Sewing vs Quilting...and Knitting.

I used to love sewing...any kind of sewing...just sitting down at my sewing machine and spending time creating.  I used to sew anything for anyone.  Now, not so much into anything.  Or, for anyone, for that matter.  I do enjoy - to a limited extent - sewing pillows, curtains, aprons, , kleenex cozies, totes and zippered pouches.  I guess the best way to say it is this...if it's my idea to sew something for someone...or something that I want for myself, then I am happy to sew it.  ~grin~

And, might I add...I always had a decent sewing machine, but not anything as wonderful as my Naomi Janome.  She makes anything I do that much more pleasurable.

Okay...on with the discussion.  Quilting.  That's an entirely different thing.  To me, taking pieces of fabric and putting them together to make a quilt is pure joy.  Though I have been a sewist all of my life, I've been quilting for just 4 years.  Seems strange that I was never attracted to quilting before...who knows how things affect someone, hey?  But, you know what?  I think I will never tire of it.  Perhaps it is my passion.  It's good to be passionate about something like that.  

Right?   
            

In the above photo...I have all of my Curio blocks pieced and sort of laid out the way I want them.  I need a bigger surface to lay them all out on to get a better look.  36 blocks...I am loving these colors!  (Good pick, Lindy!)  Before I go to bed tonight, the top will be finished.  I'll be doing the happy dance, for sure!

So.  Knitting.  As I mentioned before, I learned to knit when very young and have knit a few things in my life...but hadn't knitted for many years.  I started again last year because I wanted to knit socks.  But, never one to overvalue my skills, I quickly realized that knitting socks was not for me...it seems that I have a mental block where 'turning the heel' and 'gusset' are concerned.  I know if someone showed me I would get it, but in the meantime, I moved on.  ~sigh~  Last spring, I started knitting what I call face cloths.  Or, call them wash cloths.  But, never dish cloths. ~grin~

Cotton.  Soft.  Fun and easy.  Since I started, I think I have probably knitted 3 dozen.  I use a few basic patterns, and some have had designs that I found here...football, birthday cake, Christmas tree ornament, and sun...just to name a few.  I love having them as an extra gift...and gave all the women in my family at least one for Christmas.  I have found that knitting is very relaxing for me (as long as it is not a sock I'm working on).  I knit every morning for at least 20 minutes before I leave for work.  I sometimes knit in the evening or on the weekends...but really...mostly in the mornings before work.  I may expand my horizons and start knitting other things.  Ya never know!   

All of that leads to this...I have come to the conclusion that Quilting is my Passion...but Knitting is my Therapy.

How about you...what do you feel passionate about?  What do you consider your therapy?




"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11