I love to write. Like most of my writer friends, I have more stories inside of me than I can ever hope to write. But I can only take so much computer time before my eyes start to cross and my stashes of fabric and paper start calling my name. (In the summer, the garden calls, too, but not so much in December.) As Christians created in the image of God – the ultimate creator – I think we are supposed to live a creative life.
You are creative!
You should be creative, too! It doesn’t have to be BIG creativity. You don’t even have to be talented or trained. You don’t have to be “craftsy.” Just think outside the box (yes, I know a creative writer shouldn’t use cliches like that, but it fits.) A creative life doesn’t necessarily involve arts and crafts at all. It might just be a matter of rearranging things you already have. Cooking a new meal. Reorganizing your bookshelves. It doesn’t have to be expensive. I’ve always liked dressing up my house for the changing seasons, but I seldom spend money on it. I just pull out quilts, dishes, linens, and anything else I could find in the right colors for the season.
As long as you don’t beat yourself up for not being perfect (you should never do that!), being creative feels good. We’re made that way! When God finished His work of creation, He surveyed it with a sense of satisfaction. Admittedly, His work was perfect and mine won’t be, but it still feels good to be creative.
Living a Creative Life
My main creative pursuit has always been sewing. I’ve been sewing clothing ever since 2nd grade, when my school’s dress code changed and girls were allowed to wear pants instead of just dresses. With the assistance of my patient mother, I made a pair of doubleknit houndstooth check pants and actually wore them to school!
About 35 years ago, while we were living in Germany and I was pregnant with our second child, I started quilting and never stopped. When we returned to America, I took classes and met other quilters. A few years later, I started teaching – first to children through 4-H, and then to adults. We moved often, and everywhere we lived, I taught classes and workshops for quilt shops, community centers, quilt guilds, women’s ministry groups and families. I established a business, GloryQuilts, for selling quilts, garments, patterns and classes.
Now I write, and I love that. Writing is an act of creation! Some of my favorite books feature quilts or characters who engage in other creative activities. But I’m always happy when I can put on my quilt teacher hat. There’s something especially rewarding in encouraging others to live a creative life, helping them succeed and enjoy quiltmaking.
What I’m creating now ~ Join me!
My very first Block of the Month quilt class was in 2003. I made the patterns, printed them out, and mailed them to the participants. In December, we met and assembled them into quilt tops. I did that for several years and enjoyed it immensely. Then Covid came along, and we all had to learn to pivot. In 2021, I taught my first all-online Block of the Month quilt class. It was fun and interactive! I set up a private Facebook group for it, and people shared their monthly blocks and even other projects. I enjoyed getting to know everyone, and it was especially fun to see all the finished quilts. They were all so different!!
So I’m doing it again!
I’m doing two Block of the Month quilt classes this time (because I need to do one for graduates of the 2021 class), and they are both mystery quilts, which means you choose your own fabrics without knowing what the finished quilt will look like until you sew it all together. It’s a year-long virtual quilt class, and you’ll end up with a beautiful quilt top next December! Both patterns are suitable for a “confident beginner.” If you can use a rotary cutter and a sewing machine, you can do this! Get more information HERE and sign up now!
Here’s How it Works
The total cost, for the entire year, is just $30. Every month, you’ll receive a 12″ quilt block pattern by email. We’ll have a private Facebook group for participants, and after you make your block, you can share it with the rest of us! If you need help at any time, you can ask questions in the group, and I’ll post more information – maybe a video. I’ll be sharing some helpful tips and techniques in the group, too. Step-by-step, throughout the year, we’ll make the quilt blocks, and near the end of the year, I’ll share the instructions for assembling your quilt blocks into a beautiful quilt top. It will be so fun to see everyone’s finished work!
How is your creative life?
But hey… maybe quiltmaking isn’t your thing. That’s okay! I hope you’ll think about creativity, though. It’s good and healthy to stretch your mental muscles and try something different. It’s freeing.
What can you make or do a little differently this week?