Opposites, Creativity, and My First Quilt

We’ve all heard the adage that “opposites attract.” In my life’s journey, I’ve found that maxim showing up again and again. I’ve been a UNC Tar Heel fan for as long as I can remember and earned two degrees from Chapel Hill, yet some of my dearest friends in the world pull for that ugly, darker shade of blue down in Durham. But I still love them.

Erin and I are opposites in so many ways. I’m the analytical anchor that keeps our family grounded and stable while she’s the emotional sail that pushes us forward even in the toughest times. I give her structure and she softens me. We’re the perfect match because each of our shortcomings is balanced by the other’s strengths. It’s as close to a perfect union as one could hope for.

My crafting choices are heavily weighted toward what I can do directly with my hands. I love to cross-stitch, embroider, knit, and crochet. The feel of the threads in my hands as I work them together to form a piece of art gives me a sense of accomplishment and the satisfaction of creation. Erin loves to sew and quilt with her sewing machine. And her absolute favorite creative venture is using the ten-needle embroidery machine to personalize baby clothes and gifts. She’s a whiz at working the machines.

I’ve decided to broaden my horizons and create a quilt from start to finish entirely on my own. After all, if I own a store with quilting supplies, it stands to reason that I should be able to quilt. I know the steps because I’ve watched my beautiful wife and loving mother quilt countless times over the years. I’ve even lent a hand from time to time. But I have never tackled a quilt completely by myself from start to finish.

First, I want to give a shout-out to Tracy Arismendi, my rep with Moda fabrics. She’s officially a sales rep, but she’s so much more. She’s a guide, a mentor, and a friend. We share a passion for creativity and also for helping foster children. It’s the blessed tie that binds us together. Tracy gave me a few charm packs from Moda’s upcoming collections when we last met a few weeks ago. Yesterday, I received from her a book of quilting projects that can be made from a single charm pack. I’m going to use the charm packs to create quilts that will eventually be for sale in the store.

I share this quilting journey with you for two main reasons. First, I want everyone to see that we will soon have fully handmade quilts available for purchase in the store and online. Second, and most important, I want those in our community who are scared to start a new crafting project to see the highs and lows that come with the creative process. I have never used an electric sewing machine before. This will be a first for me. And to all you men out there: crafting exists beyond the workshop. My Daddy taught me to sew and cross-stitch. In a world of automation and artificial intelligence, it’s a blessing to experience the creative process through the most powerful computing source in existence: the human brain and spirit.

Expect daily blogs from me as I work my way through the process. I’m not going to hide my mistakes. I want everything laid bare so that anyone who’s ever thought of quilting can see how to get started and then how to finish. I love learning new things, so this will be an excellent journey.

In the meantime, as the holiday season is upon us, please visit us in Downtown Elkin to see the beautiful decorations and take part in the restaurant and arts scene. Elkin is a special place. Walk through the shops along Main Street, including Pisgah Needleworks, and help support a town that is emerging from the lost textile manufacturing industry into a new world of art, entertainment, and natural beauty. We can’t wait to see you!