What a week

It's been a long week at work, and I haven't had as much barn time as I like, but that happens some times. Anyway, today I thought I'd write about my other passion, which is quilting. I also came to this later in life. I've sewed ever since I was old enough to hold a needle safely. My mother taught me how to sew; the first things I made were doll clothes. I used scraps from Mom's projects. Then I learned how to use the machine. We had my Grandmother's old Singer with a knee control; I still have the machine but can't get parts to have it fixed up. My mother and I sewed most of my clothes, and I would make shirts and pajamas for my brothers and father for Christmas presents. I always liked to sew, but I got away from it once I started college and then full time work, although every now and then I'd pick it up again. But lately, I haven't made much of anything.

A friend (actually the same friend who got me into horses) started quilting, and took me to a quilt shop. I fell in love with the fabric and was reminded of how much joy I used to get from making things with my own hands. I decided to give it a try, and I was hooked. My first project was a quilt for my bed, and when I was done I was so thrilled! I made a lap quilt for my mother--it's not done yet, though; I have to finish hand quilting it. I've been making quilts for other family members and they are in various stages. In September I decided to take a class lasting 7 weeks. We learn how to make different blocks and I'll come out of it with a sampler quilt. I decided to use Christmas fabrics so I'd have a nice Christmas quilt for the living room. But now I've gotten way behind on making the blocks (too many late nights at work) and have started to stress out about it. My friend reminded me that this is silly; what will happen if I don't have the blocks done? Will I fail the class? Of course not! This is supposed to be fun!

All of this made me think about how often we allow our hobbies to create unnecessary stress in our lives. When "I want to quilt" turns into "I have to quilt" the hobby becomes work. I think that our culture helps create this mindset. We have been taught that if we aren't doing something productive every waking minute, then we are wasting time. Years ago a friend of mine said she wished she had time to read, but she just couldn't justify spending time "doing nothing but reading." Wow. I thought that was one of the saddest things I'd heard! I read for pleasure every single day--does that make me lazy? In her eyes, apparently! Recently I heard a news story about our children being stressed, and part of the problem is that they have no down-time or unstructured "play" time--every minute of their day is scheduled. I just can't imagine that; I need lots of down time!

I'd better get off this soap box and get home. I want to quilt!