Monday, April 23, 2012

April 24th- Drygoods Design Online

This week we're being sponsored by Keli from Drygoods Design Online! Keli specializes in modern fabrics, as well as having several lines of handmade goods.

In Spring 2012, Drygoods Design will be opening its doors for select retail hours in a sweet little space in the Historic Landmark District along Old Ballard Ave in Seattle, Wash. Open on the weekends (don't miss the farmers market) and by appointment during the week, come on in to select some of the most beautiful and fun fabrics around, locally handmade goods, sweet packaging and a few surprises. Whether you've never touched a sewing machine or are a pro, Drygoods Design hopes to be a place where you feel inspired and welcomed.

After the success of last week's "big" question, we decided to try it again this week and see if it works as well again.
This week I want to talk about the complex question of value and authenticity.
 How much are we self-editing? Why?

 What is the obsession with perfection and why aren't we living in the moment and enjoying the process?
Is quilting not our hobby? Should it not be something we enjoy and use as a time for self-reflection and relaxation?

The reality is very few of us, even those who are professionals are prefect. We make mistakes. Our work has bits that aren't 100%. That is one of the things that distinguishes handmade items. And is that not why we value quilts, because they are made by real people?

Keli has also given all chatters a 20% off code for the fabric store! TALKNT20 good until April 28th 11:59PM


3 comments:

  1. I always want to join your chats but I have many little ones that need to get to bed and many older ones that go to bed between those hours so I never have the opportunity to sit and chat. That being said, I would like to comment on this evening's topic. I think that when people began making quilts it was out of necessity and today it usually isn't the case. When you have to make do with what you have, beauty and perfection are not what you are thinking about. I don't even think that was on their minds as much as making something out of what they could find to keep themselves warm. Too many people now have not had to make do for anything and progression in technology, aesthetics, and competition drive people to a picture of perfection. Just because something (a house, a family, a yard, a quilt) is not perfect does not mean it is not good in its own right. These things are sometimes, correction, most times, much better than perfection because they are truly real. Mistakes are what make things originals...truly original. Enjoy your chat tonight. I enjoy catching up in the morning.

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  2. I so agree with Suvivormom! I started quilting with scraps and old fabrics from my grandmothers or bought by the box full, cheap at estate sales. I always marveled at how my grandmother made quilt blocks with backgrounds made from old sheets. Piecing with even the tiniest scraps.

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  3. Though while some people quilted out of necessity I believe even then it was most womens way of being ceative. Perfection is for God I just quilt.

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