Midwest Winters

Does creativity have a season? I think so. In summer I'm usually lethargic wanting to sit and read or putter outside, smell the flowers or work in the garden. However, as the seasons change and the weather gets colder, the creative juices start to flow. Sort of the reverse of the maple syrup run in the Eastern US. Even the sight of snow does a lot to prompt my willingness to spent hours in the studio trying out new techniques.

But the colder weather in the Midwest does not stop all warm weather fun and frolic. This Thanksgiving my DD spent some time enjoying the soothing benefits of dip in a nice and toasty hot tub.

A Semi-Creative Week

It seems every time the creative urge strikes, I'm off doing something else. Case in point: It's time to do those mundane household chores . . laundry, grocery shopping, raking leaves, or preparing dinner. Now I don't mind doing these mundane activities, but what is one to do when the creative ideas are crowding your mind. I've tried writing things down, stopping what I am doing and proceed to my ZONE, but then the guilt sets in on what needs to be done .

The photos above are sneak peeks at a project I'm currently working on.

This is my first attempt at thread painting. Not sure whether this will end up as a quilt, but it was an interesting learning experience.

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Current Projects

I've taken a few pictures of a current finished project entitled "Summer Solstice". It was a kit quilt from Fons and Porter and I added some cystals. It was a fun piece to do and used stencils and Shiva Paintsticks.

Another venture into my creative spirit comes from the special issue of Quilting Arts Magazine called Quilting Arts Gifts. It is a needlefelted purse by Janet Crowther. I've just started playing with it but here is the progress so far.

Sorry the picture are a little out of order, but I'm working on the format.

Back to the studio for more creative input.

The Creative Spirit

Tried to be creative yesterday. I actually did spend time in my studio for about 2 hours. But, after dealing with mechanical problems (the darn tension on the sewing machine) I was only able to be in the "zone" for about 20 minutes. You really can't accomplish much in 20 minutes; you can experiment with technique but no end results worth noting. They say experience is the best teacher and the tried and fail approach to creativity does work, but the process can be very slow and boring at times. It's hard enough to find that hour to create and discouraging when mechanics get in the way



You can't squash a creative spirit that easily and any attempt is worth the try.

Why the Name?

Why the "Dimpled Quilter"? First of all I have two very noticeable facial characteristics: I have two dimpled checks and I am a "quilter" or fiber artists; take your pick. I am starting this blog to spur my creativity. I am not really a visual person but I am creative. We'll give this a try and see how it goes.

First order of business: Spend at least 1 hour a day creating .