I’ve been sitting on a feeling for awhile that I need to change up a little bit of what I’ve been doing. I will still be doing all the fun things: designing, writing, traveling & teaching, but I’m starting to make space to work on some more “experimental” ideas.
A current “What If?” Idea in progress…
A few years ago I started getting an itch to explore new concepts and ideas in my quilting work. As a full time professional quilter, that can cause somewhat of a conflict because most everything I currently make is for commercial consumption. Meaning that I have to sell what I make or design in order to pay the bills. It’s a fun job for sure, but it often times leaves little space for trying out new ideas that may not be financially viable. It’s the old adage, that “if you find something that works, don’t fix what isn’t broken!”
A couple of times this has pulled me into a direction I’d rather not go in and I have to course correct. I can also be slow to change because I’m not a boat rocker. All this is to say I’ve finally decided to prioritize the “what if?” ideas.
I publicly mentioned the idea of making soul-fulfilling work in a video I created about QuiltCon 2024 earlier this year. This idea of making what my heart desires has been nagging at me for awhile. And each time I teach at a large national show (AQS in Paducah earlier this spring and at PIQF over the summer) that desire grows stronger.
I like where this is going, although I’m not quite sure what to name it yet….
The biggest issue I’ve had to navigate is how to actually carve out the time in my already busy schedule to make this happen. And without any external deadlines, the exploratory concepts keep getting pushed to the side because I can do them at “any time,” right?? So to actually make time and space for what I want to do, I’ve decided to make 2 tweaks in my routine.
First of all, I’m going to post less on social media. My accounts aren’t going away, but rather than being a slave to the algorithms, I’ll post what I want, when I want! There may be periods of time when things are more quiet, and other times where I may want to share a boat load of new ideas! Along the way I may even write longer blog post like this one.
This has been fun to work on for a few minutes each day, and I’m already getting ideas on how to machine quilt it while I piece.
The second thing I’m doing is actually getting back to what first got me noticed in the quilting industry in the first place: participating in quilt shows again. I do love sharing my work publicly, and I don’t enter my quilts to win ribbons (although it’s a nice bonus when they do)!
However, having that external deadline of finishing something for a show really motivates me to explore, experiment and push the boundaries a little bit. I’ve come to accept that fact that it’s hard for me to make a quilt “just because.” For me, each quilt needs to serve a purpose. So I’ve given myself permission to use those external deadlines as a catalyst to keep me sewing, exploring and just playing. It feels very refreshing to make what I want to make and share what I want to share!
I’m at a pause point with this design, so now I’m thinking through what comes next….
So… I’ll continue to document my process of both my commercial work and my experimental work. I’ll continue to share both my successes and lessons learned along the way. But it will be more random and less scheduled.
Have YOU ever had an a-ha moment, or a strong feeling when you know it’s time to pivot? Let’s definitely continue this conversation in the comments, and I’m sending hugs to everyone who’s continuing to support me on this journey!!
xoxox
Christa Quilts 
Love the way it is turning out. Call it “Chaos a course correction.”
Good for you, Christa! It’s important for all of us to step back periodically, review our passions and reset our priorities. It’s too easy to get caught up in the “shoulds” in life and forget what drives us to be creators.
I, too, have been soul-searching lately and playing with my collection of crumbs, strings and bits of scraps. It’s a very therapeutic process to let your “right brain” creative side take over.
I love how you “married” the color transitions in your newest project! Thanks for sharing!
Good for you! I agree that you should follow your heart. I’m retired and have noticed that, slowly but surely, my time is not my own. I’ve decided to drop some of my volunteer activities in order to work on stuff I’d like to work on, and that includes experimenting. I did some of that during COVID but then oozed back into the busy schedule again. I love the rainbow crumb quilt you made! Can’t wait to see what you devise next.
This is lovely. Just keep playing and you’ll figure it out. I love the crumbs and layout so far.
Good for you! I need to do the same, and reading this has pushed me a little closer to making that happen. Lately, I have been feeling bothered and annoyed when I have an idea I want to explore or a project on which I want to sew, but can’t because I “have” to work on something else. I have been feeling much less joy than I used to, which doesn’t help keep the creativity flowing. Thank you for this post and for helping me realize that I am not alone in my feelings.
I love it! You are being bold and exploring. I love the row that kind of introduces the color blocks to each other.
I dont know if I have what it takes for the improv piecing. Not yet any way.
I am exploring new things with an art quilting group with my guild so who knows.
I do think one needs to try new things to keep the creative juices flowing.
all the best in this venture!
Christa, it is so important that we take the time to explore and expand our minds and skills. So glad you are going to take time for yourself but still share with our working world. You rock, girl!
Best of luck to you with your new adventure. There comes a time for many of us to “try our wings.” By that I mean we are headed on a new and different path. I am in the midst of doing that myself. As a retired teacher it is a little different and possibly easier for me. As a long time traditional, rule following quilter, I’m now venturing to the modern, improve and beginning to do my own thing side. It feels good. I hope that it will feel good for you too. I have a feeling that you are itching to follow your dreams,, just as you tell us to do. Now it’s time for you to “Spread your wings and go for it.” 😁
I love your “experiment!” I love scrappy, colorful quilts, so this one is right up my alley. Have fun playing and going in a new and exciting direction. Good for you, finding a way to make time in your busy schedule for a new quilting adventure. Can’t wait to see where it leads you!
I’m happy you’re choosing YOU and taking time for your self-exploration. You do such beautiful work and are always so busy creating for your business. I love your scrappy blocks and, as always, you’re inspiring.
Good for you Christa! I’m all for following your heart. I’ll be happy to see your posts when you do post & Cheer your progress. All the best to you.