Monday, January 4, 2016

sewing rituals



I like to create new rituals for myself around the beginning of the year. Mainly for the structure to work within but also for the magic -- because repetition creates a well-worn pathway and good things can happen there. Some years ideas for rituals come fast and furious and it's hard to choose and then sometimes not.

I've used a store-bought white quilt for many years -- in summer it is the only blanket on the bed and in winter a feather comforter goes on top of it. I wash and dry it often and it is literally coming apart, mostly around the edges, and the binding is wearing through too. Fingers and toes get caught in the loose threads. But it's so soft. The last few nights before sleep I've been mending it by stitching along the threadways. Now I'm thinking about using it as a canvas for my 13-moon monthly stitch ritual but a plan hasn't emerged quite yet.*

A daily sewing ritual is in its early stages as well. The idea is to make one circle/square daily and assemble the squares to make a quilt top. I learned about this project from Lyn and the originator of the Quilty 365 year-long project is Audrey of the Quilty Folk blog found here . I'm hoping to use mostly plant-dyed cotton cloth for both the 4 1/2" squares and the 3" moons. Audrey suggests choosing the fabric each day and not ahead of time -- even if you aren't able to do the actual sewing on it, the color choice will be unique for that day. This will be a good use for some of the home-dyed cloth that has accumulated and also a good reason to continue dyeing. I'm not letting the 365 intimidate me too much, just planning to work at my own pace.

I guess I feel like sewing this year. Wishing you the happiest, most magical New Year ever. xx


*Possibly some smaller woven moons like this one that I made a few years ago in a Spiritcloth class.


16 comments:

  1. Boy...you do feel like sewing these days! I can't wait to see what you choose to do and how it all progresses :) I always look forward to counting down the moon with you. Have fun and a most Happy New Year!

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  2. What a great post! I'm looking forward to seeing your circles as they progress.:)

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  3. The happiest of new years to you too Peggy. I've been contemplating doing the daily circle as well, the thought of the needle turn puts me off a bit, but I think I'm going to plunge in anyway, and start my year of 365 circles next week on my birthday. Your plant dyed fabrics will make a lovely quilt.

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  4. Nancy, I'm eager to see how it all unfolds as well!

    Audrey, thank you and thanks for putting together such a fun project/forum.

    Nanette, I know what you mean -- last year at this time I was more in love with embroidery and knitting but it feels good to be sewing again. Starting on your birthday sounds just right too!

    Jude, thank you -- I forgot to write about the woven moon in my post and just added what I'm thinking regarding that idea.

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  5. Love the woven moon, the light and the dark.

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  6. I came over from Jude's blog and was delighted to see your plan for the coming year, as I too am attempting to do a patch (or two) a day. Your link has been added to my blog list of Kindred Spirits and I will look forward to following your journey.

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  7. Love the quote ~ "repetition creates a well-worn pathway and good things can happen there." And, the woven moon is ...well, it's over the moon, for sure!

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  8. Oh wonderful Peggy, so glad your giving Audreys 365 Circles a go too.
    And that lovely comfy white quilt will have its very own added narrative as the year progresses now!
    A perfect foundation.
    Love, love the woven moon too!
    Don't forget to link up your circle-y posts on Audreys blog and see all the other 365 makers : )

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  9. Very soothing, moons. Thank you for sharing your flight here.

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  10. Oh lovely - so pleased your going to use the circles on that white quilt, it will have its very own narrative by the years end!
    Love the woven moon too - perfect!

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  11. I think using your natural dyed fabrics is a wonderful idea. I'm looking forward to following it, I know you will have some very creative ideas for this New Year. Your woven moon is beautiful, what a perfect full moon!

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  12. Your woven moon looks very at home on the blanket, I can imagine a galaxy of them across it.

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  13. Your woven moon looks very much at home in the white cloth.

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  14. will love following along!

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  15. Your ritual stitching is interesting each year. I like starting something at the beginning of the year too. Also like to finish something at that time too. Love love moon in my stitching! Might jump in and sew along with everyone. Thanks for the links - Happy New Year Peggy - xx

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