Many authors have other pursuits outside of writing. Often those pursuits are also as creative, like sewing, cross-stitch, painting, and the like. For me, one of my non-writing ways of being creative is quilting. And though on the surface, writing and quilting might seem quite different, actually, there are a lot of similarities. Here are just a few of the parallels I’ve considered.
I made and donated to the Dodge County Museum.
When you first walk into a quilt shop, you’re assaulted with color and images and possibilities. There are so many decisions you could make, so many patterns you could choose, so many fabrics. Miles of bolts of fabric, stacks of pattern books, and the samples! Oh, the samples! Everywhere the eye turns, there are ideas and notions and projects.
It’s much the same when you set out to write a story. Everything is available. Everything is possible. There are so many decisions to make. Genre, setting, time period, characters, theme, black moment, subplots, and so much more. It can be almost paralyzing. And yet exhilarating, too. Sometimes you wonder if your skill set is up to the task of what you’re trying to create. The project can seem too big for your abilities, and you wonder if you can do justice to it.
And yet, it’s exciting, loaded with adventure. It’s one of my favorite parts of both writing and quilting, the pre-planning stage where everything is fresh and new and explorable. Where you’re putting fabric side-by-side, testing colors and patterns. Where you’re fitting characters together, dropping them into scenes, putting them under pressure to see what is revealed.
Just like in writing fiction, quilting is an opportunity to express your creativity in a way that only you can. If you gave the same quilt pattern to a dozen quilters, they would each put their own spin on the project, choosing their own fabrics, and manipulating the pattern to make their own creation. The use of color and shape and texture, the prints or plaids or hues of the fabric, the stitching, and so much more make each quilt unique. You might not even know at first that they were all based upon the same quilt blocks because they would be so different.
Sometimes people say they don’t like romance because it’s so ‘formulaic.’ Boy meets girl, boy likes girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl again…happily ever after. They’re all the same. Or cozy mystery, because the pattern of clue, clue, red herring, clue is often the same.
But that’s too simplistic. The ‘formula’ may be the pattern or template from which you start, but the expression, the creation, the use of character and so much more make each story singular. Each author brings her unique voice, viewpoint, emotions and skill to her writing.
photo of a quilt she liked and away we went!
One of the cool things about quilting is there are so many great tools and gadgets that make the job easier. Rotary cutters, rulers, binding tools, seam rippers, clips, thread racks, irons, bias tape, fusible interfacing, and so much more. Each tool has a specific intended use, and each tool is designed to make quilting user-friendly, easy, and fun.
Writers have tools for their toolbox, too. Point of view, metaphor, theme, pacing, plot twists, and more. There are also more quantifiable tools like Scrivner, One Note, laptops, sticky notes, and nice-writing ink pens. Having the tools you need, having mastered their use, will make writing fiction both easier, and more fun. Just like in quilting, learning to use a writer’s tools takes time and practice. My first quilts were simple, straightforward, uncomplicated. Mostly because I didn’t have or know how to use all the tools. My first stories were that way too. I wasn’t adept at subtext or visceral reactions or the selective use of power words. But as time has gone on, as I have written more, tried more things, and exercised those tool 'muscles' I've become better at creating depth to my writing.
The beautiful thing about quilting and writing is that you can always become more skilled at both!
is my sewing room, which is filled with tools for the job of making quilts!
When quilting, small embellishments and unique twists draw the eye and give pleasure to the viewer. Using the quilt stitches to create texture and the sense of movement, juxtaposing fabrics to make a pattern pop, considering scale to make an impact. All those things breathe life into a quilt.
When writing, using detail, figurative language, unique vocabulary, creative settings, plot twists, and subtext add those touches only you can that draw readers in and gives them an emotional experience that is memorable.
Quilters use their creativity and voice to make works of art that will hopefully be cherished through generations. Writers use their creativity and voice to make works of art to bring pleasure to every reader who picks up their stories.
There’s a saying in quilting. “If you haven’t bled on it, it’s not a handmade quilt.” Pin and needle pricks are a way of life, and a small drop of blood or two on a quilt means someone has personally labored over the stitches.
Much like quilting, in writing, if you haven’t bled on it, it’s not ready to go. You need to personally labor over your work, bleed a little onto the page, shed some tears if you need to. Put yourself onto the page through your vision, skill, viewpoint, and emotion. That effort and transparency will show, and your readers will be grateful!
My friend and her children with the finished quilt. Personal embellishments abound.
baby clothes, like pockets or snaps or words intact, which was fun!
