This year, my home economics colleague showed me a couple of quilting projects she was in the middle of completing for a quilting association she was part of. It was simply amazing! Very delicately and carefully planned out and stitched together by hand and machine. Although inspiring, it was also quite discouraging to think of how my first attempt may not result in the same astonishing outcome, especially when all the fabric pieces I have have no colour coordination. This 20% Time Project might be the motivating factor to get me finally started.
Some of the "Inquiring Questions" that have kept me procrastinating are:
1. What are some patterns that are basic enough for me to follow? What is the standard size of a quilt?
2. What additional materials will I need? What fabrics should I add to allow colour coherence?
3. What are the cost comparisons from various stores, including fabric stores?
4. Are there quality differences that need to be considered to prevent wear and tear? Which materials are ideal for a quilt and not just visually pleasing?
5. What additional personalizations could I include to improve the piece? Which appliqué technique would fit well?
6. How could I get my family involved so that the piece can becomes more meaningful and adds to the already existing stories for each fabric piece?
7. Where could I find examples that are appropriate for my skill level? Where or who can I go to for additional help if I get stuck in the process?
8. What are the best resources that could direct me through each step, that are also easy to follow?
9. Are there specific themes that need to be considered? Are there traditional meanings behind each type of pattern?
10. What steps are needed to complete the process?
I know that when I get this project going, once and for all, that it will be a piece that I will keep for as long as those materials will hold. Instead of taking up space, it will become a piece of article that could be used again, with the stories behind them ready to be told. Hopefully, it will also be another skill that I can now pass on to my students in the classroom.