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Just wondering … do you think fabrics hold memories?
My sense of reality tells me:
“No! Of course not, the memories are in your head, not in the fabric.“

Maybe telling myself this is just a way to rationalize how crazy it sounds and I should just ignore my feelings. Because, I do want to believe that inanimate objects carry their history with them. Or, maybe what I’m feeling is really just my heart hoping it is true.

You see my family are collectors. We hold onto heirlooms and we search antique stores, flea markets and garage sales for special finds. I have always sensed inanimate objects carried their stories. When my mom died, I inherited one of her every day aprons. I love finding it when I sort through the box of family linens. I think of her cooking in the kitchen and her giving me a warm hug.

I also received a collection of my uncle’s ties after he passed. I cut-up them up and re-assembled them, crazy quilt style, making pillows for his wife (see photo), one for myself, and one for his sister.

Around the same time I made the pillows, I convinced my uncle’s wife to give me 12 of her favorite t-shirts so I could could make a t-shirt quilt for her. I really challenged her with this request because the shirts were so precious to her. Each shirt carried a story about a road race, friendship, or her love of gardening. I suspected she thought I would ruin them and her memories would be lost. When the quilt was completed, she cherished it. Now, after her recent passing, the quilt is back in my care.

So this is why I’m wondering about all this. I have these things that belong to special people in my life. Are my feelings just wishful thinking? Or, is it true that when I hold these textile objects that once belonged to someone I loved, that I indeed do feel their presence.

You may be wondering why I’m sharing this quilt…again!
Because its NEW!!
If you’ve been following me awhile you may want to argue saying, “I know I’ve seen it before…” Then I will interject, “… or have you?”

Maybe you’re thinking its the quilt I made for Sacred Threads in 2019, “Goldfinch in my Garden.” Or possibly the version that was commissioned for Inova Schar Cancer Institute in Virginia, “Contemplation.” Or it could be the one I made last year for a local exhibit that I called, “Wishful Thinking.” Last year, I also made two more renditions. That makes 5 attempts at making this design. Each top was created slightly different and years apart, for very different reasons. Four were sold to different collectors.

This version (pictured) was one I was making for myself. I had the top done, but not the quilting and thread work. Then, a few months ago I received a call for entry from Sacred Threads entitled “Gardens of Gratitude: Blooming with Hope.” This call had a fast turn-around time. Although the top was made, it “technically” never had been shown before. I decided to quilt the top and enter it into the call, along with 2 other quilted designs. Two weeks ago I received confirmation that “Gifts Received” was accepted into “Garden of Gratitude” as part of the The Healing Arts Program at UChicago Medicine.

I am honored and humbled. This is such an amazing opportunity and a significant milestone to my life; I was born at UChicago (at the time known as Chicago Lying-In Hospital). This presents an extra-special significance to have my artwork displayed there.

While I was making it… again!, I questioned whether it was fair to re-create the same design multiple times over. I decided it is. From each piece I made, I learned something new and made modifications that affected the most recent versions overall look. Also, because the recreations where done over many years, I was a different person with each one. They never will be the same quilt.

~Nanette Z

Have you missed me?
It has been over a month since I wrote my last blog post. A lot of things happened since then, but nothing that should be worrisome to anyone but me.

My lack of writing fell into 2 issues; lack of time/focus and a failure with a company I was using to send out my email. I had to do some research to find out what to do next. Do I stick with the old company or find another option?

My decision was to go with a new company, which meant setting it up, transferring things over and…then the other issue: My website. I designed my site many years ago and just let it ride comfortably falling into neglect. I decided that before I add any new components to my site. I needed to do an overhaul. I’ve been working on it all week. Not 100% satisfied with what I have, but walking forward now. After crashing the site and getting it operational, I’m ready for primetime with new skills about working with WordPress’ Block Editor. This is my first blog post since the change. So my fingers are crossed that I’ve done everything right and back in touch with you.

So I have nothing too profound to share with you this week, except…keep at it, even when it seems overwhelming. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. And…breathe…

Oh yeah! I entered my framed quilt “Celestial Gift of Honey” into a local art exhibit (see photo). It won 3rd place and sold. There’s always something good to report.

Photo Courtesy of Joy McGugan

The quilt in this photo is nearly 23 years old. Its a tiny thing (12″ square) and it is one of the first quilt blocks I ever made. I made it sometime after 9/11 (September 11, 2001). That’s when the US had the attacks on the Twin Towers (NY) and the Pentagon (DC) and the plane crash in Shanksville (PA).

