When the Idea Strkes...

So most of you know, I'm working on a block of the month call Patriots in Petticoats.  It's in tribute to all the women who assisted in American Revolutionary War.  "Assisted" is kind of a lame word to use, really. These women were spies, lovable liars, and often soldiers themselves -- putting both their lives and livelihoods on the lines for liberty and sweet freedom.  Anyway...the quilt has been an awesome learning experience.

I'm just about done with it.  Last month, I got the fabric and the instructions for the center medallion:

It turned out to be a large center medallion -- 24 inches x 24 inches.  After I completed the piecing and stepped back from it, the first thought through my head was, "Wow....that'd make a pretty Christmas wall hanging or table topper, because it looks kind of like a Christmas wreath."

And it just so happened that the next day was my monthly sewing bee at Hancocks.  And it just so happened that Hancocks had just gotten in their new line of My'liss Christmas fabrics.  And it just so happened that $18.35  and five days later I have two Christmas table toppers, one of for me and one for Mom

Moral of the blog?  I'm not sure there is one, but I would encourage you as you're quilting, piecing, or browsing through quilt magazines, to look beyond what's in front of your eyes and think outside the box.  Don't be afraid to use alternate colors or new themes.  The colors and fabrics that are available to quilters today are extra ordinarily beautiful and bright.  If you're a "traditional" quilter, don't be intimidated by batiks and the bright jewel tones that are out there.  Embrace them.  Let them empower you more as a quilter. 

Likewise, if you're one of the new "rebels" of the quilting age, try some traditional blocks with reproduction fabrics.  The new lines of American Revolution and Civil War prints are amazingly accurate and wonderful.  Try some. 

Above all, think out of your comfort zone.  Stretch yourself as a quilter and as an artist.  Good things can only come out of it!