As a giveaway today, I’m digging into the vault for one of my books published a few years ago. Leave a comment and tell me about your hobbies…or a hobby you’d like to try, and you’ll be entered to win! PS, this is the book that was inspired by the Red Cross Signature quilt above!
As Harvey Girl Meghan Thorson waits on doughboys at the El Garces Hotel in Needles, California, she meets Caleb McBride, a local horse breeder whom the townsfolk have branded a coward and profiteer. Will threads of love unite this couple, or will pride keep them forever apart?
I am in love with this analogy. It's so perfect, the hours of labor, the layering, the carefully removed stitches and then the new pieces, seamlessly applied.
First, I love quilts. I love the look and feel of them. There's something intrinsically special about that personal touch and investment.
Thank you for this, Erica, and for the glimpse into the creations of those beautiful tree of life quilts and the Red Cross signature quilt.
OH MY STARS... so absolutely beautiful.
Good morning, Erica! What beautiful work you've done!
I've only made ONE full-size quilt, but can totally relate to the quilting analogy and writing. So many similarities--and I love that when both a quilt and a book are completed they can be shared with others for their enjoyment.
How did you get started quilting? What a great outlet when you need a break from the writing!
That's so neat, Erica! And love that you'd incorporated quilting into one of your books.
At this point in my life, I enjoy crocheting because it is something that is easily taken up or put down at a moments notice. It is also easily taken with me in the car or to a doctor's appointment.
I would love to quilt, but I don't have the time to concentrate on it or the space to work on it....maybe after the kids are all grown. We'll see. With one grandbaby and 3 more on the way this year, I'm not sure when life will slow down. Thomas would really love it if I made a quilt for him....maybe that will be my motivation to start!
Vera! Congrats on your many blessings. Four grandbabies? Bliss!
I enjoy crocheting, too. I mostly make baby blankets for our local crisis pregnancy center. Someday, I'd like to learn to knit, but not right now...too much going on!
Erica, a thoughtful analogy and so true. as in writing, the pieces have to fit perfectly. And at least in my case, you really don't want to look at the back.
Had a good weekend, spoke at a writers' workshop Saturday and was especially eloquent on What Not To Do. Which brings me back to Erica's post. If people knew what went into a novel, fewer would say "I thought I'd write a book someday." And the other ones would learn pretty fast. But it's worth it.
Please enter me in the drawing, I love World War I and have written two books of a three-book series immediately following the war.
Hi, Kathy! Congrats on speaking this weekend to writers.
I'm not sure why, but when people see a finished quilt or a knitted sweater or a painting, they are more cognizant of the work and time that went into creating it, but when they look at a novel, they don't seem to make that connection.
Perhaps it's because most people can read, and therefore they feel as if they must be able to write a novel. Or maybe it's the power of story. People are drawn to story, and they want to create their own.
I'm with you, Vera, crocheting is my go-to. I've always admired quilters, but know that I don't have the patience. My 92-year-old grandmother still hand stitches quilt tops for people. She doesn't like to piece them together, but the attention that she gives to the stitching is unbelievable. It's a great analogy to building a story. Great post, Erica.
Hi, Glynis! Go your grandma! I love that she hand-stitches quilt tops. I hope you have some of her work to treasure. She must have amazing stories to tell.
One of my most prized possessions is a quilt that my mom's mom embroidered the blocks for and my dad's mom hand-quilted. It is beautiful and so precious to me.
Oh, I love this post! My mom used to quilt and I got to help her on a few. I love the creativity involved, as well as the commaraderie of quilting together. The same is true in writing. We need others for encouragement and to help us grow.
Your work is beautiful! And your book looks fabulous!
thoughts before writing. I've had trouble clearing my thoughts in getting my ideas out there.
Hi, Carol, thank you! Reading and baking are sublime! I wish I was a better cook...but not enough to practice like I should... :) Though I do love to watch cooking shows.
Erica, I LOVE your quilts!!!
It's been years since I've made a quilt. I'm kind of impatient which doesn't bode well to finishing one. I've learned I have a better success rate w/wall-size quilts.
Why did I have to give away my kid's baby clothes? The family quilt tells such a cool story!
It was super-fun to work on. My friend found a picture of a quilt she liked, and I thought it was kinda brilliant, the family tree notion. We made several adaptations, but I think it turned out pretty okay!
ERICA! Oh, my goodness. You are one talented lady. I love quilts and have a great appreciation for what it takes to make them. That said, I doubt I will ever try to make one myself. But gracious, you do some beautiful work.
