Design Lesson from Nature

Look at this amazing tree in the Botanical Garden in Bermuda. Notice how the branches grow. They are neither identical nor symmetrical. I think quilts that are arranged "by eye" can have more charm and be more interesting than precise quilts. Precision is admirable, but not always preferable. So the next time you are struggling for precision, ask yourself if that might be the time to take a cue from nature and do a little improvisation.

Take a look at the recent post showing the tote bag with the slanted selvages at the top. That is a nice effect, I think.

Onion Chair Delights Receptive Hearts!

Isn't this a wonderful chair? It is located outside the gift shop at the Botanical Garden in Bermuda. As my husband and I sipped our iced tea, I noticed that every child who passed by sat in this chair. It seemed to me that they did this with some sense of expectation. Their expression said, "I wonder what will happen if I sit in this chair." Typically they would get comfortable, lift their feet up in the air a little, look around, enjoy the moment and move on. They looked happy, like occupying the "onion chair" for a moment was satisfying.

I wonder if quilters who enjoy selvages are the same ones who would try out the onion chair. I think maybe so.
God, the Creator, loves to give us good things like the joy of making quilts that surprise us with their beauty, and the friendship of our quilting buddies. We don't need to work and strive to be creative. We simply need to keep our hearts open to these "onion chair opportunities" and quiet moments with Him. Might we recapture some delicious child-like wonder...beyond our wildest dreams? I think so!