Post-Thanksgiving has meant renewed time in the studio this week. Yesterday when turning on my sewing machine, the light on the panel was too dim to read and I almost panicked. On no, the computer’s main board has gone out! How would the cursor and light just quit working with no warning?…Then I discovered a little button on the side of the machine that I never knew existed–after years of sewing! When it was turned, the panel immediately lit up and was visible. Wow, such relief and no more excuses…
Finally, back to the quilting of the Lifeweaving wall-hanging. After repining and smoothing the black strips, I am working my way from the middle to sides in each direction. Using a tiny zigzag stitch over the edges is working well to connect the strips and add texture to the design.
I tend to work on several pieces, in different stages of the design process, at the same time. So, another project is the yellow flower design. The inspiration for this art quilt is this photo taken in a garden this summer.
I love the colors and the pattern on the underside of this yellow bloom…Fabrics are being auditioned for the background, as well as the flower applique to be layered onto it…
At this point in the design process, colors are considered—Should they be realistic?…abstract? Also, decisions on size and scale must be made—Should I enlarge the pattern?
After a great holiday and much activity, it has been good to rest and focus inthe quiet of the studio.
Today I have been thinking about how humans share a common dependence. All of us are connected to other people in many ways—at many different levels. In our immediate worlds, we are connected to our family members. Outside of family in our communities, we are connected to the people we know in our schools, churches, at work, around town in the stores, the library, in the medical clinics. Beyond our communities, we have connection with the communities in the rest of the state, or region. Beyond each state, we have connection with all of the states and our country as a whole. Our nation then has connection with the other countries around our borders, as well as all of the countries around the globe.Image via Wikipedia
These connections go from micro-level in a range all the way to a global macro-level. Current events continue to show this link between humans living on this planet we call Earth. For example, the economic woes of one country can impact those of another. Going beyond these human connections, we see our connection to the natural world and the environments we depend on to live. When earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados, and other natural disasters occur around the world, we are reminded of our connection with humanity and the shared dependence on our families, communities, regions/states, and countries in times of need.
Why is an awareness of this connection important? Because an awareness that what we do and who we are as individuals, families, communities, regions/states, and countries is linked to other people, may influence us to make those connections as positive and caring as possible, with a focus on promoting well-being and quality of life for everyone.
At this point in the design process, colors are considered—Should they be realistic?…abstract? Also, decisions on size and scale must be made—Should I enlarge the pattern?
Joni Beach 