That said, your analogy between writing and quilting is spot on. I loved what you said, "Much like quilting, in writing, if you haven’t bled on it, it’s not ready to go. You need to personally labor over your work, bleed a little onto the page, shed some tears if you need to. Put yourself onto the page through your vision, skill, viewpoint, and emotion. That effort and transparency will show, and your readers will be grateful!"
If we don't bleed or feel our characters' pain, our readers won't either. And isn't that the goal? To have the reader feel whatever it is our character is going through?
Excellent post, my friend. Love it.
Your quilts, just like your writing, are unique and beautiful. ❤️ There are so many parallels we can make with writing and life. I enjoyed seeing this parallel today. It made me think about the story I’m working on and how I can make it one-of-a-kind by adding a few personal touches.
:) I can't wait to see what happens with your latest project!
Hi, Jane, My grandmother was a ceramics/pottery painter at a kiln in East Liverpool, OH for years, and her grandson, my cousin is a painter there now. I so admire that ability. I cannot paint/draw at all!
What a fun post, Erica! Why am I NOT surprised that you quilt? You are truly amazing.
I thought about taking up quilting after hubs and I married, but I never did it. I did learn how to make wreaths, swags, and loopy bows though. :) Then I took up stamping and scrapbooking. When I have time (which isn't often) I still love to scrapbook and make cards.
What you said about bleeding on quilts and in our stories reminded me of the saying about cutting yourself open and bleeding onto the page. We leave glimpses of ourselves in our stories (and quilts), yes?
We DO leave glimpses of ourselves in our stories (and our quilts and scrapbook pages and other creative pursuits) and that's what makes our work unique from all others.
Great comparison, Erica! I'm not experienced on the writing end but I have dabbled in a bit of quilting!
Silly me, I started a tradition of making a small quilt for each of my nieces and nephews and now I'm a little burned out (my sister and BIL give me a new one every year and a half) before I ever got around to making quilts for my own children!
Maybe I should dust off my Singer for those days when I can't swoof!
P.S. I also saved a tote of baby clothes for a quilt! I originally planned on making one for each kid but now I think I'll make one for myself!
Beth, I envy you having a friend who does long-arm quilting!
Dust off that Singer! Make that baby clothes quilt for yourself. I will tell you, I used a lot of fusible interfacing for the tree quilt...double-sided for the leaves and tree and single-sided for the border. With so many fabrics of so many different weights and stretch, I went with an interfacing to even things up.
ERICA, I love this post! You do such beautiful work!
This is such a helpful metaphor in so many ways! Especially when it comes to edits. I'm in the middle of writing my 4th book for Love Inspired Suspense and boy is there still a lot to learn AFTER you finally get published :) If I didn't have a way to visualize the different elements of my story, edits would be much more difficult. So yeah, seeing it all like a quilt is very helpful.
Jenna, congrats on book FOUR! You're rocking it!
I remember the first time someone equated writing a novel with building a jigsaw puzzle. The Genre and publisher's guidelines were the border pieces, and the rest was up to me!
I've been looking forward to reading this post since I saw the title in the Weekend Edition on Saturday!
But then other things crowded into my life (marriage, children, moving, homeschooling), my fabric stash dwindled and (worst of all!) my quilting frame didn't make it through one of the moves.
And then last year SOMEONE!!! (Erica!) introduced me to the uber-cross stitching at Heaven and Earth Designs! (At least, that's what I call it!) Throw in a couple new in-laws who needed Christmas stockings, and the hours I allot to crafting are filled up!
Someday, though... Someday I'll get back to quilting!
Looking forward to reading your book! I love the word play in the title.
What a delightful post! And your quilts are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing your beautiful work. I love your books too!
Once, a LONG time ago, I tried quilting. Mostly pillows. But then my sister-in-law and I decided to give my parents a quilt for their 40th anniversary. We sent muslin squares to their friends invited to the celebration and ask them to create a memory and send it back. We finally received all the pieces just in time to sew them together with borders, but we had no time to get a backing or have it quilted...LOL We presented it as a symbol of life..." a journey of ongoing love." Everyone enjoyed it so much and my mother still has it on her bed!
I quit quilting shortly after that! Haha...but oh, the fabric! I'm still tempted just to buy the material! It can become an addiction!
Thanks again for sharing your two loves!
Erica, what a great post! You said: "There’s a saying in quilting. “If you haven’t bled on it, it’s not a handmade quilt.” Pin and needle pricks are a way of life, and a small drop of blood or two on a quilt means someone has personally labored over the stitches." I absolutely loved this because writing is soooo much like that! The excruciating waiting, the writing, re-writing, editing, etc.
I crochet, scrapbook and make cards but not nearly as much as I'd like to. Quilting is an amazing skill! I wish I could do it.
