Beth Ferrier’s Blog

As usual I’ve been thinking about the blog instead of writing the blog. It’s not that I don’t have anything to say. Lord knows I have opinions about everything, and some of them are actually informed. No, it’s that old evil perfectionism, must have pictures, must be eloquent and profound or at least brilliant. Yikes! No wonder the fingers quake on the keyboard.

For some time I’ve been beating the drum for more thoughtful and challenging projects in the quilt world. While “quick, fast, easy” has it’s place, I fear that we are dumbing down our quilting universe by encouraging mindless sewing to the exclusion of anything else. Yes, I love the small projects, they are the appetizers of cloth. But nothing will replace the pleasure of working on a project that challenges me, engages me and, when completed, is a source of deep pride.

Now I find out that I’m not alone in my thoughts, and that there’s actually a term for it: Slow Cloth. The Slow Movement began several years ago. The foodies started it, in reaction to the opening of a McDonald’s at the Spanish Steps in Rome. (I LOVE that I can say “I’ve been there and my slow quilting took me there!” That’s Heather Purcell of Superior Threads next to me. We had a ball together in Rome!)

It’s not hand vs machine or art vs traditional or right vs wrong. It’s not, it’s NOT! It’s about being mindful, careful and thoughtful in what we do, however we do it. (See that big orange tummy in the picture? That’s in large part, pun intended, to mindless eating.) I love my sewing machine, and no Slow Movement will convince me to unplug it. The machine is a just a tool, it’s not about the speed, it’s the technique.

One of my favorite bloggers, Sharon B of In A Minute Ago, gives her take on Slow Cloth here. Elaine Lipson of Red Thread Studio sums up the Slow Movement very well in this post on her blog.  

 Many years ago I shared a table with a quilter in a class at the Empty Spools seminar. This woman was lovely, and quite personable until the sewing commenced. She would race through the exercises at lightening speed, shaking the table so much that I that we were in an earthquake. If that wasn’t annoying enough, she would snatch her work out of the smoking machine and wave it in the air yelling, “I’m done, I’m done, I’m done!” (I’m not kidding.) Now, I’m pretty patient, and very forgiving, but after several repeat performances, I was ready to throttle this wench. After a little “come to Jesus” discussion, she finally admitted that she didn’t care about the workmanship, she just needed to be first. We agreed that she could be first without having to announce it (and break the concentration of the rest of the class). What does it matter who finishes first? When did quilting become a race? Done first does not mean done best!

 Want to know the secret of terrific quilts? It’s really simple: slow down! Take time to improve your skill, take time to do your best, take time to enjoy the process.

So, here’s my resolution for this year. I want to be more intentional in what I do, what I eat and what I say. That sounds all stodgy and stiff, but to me in means just the opposite of that. I want to be in the moment, living each to the fullest, rather than multi-tasking my way into exhaustion. I will give full attention, laugh with my whole body and reacquaint myself with my five senses. Want to join me in rediscovering the joy of a simple task well done?