More Than Fabric: My Journey into Mindful Quilting
Not too long ago I found the first quilts I ever made. As I unfolded each quilt, it reminded me of all the excitement of making those first quilts, choosing colors, the thrill (and nervousness) of exploring this whole big process of making a quilt. Unfolding each quilt was opening a stop along my creative, quilty journey - from beginner to where I am now.
While the colors and patterns I am drawn to now may have changed, my love for fabrics and learning new ways to work with them hasn’t. I started with a four patch quilt then, and today I’m exploring curves, hand quilting techniques, and enjoying the process. It was so much fun to see how my skills and creativity have expanded through the years.
Quilting gives us so many ways to explore the craft, artistically, creatively, mathematically, by necessity, and the list goes on. But above all, what I love about quilting, is the warmth it brings to our lives, whether through the literal layers of a quilt, or the time and memories we enjoy with it.
These quilts were ones I made and used heavily for many years, holding memories- creative and otherwise, some are threadbare to show it. Many of the quilts not here were made among these that were gifted to dear friends along the way.
Quilting has always been more than just making—it’s a process, a meditation, a way to slow down and connect with something deeper. My journey as a quilt designer has been shaped by a love of modern minimalism, vintage influences, and a deep reverence for nature. I believe in working with what we have, embracing imperfection, and creating with intention.
As I’ve refined my approach to quilting, I’ve found myself drawn more and more to exploring sustainability—low-waste design, repurposing fabric, and exploring farm-to-fiber connections in the same way we think about farm-to-table food. Every quilt tells a story, not just in its design but in the choices we make—what we use, how we source materials, and the mindfulness we bring to each stitch.
This philosophy has led me to create The Frayed Edge, my Substack dedicated to creativity, slow living, and the intersection of quilting, making, and nature. It’s a space to explore not only quilt design but also the quiet rhythms of making and the ways creativity shapes our lives. Here, Mismatched and Homegrown will be a little less formal- more casual, unpolished, and heartfelt and sharing a few more personal projects just as if you stopped by.
I’m also excited to be launching a Mindful Quilt-Along soon—an opportunity to step away from fast-paced making and reconnect with the joy of the creative process. This will be more than just a quilt pattern; it will include journal prompts designed to help you explore your own relationship with quilting, creativity, and mindful making. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply looking for a new way to approach your craft, this will be an invitation to slow down, notice the details, and create with greater intention.
For me, quilting is not about perfection—it’s about presence. It’s about letting fabric, stitches, and texture tell a story, embracing the frayed edges as part of the process. I hope to share more of that journey with you, both here and on The Frayed Edge. If you’re drawn to the idea of making with mindfulness, of quilting as a way to slow down and reconnect with creativity, I’d love for you to follow along there. On The Frayed Edge we will have a space to explore how and why we create, rather than just what we make.
If you are just starting out or somewhere along the quilty road, I share your thrill of exploring this process of making quilts. Quilting holds so many avenues for us to explore. Whether you make your quilt from old fabric or new fabric, traditional patterns, or make a pattern up as you go. Classic designs or modern. I share this, not to overwhelm you but to say there is no singular way to quilt. Don’t be afraid to start, to explore that technique you’re interested in, to lean in to get better at a singular step. There’s no wrong way to quilt.
Just make sure you start. xoxo
PS. Take the time to label your quilts. You won’t regret it.
