Sunday, August 19, 2012

Inspiration....

First, let me warn you, this post is going to be a tad different then what I normally post!



I've been thinking (which I know is a dangerous thing but I STILL DO IT! Yep, living life on the edge!) about different quilts I want to make. Which has lead me to think of my "inspiration". This post is going to be on just that...."inspiration".
According to dictionary.com inspiration means....

1.    The process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, esp. to do something creative: "flashes of inspiration".
The quality of having been so stimulated, esp. when evident in something: "a moment of inspiration in an otherwise dull display".

And according to thefreedictionary.com inspiration means.....

1. a. Stimulation of the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity.
b. The condition of being so stimulated.
2. An agency, such as a person or work of art, that moves the intellect or emotions or prompts action or invention.
3. Something, such as a sudden creative act or idea, that is inspired.
4. The quality of inspiring or exalting: a painting full of inspiration.
5. Divine guidance or influence exerted directly on the mind and soul of humankind.
6. The act of drawing in, especially the inhalation of air into the lungs.

And according to thefreedictionary.com inspire means....
1. To affect, guide, or arouse by divine influence.
2. To fill with enlivening or exalting emotion: hymns that inspire the congregation; an artist who was inspired by Impressionism.
3.a. To stimulate to action; motivate: a sales force that was inspired by the prospect of a bonus.
b. To affect or touch: The falling leaves inspired her with sadness.
4. To draw forth; elicit or arouse: a teacher who inspired admiration and respect.
5. To be the cause or source of; bring about: an invention that inspired many imitations.
6. To draw in (air) by inhaling.
7. Archaic
a. To breathe on.
b. To breathe life into.

To breathe life into? Well, I know how they are meaning it, but to me those 4 words can mean a lot! "To breathe life into" to me that's saying to "give life". Is that what a quilter does? Give life to a quilt? Or a painter? To give life to a painting? I guess, in a way we do. ("we" meaning quilters...I'm definately NO PAINTER!)


So that leads me to.....what gives me inspiration? EVERYTHING AROUND ME! I can see a tissue box and think "WOW! That'd make such a pretty quilt!" I'm a dork, I know, you don't have to say it!!!!!
I've been browsing Flikr a lot lately, especially when I'm on break at work. And WOWZA! The inspiration you can find on there....all those talented people! WHOA! I really hope one day someone can look at a quilt I've made and think some of the things about my quilts as I do about the ones I've seen!
Now, I know it's not a complete post without pics so guess what you're going to get to see????? Pics of things that.....what?.....INSPIRE ME!!!!!!!!


Disclaimer: I do not in any way, shape, or form claim to have made, sewn, or quilted ANY OF THE FOLLOWING PICTURES!!!!!!!! If I have a one of your pics on here and you want it removed, say the word and it'll be done!


1. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/41904070@N08/7381331276/">Half moon modern quilt</a>, 2. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/41904070@N08/7690450986/">Rainbow Bloom</a>, 3. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/52365594@N04/7531613726/">Smitten quilt, front</a>, 4. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/29745380@N05/7705364458/">my Modern Medallion, finally finished!</a>, 5. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7871971@N06/7691712306/">Pearl Cabin quilt top</a>, 6. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/29745380@N05/7699026840/">iPad sleeve for Type-lovers</a>, 7. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/57799555@N02/6009575722/">Pretty Little Pouch Full View - Option 3</a>, 8. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/58876589@N03/7683450100/">crochet blanket</a>, 9. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7401290@N07/7687748494/">Bloom Quilt</a>


See what I mean? I also get my inspiration from fabric lines! Just seeing all the gorgeous fabric, I start DREAMING about quilts made with it! Such as....

Okay so that's just a very FEW of the ones that inspire me....I could go on for days with inspiring fabrics!!!!
Another thing that inspires me are my kids! I L-O-V-E seeing the grins on their faces when I make something for them! They love it, which makes me love it just that much more!

Sew, I want to know....what inspires you the most? or Where does your inspiration come from?

(post of my finished quilt and a few other things is on the way! I promise, give me a few more days!!!!)
~Hope y'all are having a great day!!!~

3 comments:

Ann Marie @ 16 Muddy Feet said...

That little pouch is adorable with those 3-D petals on it. I have tons of inspirational photos, there just isn't enough time and energy to come even close to making 1% of them all.

Lisa C said...

Inspiration for me comes a lot from bloggers' posts (I'm new to quilting) but sometimes it's from seeing a gorgeous purple Christmas fabric and realizing my aunt LOVES purple and putting the two together to make Christmas coasters. My 5 year old nephew loves horses so making him a western quilt last year for Christmas was a breeze - horses, ropes, etc. Turned out cute. It's just that this pesky thing called a full-time job (and laundry and dishes) get in the way of inspiration fulfillment time!

Anonymous said...

Inspiration is something that hits me at the oddest points, and is almost always at odds with what I'm working on.

For instance, I'd been piecing Farmer's Wife blocks for ages, so my brain decided that I needed to make some very modern quilts.

Otherwise, I'm spurred on by color and fabric for the most part, and mostly based on what's in my stash. Occasionally, I see a completed quilt that perks my interest, but I'm not into making direct copies. I like to take a base idea and go my own way with it.