Can I just say, I am so impressed that you make quilts, Erica!!! I can't imagine how much time that takes. Actually, I can imagine. As a little girl, I started a quilt, but I soon gave it up. Too time consuming, and I'd rather be out climbing trees and building forts with my brother, and playing with my dogs and cats! Also, I'm just not good at sewing. It makes me nervous and frustrated. LOL! But I love quilts. They're so beautiful and comforting and homey.
Thanks for this fun and creative look at writing, Erica.
Melanie, I think the reason I didn't start sewing for such a long time was that I was both afraid of my machine, and afraid I would do something wrong.
My sewing mantra is a riff off a Bible verse: That which you sew, you shall also rip.
Kinda like That which you write, you shall also delete/edit.
That's hilarious, Erica! And I love that: That which you write, you shall also delete/edit.
So, so true! I need to add that to my writerly quotes list I started years ago!
I have a few hobbies. Photography is one. Then last year I decided to learn to watercolor. I really didn't think I could do it,b but was amazed. I find it relaxing. Of course reading is also a hobby.
Carrie, I think we need to plan for you to visit me and we'll have some quilting lessons, and Jan and I can get you addicted to Heaven and Earth Designs cross-stitch. :) And we can talk books, books, books!!!
Your quilts are beautiful, Erica. I am really in awe of that kind of talent because I do not have it. I never learned to crochet or knit or anything. I did sew in the past, but I gave it up a long time ago. I don't really have any other creative hobbies. I'm trying to do more with household organization. Maybe that is as close to a hobby as I will have!
Erica, you're so talented. Your quilts are beautiful. I've quilted, but only small projects. I used to crochet and knit. Not sure I have a hobby now. :) There never seems to be enough time in the day.
I have a number of old quilts I treasure from family members. Also, the ladies in my husband's unit in Germany made a farewell quilt for me when we transferred back to the US. Each square features a trip we took in Europe or a special event that occurred there. It's a treasure, for sure!
As for writing, I try to build a framework, a rough draft, upon which I can hang the story. The blood sometimes comes when I'm working on that frame, but once it's completed, the story progresses quickly.
Debby, what a lovely gift from your time in Germany! I love heirloom and memory quilts! I have one from my husband's family that I treasure, made from their clothing scraps from the 1930s.
And yes, get out your needle and thread! Quilting is good for the writer's soul!
This isn't really a hobby, but I also enjoy making large paper banners for family members whenever there's a birthday, graduation, etc. - - as I trace and cut out letters, designs, etc. my mind can be working on the next scene in my WIP.
Making paper banners is a lovely hobby and gift for your family!
Love this, Erica! Beautiful quilts, and beautiful words - so much talent. Thank you for sharing!
Hi, Laura! Thank you! I love talking books and quilting!
Erica, I love your quilt made from baby clothes! That is such a beautiful treasure! I'd love to learn to quilt but my current hobbies are gardening and photography.
Thank you for your great post and drawing! Please do enter me in your drawing.
As someone who can barely sew a button, I'm so impressed, Erica. Your quilts are so beautiful! When I was younger, my grandmother tried to teach me how to crochet...I just never had the patience.
Great post today! I love the analogy.
I didn't like to sew until I was grown up. I, too, didn't have the patience for handwork for a long time.
I like doing hook rug kits.
Those are so neat. I remember doing them when I was younger, and I loved them!
I think I was a quilter in a different life... on the prairie... and I think I dreamed of writing books but there were no computers.
We are such a mix of old and new and past and present moving toward the future... I love planning out a new book/series, but I don't sit and plan... I begin and move forward, then go back and delete and change. So I can't do that with a quilt, that wouldn't make sense, but I love the plan of quilting... the few quilts I made long ago (before extra jobs and books) I planned and plotted on paper so that every cut was perfect.
Well that, and they pay me.
I've always had a very antagonistic relationship with sewing. All that 'straight seam' madness. I just never quite was up to that. You are my hero, Erica!!!
LOL, I was afraid to sew for a long time. I was afraid of my machine, afraid of messing up, afraid of not doing it well enough.
Now I don't care. I realized there was no "Sewing Police" who would come confiscate my machine.
I sew the way I want.
If there WERE sewing police, I would turn myself in!
My Grandmother Quilted, Sewed, Tatted & did embroidery. I'm the youngest in the family & the only one that followed in her footsteps. She helped me make my first quilt for my baby doll on a toy sewing machine when I was 5. I also use to take my brothers tube socks & cut the tops off to make my Barbie some new dresses (until I got in trouble for that). The only thing that I never completely learned from Grandma, was tatting. Her hands would go so fast & when she tried to slow down so I could learn, she'd get knots in her thread. Sadly she died of ovarian cancer 2 months before my wedding in 1979. I inherited all of her fabric & her prized tatting shuttle. I love the "family quilt" made out of baby clothes - what a great idea - my to do pile just grew again!
