Emily Littlejohn's Blog
June 20, 2024
In Fear of A Sewing Machine
I'm taking an Introduction to Quilting class this summer. I'm both excited and terrified. Does that sound strange?
I have a secret to share: sewing machines scare the hell out of me. In theory, I understand how they work...the same way I understand how a fax machine or microwave works.
In practice? Sewing machines seem complicated and dangerous. The staccato of the needle as it moves up and down like an alien stinger, fingers dancing just so around the danger.
A sewing machine takes focus, practice, and understanding: of the mechanics of the machine, of what it can and can't do, and how to troubleshoot the damn thing when it breaks.
Writing is a bit like that too. When I feel stuck or broken, or lack motivation to create, to put pen to paper, there are two things I do to self-troubleshoot.
The first is to read, especially outside my comfort zone. I scan the shelves at my local library for an interesting non-fiction or a novel by an author I've been curious of but never read.
Reading is like fiber for a writer; it gets things moving.
The second thing I do is to try something new. Hence: Introduction to Quilting. I'm eager to touch and piece together fabric as I do thoughts and words; to put disparate pieces and threads into a tapestry that conveys theme, emotion, story.
The telling of stories, by way of word or song or quilt, is no small thing. It is how we make sense of the world, us quilters and writers and singers.
Assuming we're not mangled by a demonic sewing machine. I'll let you know how it goes. Until next time . . .
I have a secret to share: sewing machines scare the hell out of me. In theory, I understand how they work...the same way I understand how a fax machine or microwave works.
In practice? Sewing machines seem complicated and dangerous. The staccato of the needle as it moves up and down like an alien stinger, fingers dancing just so around the danger.
A sewing machine takes focus, practice, and understanding: of the mechanics of the machine, of what it can and can't do, and how to troubleshoot the damn thing when it breaks.
Writing is a bit like that too. When I feel stuck or broken, or lack motivation to create, to put pen to paper, there are two things I do to self-troubleshoot.
The first is to read, especially outside my comfort zone. I scan the shelves at my local library for an interesting non-fiction or a novel by an author I've been curious of but never read.
Reading is like fiber for a writer; it gets things moving.
The second thing I do is to try something new. Hence: Introduction to Quilting. I'm eager to touch and piece together fabric as I do thoughts and words; to put disparate pieces and threads into a tapestry that conveys theme, emotion, story.
The telling of stories, by way of word or song or quilt, is no small thing. It is how we make sense of the world, us quilters and writers and singers.
Assuming we're not mangled by a demonic sewing machine. I'll let you know how it goes. Until next time . . .
