Word of the Year for 2018
As I sat down to plan for this coming year, my Word of the Year popped into my head unbidden, and it was “Quality.”
When it comes to quilts, I have always loved to improvise, just start somewhere near the middle and add various fabrics all around —
— and I know that since my quilts are usually for donations, they may get some hard wear, and not be treasured by their recipients, so I haven’t agonized over details. I quilt them enough to stay together, but I don’t do beautiful intricate stitching.
But this year I think it is time to pay more attention to measuring and stitching more precisely. I admire the work of so many of you, especially Kerry, Doreen, and Melanie, Lucie, Elizabeth, and Katy, and the way you create heirloom-level textiles. You (and others) have inspired me to work to a higher standard.

A 19th century raffia piece from the Kuba culture – quality craftsmanship does not have to equate with predictable design. From the Seattle Art Museum.

Another elegant example of quality – a Native American basket, on display at the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum in Seattle.
And, as usual, I have made this word into an acronym to help me focus. Since we all seem to make that perennial resolution to finish up all our Works-in-Progress, my first instinct was to have it stand for Quilt Up All Leftover [projects] In This Year.
But we all know that is not going to happen. And I wanted to incorporate more priorities into my focus word, so I came up with this version:
Quilting
Uploading (more of my pictures, and the family archive materials)
Art Journal and Archives
Layers of —
Interest – My role model here is Joanna — she finds such a variety of ways to mix interesting fabrics, shapes, and details into quilts that hold my attention.
Thread Sketching – I have received lots of different kinds of thread and I want to make the most of it!
Yoga – for my flexibility and circulation, I really need to get back into doing yoga almost every day.
I am looking forward to a productive and connected year! Happy New Year everybody!
You WILL do it! That necklace is quality. You do things with love and that counts for a lot. Love the header.
Oh…….I need a “Love” button!!!!! You are so kind………there are no words to express how I treasure all my amazingly creative friends……….supportive, inspiring, motivating and, yes, critiquing…..all so needed/welcomed. Sending uber hugs your way with wishes for a Blessed New Year…………………..
You are so right about our creative support groups! I am so grateful we can find like-minded and good-hearted people online!
I’m pretty flattered to be included in that company! Thanks for the support and the shout-out. You make fun, interesting quilts that I always enjoy seeing. AND you teach me so much about textile history, something I love but know little about. Your blog and your friendship are valuable to me. Thanks again.
Yay! I love love love putting together posts on textile history, so I am glad to find people to share them with!
Great approach! I love the idea of turning the word into an acronym to aid focus. Here’s to quality!
While I love the thought that I might inspire you (yikes, the burden of responsibility! Teehee!) and being named in such fine company, I want to say that I think you do all your endeavors with quality! Not the least of which is your blogging and the research and fascinating tidbits you share with us–you inspire me! But I’ll be interested to see the directions your acronym takes you!
Back at you with new year’s good wishes. That basket is pretty fine, plus it’s useful. The only advice I can give you about quality (lower case) is that if it occurs to you to rip something out, just go ahead and do that. Otherwise, you’ll regret it later. Let me know if you find a way to combine thread sketching and yoga.
Love your quilt! Quality is such a great word of the year. Have a great 2018!
You do put a smile on my face, thanks! 😀 My new years resolution could be to at least make an inventory of my unfinished projects (and clean up at the same time). Maybe take up quilting?? And lots more yoga definitely. Happy New year to you and yours!!
Like Melanie, to be considered in that group of quilters and makers is quite a lovely thing, as I admire them so much. I loved reading this post, as it encapsulates a lot of what I’ve been thinking about too–about doing one’s best, pursuing quality even in the simplest of creative efforts.
And I also like that we think similarly–I had a version of that Kuba culture blanket on my iPhone for the longest time (from LACMA), as I love the randomness of that design.
Happy New Year!
I have included some of your blogs in INTERESTING BLOGS in FRIDAY FOSSICKING at
https://thatmomentintime-crissouli.blogspot.com/2018/01/friday-fossicking-5th-january-2018.html
Thank you, Chris
Happy new year to you, too!
great idea and i think your donation quilt looks wonderful.
Thanks, I hope to get more done this year! 🙂
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