I have a new lecture that’s rather fun, called “Confessions of a Fabric Whisperer.” (Actually, I’ve changed the name about three times, but I think this might stick.) In this presentation I give an amusing accounting of some of the wacky things I’ve done over the years in the pursuit of creating art quilts. Some of my attempts were successful and some resulted in “rough drafts.” But, I explain why even the unsuccessful ones are useful and why I fearlessly embrace experimentation.
This quilt, Summer in the South, is one of my primary examples. Plus I take the quilt for display.
Many other quilts have their own stories. Like Urban Sprawl, below.
I recently presented this lecture for the first time and it was VERY well received. That’s always exhilirating!
Not only that, but there was a non-quilting reporter in the audience. She took notes and asked me a few questions and took some photos. And the very next day, my students brought me their local newspaper with a half-page article about my lecture. Wow!
The article, by Maddie Cutler ended this way:
Lindner said the main take-aways people should get are that taking your time is OK, and that it’s important to “listen” to what the quilt is saying and to check in with the design as you work.
If all else fails, cut it up and make it totally new.
“I’ve cut up a quilt or two when it needs it,” she said.
Not a bad summation.
If your guild would also like to “hear my confessions” just let me know. I’d love to come!
Ellen Lindner
