt them all. The first one was a discharged top made during a period of my life when I felt terrible, and this top looked like I felt. It was therapeutic to make at the time. I quilted it up, but there was something lacking. So I decided, (deep breath), to dye it. I’ve never dyed a completely finished quilt. I added the white quilting lines after the dye bath, and now I like it.

While organizing, I came across a stash of dyed cheesecloth. Cheesecloth dyes so beautifully and I use it occasionally to make greeting cards, but wondered how I could use it up rather than just store it. In the shower, where ideas often connect for me, I thought about putting it on a quilt. I laid it down in bands, overlapping the colors in a way I liked, and quilted. I love the effect. While at the store, I noticed cheesecloth on sale and picked up a few more packs. So my plan to clear out and streamline this area completely backfired, but that’s okay. I have a new idea.

I’ve heard that Matisse said, “Creativity takes courage.” It’s true. What helps me take risks is having Plan B, which is to make coasters. I threaten each piece with this end if it doesn’t cooperate. “Either,” I reassure myself, “I will have a new piece or a set of unique, handmade coasters to gift!” This gives me the courage to take that first step.

Strange Times