Despite the pandemic, the TorontoMQG has been able to offer a variety of virtual workshops and lectures to its membership. I proudly serve on the Board, and took every opportunity to attend and participate in its offerings.
When I first began quilting, I binged a free Craftsy workshop series by Gail Kessler, Piece, Patch, Quilt, in a single afternoon, and then jumped right into the making, and quickly into pattern writing.
I was too consumed with my own crafting journey to attend workshops that would expand my skills. So, when I joined the TMQG I knew capitalizing on its workshop offerings would be essential to continuing to grow as a quilter.
What does this have to do with UFOs?
Well, one of those course offerings was Krista Hennebury's, "Speed Date with Improv." During the workshop, she shared her appetite for learning. While crafts are, in many ways, timeless treasurers, those who practice the craft are essential to its longevity. It's the crafters who deliver the message. And with each teacher, a new message and a new perspective to consider when clearing the path for your own creative journey. I deeply enjoyed the workshop!
So, my UFO is in the quilt top phase. (I think this is where many of our projects come to a screeching halt.) BUT, I have a plan and a goal.
Another important and rewarding facet of the TMQG is community, and how the membership can leverage its sewing skills to provide something of value to local organizations.
Sometimes the TMQG seeks out these opportunities, and sometimes it is sought.
That was the case for the staff at Toronto Cat Rescue, who contacted the Guild in search of mini quilts to line crates in an effort to create a more comforting environment for their felines.
Now, here is why I believe my improv piece is perfect for contributing to the cause:
1) It's roughly the right size
2) Improvisation is about letting go
3) It will provide comfort to one (and hopefully, many!) kitties
4) I will always retain the skills I learned to create the piece
5) The experience was the point.*
*Have you read about the Buddhist monks who spend days creating sand mandalas only to destroy them following a brief ceremony? It's a meaningful and spiritual practice, and reminds us that "nothing is permanent."
I will be attempting free motion quilting on this project too. I mean, why not? I can become so consumed with perfect piecing and quilting, that I miss the point: learn, learn, learn!