Shortly after these tragedies, I stumbled onto a “call” to make these patriotic heart blocks to send to a group that would assemble them into quilts and distribute them. I don’t remember details of who was collecting the blocks or who would receive the finished quilts. But, like most American’s that year, I was really moved by these tragic events. I was all in with the yellow ribbons and “bless our troops” bumper stickers. There was a feeling of unification that we were all in this together.

I also was a very new quilter. This striped heart block was the my first ever like this. I was so proud of what I did, so I made an extra block to keep for myself. This quilt hung on the wall for many years, as a reminder of all these memories. (That, and I loved this bear fabric so much, especially with the random tabby cat wearing sunglasses tucked into the design with all the teddy bears.) That year I learned about the cathartic qualities of quilt making. I sewed many, many quilts that year.

I’m sharing this today because this week in America we are celebrating “Independence Day” (July 4th). A day of cookouts, fireworks, friends and family. The holiday was established to remember and honor our freedoms in the United States, both as a country and individually as citizens. The good ‘ole USA.

When I was growing up, every year for “the 4th” my dad would proudly fly the American flag on our front porch. On either side of it, he hung an Irish and a Polish flag to represent our immigrant ancestry. Today I’m wondering, if he was still alive, what would he think about the way things are going these days.

I’ve had a creative past few weeks. Last week, I submitted artwork to a open call exhibit and completed 2 pieces for another upcoming exhibit. This week I’m working on a commission for a family member. I’m also working on another art quilt that I want to submit to a call for entry that closes next month. Then there’s also the hexagon quilt that I’ve been working on, which I’ve decided needs to be submitted to another call for entry with a January deadline.

I’ve been my comparing my mindset to last year, when I was working on a number of different pieces for a joint exhibit at the local Arts Council. Last year, I didn’t feel half as motivated as I feel now. Part of my current surge in productivity is that I have several open call exhibits that are holding my interest. With the various deadlines, I can space out my weekly priorities.

I function better when I focus on one project at a time. Yet, there needs to be a balance between my household, computer and art making work. I’ve learned each of these tasks need different brain energy. It is not easy for me to switch from one task to another. Focused time is important to me.

I need to advocate for myself and remind myself of the priorities. No one else is going to tell me, “go lock yourself in your room and create.” However, the dogs, in their cute way, tell me they need to be walked. And, the bank reminds me that the bills need to be paid. My dear husband reminds me that its dinner time. And, the dust accumulating on the shelf reminds me its time to tidy up.

Sometimes, we have to remind our ourselves that we need creative time.

This past week, I tackled my fabric hoarding collection. I sorted through all my fabric stash to refine what I’m keeping. It was an attempt to answer the big question: “What do I really need to do my art?” At times I wish I used paint instead of fabric. With paint, if I needed a blue color, I could easily mix the correct hue. With fabric, I realize I have a lot of blues, but some read more turquoise and another may look more violet. I’m stuck with the color choices I have in my collection.

If I lived near a fabric store, I could pop in and see if they have a closer color representative. Unfortunately, I don’t live near a fabric store. When I am near one, there’s this desire to collect more…because…“What if I need this color someday?”

Things were getting a bit out of control, so I decided it was time to let go. My fabrics are stored in flat plastic storage totes that I can stack in the closet. I try to keep the fabric in one layer with similar colors together (operative word here is “try.”). [Pictured is my quilter’s cottons in blue/red, brown/grey, and some of my novelty prints.] I also have several totes containing my batik collections. Looks all neat and tidy, doesn’t it? If only I took a picture while I sorted through everything, piece-by-piece. There was fabric everywhere. I made sure everything that went back into the tote was positioned “somewhat” neatly. Now I can easily see what is in the tote.

During the process, I filled a huge paper grocery bag full of fabrics I no longer “treasured.” It was a bit easier letting go of the yardage knowing that I would donate the fabric to the local schools for their art classes. It was still difficult letting some of it go, especially the novelty prints. So many of these fabrics carry memories for me. For example, the bright yellow print with the blue birds, belonged to a dear friend who past away 2 years ago. I couldn’t give that one away…but I have no idea what I’m going to use it for. For my art, I mostly use batiks and solid quilter’s cottons. Novelty prints need to be used for something else. Hmmm?

