Ask a room of artists, “Where do you find your inspiration?” and most likely the answer will be “Everywhere!”
Artists and quilters find inspiration in bricks, walls, carpet and plants. Their color palette is created from everyday life experiences to enhance the piece they are creating whether it is a painting, drawing, sculpture or a quilt. Art and quilts are everywhere!
Artist, quilter, and designer Heather Jones has taken the everyday inspirations and gathered them for her new book “Quilt Local.” The book opens her vision of how everyone can explore and expand their creative spirit in what might seem ordinary and turn it into something extraordinary. She takes the reader through the steps of seeing things that might become overlooked in today’s world of distraction. This book is about more than designs or sewing. It is also a book of being. Being in the moment. Some of the most creative times are when we allow ourselves to just be.
Heather not only shares tips on finding inspiration but then guides you through the process of how to turn that awakening into your own piece of quilting art. There are tips for everything from how to choose colors to how to care for your fabrics. This book is appropriate for every level of sewer from beginner to expert. There is something for everyone. The quilt instructions are well written with supporting diagrams and the photographs are stunning!
I looked through my personal photos to see when and where I was inspired to stop. I found quite a few examples of when I found things around me that were more inspirational than everything else. There were items and art that moved me enough to take notice. None of these are particularly special in a grand sense but each of them is lovely in their own way.
Antique door hardware in Stillwater, Oklahoma
Bridge in Pittsburgh, PA
Street Art in New York City, New York
Vintage thrift shop find in Fredericksburg, VA
When reading Heather’s book, I was drawn to many of the techniques and quilts. The simple elegance of her quilts is mesmerizing. It is difficult to choose a favorite but she won my heart with the perfectly imperfect Franklin! It is a lovely traditional pieced block quilt with an added imperfect block. It is truly wonderful! Heather presents two versions. Both are amazing.
For even more inspiration, STC Craft and Aurifil are hosting a giveaway for Heather’s four favorite 50wt threads! These are #2253, #2225, #2132 and #2830 and a copy of Quilt Local to ONE lucky winner!
To enter for your chance to win the Giveaway please leave a comment on your favorite way to find inspiration! This giveaway ends 17 Nov at 11:00 EST and a random winner will be announced on or around 19 Nov. If you are a no reply blogger please leave your email in your comment. As always, this giveaway is open to all of our international friends!
Please be sure to visit all of the stops on the blog tour to find out more information about Quilt Local and perhaps to find more inspiration.
10/6: STC Craft Blog
10/8: Robert Kaufman
10/9: Melanie Falick
10/10: Sew Mama Sew
10/11: Creative Bug
10/12: Plaid Portico
10/14: Modern Sewciety
10/16: Pellon
10/19: The Tattooed Quilter
10/21: Amy’s Creative Side
10/23: Diary of a Quilter
10/26: Film in the Fridge
10/28: Tall Grass Prairie Studio
10/29: Okan Arts
10/30: Kara Sews
11/2: Crimson Tate
11/4: Dainty Time
11/6: Nap Time Quilter
11/9: Spoonflower
11/11: Aurifil ( you are HERE)
11/13: A Gathering of Stitches