Why do I do this to myself?

Pushing a rock!

I sometimes ponder on what it is that draws me to making quilts. I've been quilting away wondering why I do it. Do I even like making quilts at all? I don't think it's being hunched over a sewing machine for however long; cutting fabric can be a bit stressful and tedious all the while I'm hoping against hope that the ruler won't slip this time!!! I can definitely rule out the ironing....ahem.....I mean pressing....all the fabric to get the creases out. And The quilting process on a home sewing machine can be physically demanding and pin basting a quilt? Nope, that's not the draw either. (Buying fabric is extremely fun, but shopping is a separate hobby all together, I feel!!)

I thought about this often and continued toiling away without an answer until one day I realized, for me it's all about seeing the finished project come together, little by little. Small pieces of fabric become more complicated shapes, which then turn into blocks, rows of blocks and then finally, a finished top! The most exciting part about that is that I envisioned the finished project before hand and was able to make it happen. Looking at a fat quarter bundle or some yardage, picking out a pattern, and then seeing it all come to life is thrilling to me and well worth the effort. This is where I find joy in the hobby. This is why I keep making quilts.

Now, projects don't always come out the way we imagined them, and getting the points to all meet perfectly consistently is a life time goal, it seems. And the quilting design and thread combination is fraught with peril........once you've started, you're kind of stuck with whatever you chose for better or worse (unless you like picking stitches!!!) However, even my biggest flops and less technically sound finished products tend look great to the average person. My friends and family ooo and aww and tell me I should sell my work. I'm my own worst critic and sometimes my only critic. Even when I don't find joy in the finished project, it's still comforting to know that others do and that the recipient will likely think it's great!!!

So yeah, I enjoy quilt making but that is because the sum total is greater than all of its parts. In that way I'm a "destination quilter;" I might not enjoy every part of the journey, but I'm happy I got to the finish line! Even more so, I'm happy that I started in the first place.

Now you tell me!! Why do you make quilts (or any other hobby for that matter?)

What is the draw for you?

I can't wait to see your answers!