That autumn cold has crept in and as usual my feet and hands are taking a while to warm up.
I can still smell the smoke from the wood burner on the air. We lit a fire last night. The first of the year.
I turn to my task. I am spread out on the floor, squares of material around me pins at my side.
I like this process of quilting. The different steps, the contrast between fabric.
Brushed cotton in one hand, canvas in the other.
I pin them together, lining them up, seam to seam.
The room is quiet except for the audio book playing from the laptop.
I don't like sitting in silence. I hardly need listen to the words as I know the books so well. Harry potter. My guilty pleasure.
The voice in the room is comforting somehow. I have always enjoyed having stories read to me.
I pick up my newly joined pieces.
Foot on the pedal I feed the material through.
My hands brush against pins and material in turn. Softness and pin pricks in equal measure.
I study the fabrics I have chosen and feel pleased with my choices.
Strong colours sitting with neutrals.
Materials picked up in a French market. They already hold stories.
I come to the end of the row. The clatter of the sewing machine is replaced by the snip of the scissors.
The moment of truth, do the corners meet?
Some do but others are gloriously off centre. I don't mind. Beautiful handmade imperfections that they are.
I look out of the window. The dew is nearly gone. The sun is bright and the autumn crispness lingers. In this odd month of limbo before term starts I need days like this to feed material through the machine, to create something to snuggle in in the winter months.
I am nesting and preparing the best way I can.
Today I am joining in with Alexa's beautiful meme, "Simply a Moment." Do stop by her blog to read both Alexa's words and other bloggers as they record their moments.
16 comments:
Your words are so beautiful, Abi. If I didn't know better I would swear you were a wise old sage. Just lovely.
A beautiful post, I could relate to it so much. I am so grateful that your sewing posts have inspired me to dust off my sewing machine and love of creating with fabric.
I feel as if I have been in a place of gentle meditation, reading this lovely post, Abi! Interlaced with those lovely photos, your words have made me want to get out my sewing machine and find some fabric, and stitch my way into autumn. Thank you so much for taking part this month and sharing your early morning moment with us - always a pleasure to see you in the Linky :).
Abi, your moment is so beautifully written and your photos just lovely. I have a sewing day planned today, I am teaching my friend how to make a fabric bowl.
Your post certainly makes me want to do some sewing as well.
A beautiful post, Abi---both the photos and the words! I was once quite a good seamtress, but I never was able to get very interested in quilting.
What a treat to discover another quilter via Alexa's link-up! you write about the process in such a delightful manner....lovely!
And the quilt-in-progress is just beautiful. I hope you'll show the finish when it's all done.
Something magical about playing with fabric, as well as that fabulous wood burner stove smell :) we actually had the chimneys swept yesterday and 2 tonnes of logs delivered ... Bring on the burner :)
Oh Abi - this is such a delightful post - I love your description of quilting - though is many years since I last made a quilt - I might just have to oil the sewing machine and make another. Lovely photos and beautiful fabric. Thank you so much for sharing! J x
I'm going to be thinking about this one whenever I make a start on my blocks for the swap. Is there any nicer sound than the clatter of a sewing machine? I don't think so.Lovely.
Your quilt looks very pretty and I love that you shared your moment with us. I too don't like a quiet room when i'm creating x
You've captured your moment so eloquently. I'm so glad you find peace and comfort in sewing and crafting - and that you already know this at such a young age!
Beautiful words and I admire your quilting. I too don't like a quiet room and I love listening to audio books too. I have just finished listening to Harry Potter (again!) on my way to and from work in the car - makes the journey much more enjoyable!
This is a magical description Abi! You write so beautifully and really capture the moment so well :D x
I also love quilting, but I'm not so in peace with my 'not centered corners', definitively, I have to learn that from you
cris
lalchimisteartisane.blogspot.com
That sounds so peaceful. I like your comment about the corners not always meeting up. I need to remember that one and not worry about it. You've inspired to get out the fat quarters, sewing machine and scissors.
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