This quilt tells a story. It’s not an easy one to tell.
Incomplete represents my emotional state over the last few months. I found it hard to be excited about anything. I no longer enjoyed the things I used to. I was surviving my days. The worst part is I didn’t fully realize how deep into this melancholy I was, or how it was affecting my life and the people I love. I was disconnected and empty. Then about the middle of July I had an eye opening experience, and I was finally able to see what was happening. At about the same time, my friend Amy asked if I wanted to test a block series for her, and another friend had a close family member pass away. Everything clicked for me, and “Incomplete” was born.
Every part of this quilt represents something. Many of which are personal, and it’s hard for me to open up and talk about things sometimes (this post has take me months to write). From the disconnected little guy in the corner, to the “empty” spaces in the blocks and quilting, and the straight lines across the rest of quilt, everything means something to me.
The one thing I want to talk about are those blank spots in each block. If you look closely you will see that they are pieced with a white solid that is not the same shade of white as the rest of the quilt. Those blank spaces were really pieces that were still there, but just had to be rediscovered. Parts of me weren’t actually missing, I just needed to see them in a different light in order to find them again. It took patience, understanding, and help from my family and close friends. I will forever be grateful to them.
Now I can happily say that if I were to test this block again, it’d be a lot more full and colorful.
The rest is hard to put into words. This quilt serves as a reminder of what’s behind, and what’s ahead, and no matter what, you will never actually lose yourself. Sometimes you only need a little need help to see.
Thank you all.
Stacy, I will not ask, but know that there have been times in my life that I was lost and confused and did not know which direction to turn. One step at a time, one person at a time and eventually I became whole again. I love the way your quilt tells that story, hold it close or let it fly away and land with someone who will know the pain and stitches it took to get to the finish line. Thank you for sharing and I hope that tomorrow brings a wonderful creative moment in your life that will continue to build and strengthen you!
Glad to hear that you are feeling better. Now I know why I didn’t get a reply from you. I did manage to finish the Whirlpool Quilt for my daughter’s wedding. Best of luck Stacey with your health and future endeavours.
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I know exactly what you mean when you say that you are searching for something to get excited about. I find it ingenious how you pieced two light pieces together to make one larger patch. Had you not mentioned it, I would never have noticed, and it makes the quilt that much more powerful. I hope your spirits continue to be lifted.
Going thru the dark tunnel is hard….keep fighting for joy!!
Thanks for sharing, Stacey. Quilting really has the power to heal! Happy to hear that your work and friends got you through a difficult time. xo
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Thank you for sharing, both your quilt and the hard reality of life that contributed to its creation. I’m praying that I, too, can crawl the rest of the way out of that dark pit that periodically tries to claim me. I know that quilting can heal …and it’s time to let it…