Some of the fabric went into the bag, then got pulled from the bag, then went in again. Eventually I forgot what was in the bag and decided NOT to double-check my decisions. It is time to let it go!

Now that I finished this task, I feel lighter in my creative processes. I don’t have to think about digging through the mess to find what I need. I’ll be able to take off the tote lids and easily see my choices. Are you able to let go when you feel you have too much?  For me, right now, I’m ready to start something new. I have at least 4 calls for entry on my to-do list this year. Things feel lighter and it is time to get stitching.

 

I went on a short road trip this weekend and spent some time at the zoo. I have a love/hate relationships with zoos. I love having the opportunity to see wild animals close up. If you’re like me and create nature art, they are great places to find artistic inspiration. For example this Sandhills Crane (see photo) doesn’t breed, winter or migrate where I live. If I drove 5 hours inland, I “might” be able to see one as it migrated between locations. However, a short visit to the zoo gave me an opportunity to see and photograph one close up.

As someone who went to school to earn a Masters degree in Wildlife Biology, I appreciate zoos for their opportunity to study animal populations. Many zoos, like the Smithsonian in Washington DC, offer captive breeding programs to help re-establish wild populations. Humans have created so much habitat loss in this world, that it is important for biologists to study and learn how to re-populate areas with native plant and animal species. I totally understand and appreciate all the education and conservation benefits of a zoo.

Yet, I feel a deep sadness when I see this photo and remember all the great species I saw contained in their human-made enclosures. I anthropomorphize my human emotions when I look at their faces. What are they thinking with all these human faces staring back at them? This photo of the crane was the best one I was able to take this weekend. If I render this photo into fabric, I’ll carry these emotions with me, but I’d rather have seen it in the wild.

In the early years of the Internet, blogs were big thing. If you wanted to get seen, or more specifically heard, you developed a blog and shared your stories. There were a lot of people who became well-known communicating this way to their followers. Then, came Facebook and Instagram. Now, TickTock and who knows what else. Its a challenge to keep up. But with all the options, it is important to find the space that you feel most comfortable.

Right now, I feel most comfortable on Instagram. I love it mostly because of its original intent of sharing images. I’m following and being inspired by people I would never have found without Instagram. But, I’m hearing from so many, that it doesn’t hold its glimmer anymore.

Recently, on Instagram, one of the artists I follow asked if people still kept blogs. I shared that I did. Its not so “cool” anymore, but I continue because I like to write (always have). I also hope my dear readers (yes, I mean you!), find a glimmer of commonality in what I share. I hope…at least occasionally…you say to yourself, “yep, that’s how I feel too!” I hear back from some of you, so I know I’m at least a little successful with my plan of public journaling.

When it comes to the “Socials,” I find I still like Instagram the best (shameless plug warning: @nanette_sewz ). I love checking in on what everyone is creating. But I know both Instagram and Facebook, control what I see based on what “they” think I want to see or more importantly … how much revenue they can make off their sponsored ads. I’m definitely feeling a little disheartened.

There are other platforms coming available for us creatives. However, I built this place from scratch many years ago. I self-host the site and I am solely responsible for all the content and how I advertise. For that, I’m truly appreciative for you being here while I follow my muse. But, I’m curious what you think of all this technology and social media? Where is your go-to to place to find connections with people online? Is it all too much or do you seek more?

While you ponder those questions, I’ll share this week’s photo. It is a quilt I finished quilting a few days ago; simply an egret walking slowly through a marsh. It kind of reminds me of how I feel trying to stay connected with people online. There are alot of voices talking and vying for my attention. However, even with all that clamor, it sometimes feels very isolated and quiet.

 

It is summer in North Carolina. The sun rises early and sets late. The temperatures are in the mid-to-upper 80s and their is humidity (ugh!). I’m feeling fortunate, that we don’t live in a part of the country that has all the cicadas. I’m seeing pictures from friends and family and thankful that it is quiet here. Here we just have birds chatting up a storm, with their newly hatched fledges. Its music to my ears.

The weather is on the cool side in the mornings, so I get my walk in early. Midday its too warm for me, so I’m catching up on my inside projects. Right now, I’m working on this quilt of an egret in a marsh (see photo). I’m also trying to catch up on editing my instructional videos (New class coming soon!).

This year, there have been a number of things that kept me occupied and challenged for time in my studio. I’m happy that the summer is offering me extra opportunities to work on my art. It feels good to make progress. If you’re feeling challenged to work on your art, remember to hang in there because there are seasons for everything in life.