A Unique Twist

I have been discussing how every quilt tells a story, which it does. However, in addition to my passion for quilting, I also have a passion for writing. As I journaled my thoughts, it occurred to me that I could design my quilts to illustrate my writing. Instead of using a finished quilt to inspire a title and a story for me to write, I design a quilt to be a picture of the story I'm writing. I have become both author and illustrator.

Freedom!

When I considered the many ways of looking at a specific quilt pattern, I began to see how contemporary quilts were just another way of telling a story with fabric and design. There is a great deal of freedom to be found in letting go of the rules of traditional quilting and embarking on a journey through the world of abstract quilts. The richness of today's fabrics in both color and design make the sky the limit for the contemporary and traditional quilter. I have decided I can't be satisfied with one or the other. I will continue to make traditional quilts, but I am also exploring a whole new world of contemporary design. As with traditional quilts, there are many techniques and styles to try until I find my niche. It is exciting to let my mind fill up with countless ideas for my quilts. Bring on the fabric!!!

It's All In How You Look At It

To follow my line of thought regarding traditional vs. contemporary, even traditional blocks like the Bear Paw are abstract designs made up of various geometric shapes to show someone's concept of a bear's track. In some other parts of the United States, the Bear Paw is known as Duck's Foot in the Mud, and in Pennsylvania, it is called the Hand of Friendship. This further illustrates my point that every quilt tells a story based on the designer's imagination and her creative use of shapes and patterns.

For Your Information

I did a little research to find out the story behind this particular quilt. The Bear Paw block is well over 100 years old and originated in pioneer America. I imagine a creative woman designed the block from her impression of bear tracks near her cabin or on some wilderness trail. Regardless of how it actually came to be, the pattern has survived through the years and is a very popular traditional pattern. In pioneer America, quilters who wanted to make a quilt for someone who was planning a dangerous undertaking often chose the Bear Paw design.