Perhaps I should rename my sewing room the “fun zone” as the space is basically like my recess — a relief from the diligence and rules that dictate a lot of my time. In the majority of real life I am a rule follower, especially during working hours since performing detailed, near-perfect work is how I garner my paychecks. So why then does all of this precision seem to just flit from my brain the second I step into my sewing room? I think back to the pure excitement on my former kindergartners’ faces the second they crossed the threshold for recess, moving (very quickly) from (kind of) quiet learning to fun time. I imagine that if were to glance in a mirror at the moment I step into my sewing space, my expression would be similar to a six year old given 15 precious minutes of freedom on a sunny day.
Starting a new project is especially fun because I make quilts for celebrations, for comfort and in gratitude/love. And since I craft both traditional patterns and improvisational designs, I wind up mixing the two fairly often. Having a strong foundation as a traditional quilter allows me to be more confident in my improvisational designs. Anyone who makes anything (cooks, musicians, woodworkers etc.) is doing the same thing by building upon a practiced tradition and adding their fingerprint to it. What I learned from Happiness the quilt is that although it can be nerve wracking to not follow the instructions completely, you can wind up creating something even better than you imagined.
What can be a hurdle for me in following a purchased pattern is that you are given an image of what a quilt could/should look like. It is intimidating (see perfectionist for 40 hours per week) to deviate from the prescribed pattern because it was written with a purpose and a picture in mind. This quilt was made following the Missouri Star Quilt Company Disappearing Hourglass pattern. This pattern looks much more complicated than it really is; it is simply half-square triangles sewn together, then cut into pieces and turned to create the blocks. The pattern calls for a layer cake (a pack of pre-cut 10″ square blocks from a fabric line) with one cohesive light fabric in each block and paired with a mixed contrasting dark fabric. The purpose of having one light fabric throughout the quilt is that a secondary pattern is also created.
Enter recess brain. I got so excited to make this quilt that I grabbed a layer cake from my stash, a stack of Allen Toussaint cds and started to sew with only a cursory glance at the instructions. Now is a good time to mention that I’ve made this pattern twice before, so yeah, I should have known about the fabrics. I was having so much fun jamming out to my man on the stereo and mixing these very bright (for me!) fabrics that it was only when I started to create my layout, I realized just how rogue I had gone. My blocks were so different from the pattern picture and I began to ruminate over my creation. The sewing room is my happy place so fussing and obsessing is a rare neurosis for me. TGFF (thank goodness for friends) because there were several texts with artsy pals who assured me that this quilt was indeed funky and not er, fugly, as I fretted. Shoutouts to Amanda and Lisa for your constant encouragement to break the quilt rules and go bright. Also thanks Mold for deeming this quilt Toussaint worthy.
For those unfamiliar with Allen Toussaint, I cannot succinctly describe one of the greatest musicians of all time. Allen was a masterful pianist, songwriter, producer and dapper dresser. Even if you are not obsessed with Allen like me, you are familiar with songs that he wrote: Working in a Coal Mine, Southern Nights and From a Whisper to a Scream. The man was prolific with hundreds of songwriting credits! In addition to writing so many epic songs, Allen was a prolific producer helping solidify the funky sounds of my favorite artists like Dr. John, The Meters and The Neville Brothers, among many others. Allen is one of the greats on the piano and there is a specific Toussaint sound that just stirs my heart. Instead of reading my words about his awesomeness, I recommend having a listen for yourself. Turn on his version of Southern Nights, close your eyes and just enjoy 4 minutes of pure musical heaven. And then follow up with a listen to this quilt’s namesake Happiness that will plant a humungous smile on your face.
This exuberant quilt reminds me of bright, funky New Orleans, which is perfect since it was both guided by Mr. Toussaint and made for a friend raised there. Happiness the quilt did in fact made me very happy, even during those blips of creative uncertainty. Central Washington state has been shrouded in freezing fog for over a month now and the primary sunshine in my life during this time came from this quilt. I was able to enjoy my fun zone, get a good dose of bright color and spends lots of quality time with one of my ultimate favorite artists.
In the words of Mr. Toussaint and Happiness the song, “keep that goodness coming”. You got it!
Albums listened to: Allen Toussaint Southern Nights, The Allen Toussaint Collection, Life Love and Faith, The Bright Mississippi; Jon Cleary Occapella; Song: Allen Toussaint by Kermit Ruffins and Irvin Mayfield; Allen Toussaint birthday celebration tributes and shows on WWOZ.
Quiltunes 