Adventure Lies Ahead!
High school graduation was a few weeks ago, an event I attend annually as part of my “teacher duties”. And one that I gladly participate in. One question I am asked frequently is “Do you cry at graduation?”. My response often surprises people. No, I don’t cry at graduation. I know, I know. Many, if not most, people cry. And yes, admittedly it is an event fraught with emotion. But when I look at that sea of anxious young faces, I know – and they only vaguely have a notion of – the opportunities that lay before them. Yes, high school and the structure of public school that they have known for thirteen years is behind them. Yes, they are saying goodbye to friends – and teachers – they have known for years. But now they are taking that next, giant step into adulthood, into the future, into the unknown. And so I don’t cry, because I am excited for them. Excited about the opportunities and events that are ahead of them. Excited about all the new experiences and challenges they will be facing that will finish shaping them into something new, something strong.
Thinking back over this last graduation and batch of young students leaping into adulthood got me thinking about my own life, and about quilting. (Ok, admittedly everything makes me think about quilting!) What leap am I ready to make? What new adventure is ahead of me? I think keeping that sense of anticipation – of good things just around the corner, of new territories yet unexplored – keeps us young and keeps us moving forward. I think, as quilters, that’s why so many of us are pattern junkies, class junkies, magazine junkies. Patterns, classes, magazines – they all represent the new frontiers, the unexplored, the possibilities. And personally I LOVE magazines.
Thank goodness for quilting magazines (like Quilt!). In one slender issue, in 100 pages or so, I can find not just one technique or one designer, but a multitude of quilting avenues to explore. Big projects, small projects, applique, paper piecing, template, rotary cut, a one-night project or a month of intense “I’ll finish it when I finish it”. Heck, it’s practically a trip around the world, technique-wise. So I plan on going out tonight and doing my part to keep the magazines in business (and stimulate the economy), and buy myself some “adventure”. Maybe I’ll finally tackle english paper piecing….or a new embellishment technique….or whatever looks fun and new in the magazine.
What about you? What do you love about quilting magazines? What makes you a quilt magazine junkie? Or a quilt pattern junkie?
Tammy Silvers
Outside the Lines Designs
About the Author: Tammy Silvers
I have been quilting since my dear sister-in-law drug me kicking and screaming into a quilt shop to take a class with her 18 years ago. Even though my first quilt was gag-a-rific, I caught the quilting bug and have been quilting away ever since. My best friend and business partner, Julia LaBauve (Outside the Lines Designs) and her "what if we....?" questions continue to spark many a design fire in me.
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