Awe, I love the image of your Grandmother teaching you to sew on a little machine...and the image of you cutting up socks for your Barbies!
I am fascinated watching tatting, and I'd love to give it a go, but I don't know anyone who does it anymore to teach me!
I've never quilted before though I do cross stitch off and on. I've never gotten very far, still on the first project, but every couple of years I'll pick it up and add a whole row of stitches. My true passion (besides reading, writing, and chocolate) is coloring. I love to color. I wish I could draw but I. Just. Can't. Trust me, I've tried. But those quilts look fantastic! Please enter my name into the drawing.
Nicki, isn't the rise of adult coloring books fun? I love them!
I haven't cross-stitched in over a year I need to get back at it. One day I will finally be able to show my grandmother that I finished the pattern she gave me... someday.
Oh, Erica, this is beautiful! It all makes so much sense, and the baby quilt!
This is a beautiful analogy. I love to quilt, too, and am pretty sure all my quilts are bled on. I also crochet, sew, paint, and dabble in several other hobbies, which means I am never bored ... or rich! Ha!
LOL, never bored, or rich? LOLOL That's great! My husband would agree, Amy!
Erica, I've been out all day. Just now got a chance to read your wonderful post! I agree about how similar writing and quilting are! (although I've never done much quilting).
You said: "It’s one of my favorite parts of both writing and quilting, the pre-planning stage where everything is fresh and new and explorable."
I just LOVE that wonderful baby clothes quilt! What a special keepsake!
I was especially interested in seeing your quilt as I'm currently making one myself. It features the some of the favourite clothes our boys wore when they were young. I used to do cross-stitch and crewel embroidery but haven't done that for a long time. I'd like to get back to it someday. I also enjoy photography. If reading counted as a hobby that would be my number one choice! Thank you for all you do. Blessings.
Kathy, reading totally counts as a hobby! :) I love that a skill acquired is never lost. I hope you get a chance to get back to your cross-stitch and embroidery sometime, and in the meantime, enjoy the quilting!
Hobbies...other than reading, I can't really name much of a hobby for me. I used to take pictures, but now that my kids and even my grand-girl is getting older, I don't snap up pictures as often as I used to. And when I do, it's mostly of scenery...lol! Oftentimes, when I come back from a vacation I scroll through my camera to see hundreds (ok I'm exaggerating just a bit) of scenery pictures and not enough of my husband & I. Every time I resolve to take more people ones, and usually end up not...lol!
I have never tried quilting. I would love to be more proficient at crochet.
Hi writing in France and enjoying your post... Thanks for sharing ! Cross-stiching would be my own treat out of the writing process. Have a nice day.
Hey, greetings to you! I love to cross-stitch. Have you perused Heaven and Earth Designs? I've gotten fellow Seeker Jan Drexler hooked on them, and I'm working on one of their designs right now!
I guess my hobby of choice is cooking--trying new recipes! I love mixing different flavors and making it look pretty on the plate.
Thank you for the book giveaway opportunity--would love to win!
Holly, I will quilt, cross-stitch, and crochet for you if you will cook for me! I am a woeful cook!
Erica, your quilts are spectacular! I made a couple of quilts several years ago, but mine were meager attempts compared to your masterpieces!I've explored many creative avenues from photography (developing my own film/pics in a darkroom), scrapbooking, sewing, crochet, etc. I'd really like to take a drawing or painting class. Thanks for sharing today!
My main hobby is reading. I do love to cross stitch though. I am also in the process of learning how to crochet. I would love to attempt to sew a quilt. Perhaps one day I will!.
Joy, give quilting a try! I just love it!
Quilts are a lovely art form, aren't they? Folk art, fabric art, modern art...like time capsules!
Thanks so much for sharing the photos -- they're smile-worthy.
Beautiful quilt, Erica. Now I wish my daughter had saved some of her baby clothes. We could've made a similar quilt! I like to sew quilt tops now. I used to make clothes. I used to do a ton of cross stitching too but have kind of slacked off on that these last few years. I dabble in knitting, simple projects altho I have made a few sweaters over the years and would love to tackle socks. Thanks for sharing about writing and quilting.
Anne, you do so many crafts! Good for you! I'm currently wearing a pair of socks that my mom made on a sock-knitting machine! She knits socks on four needles most of the time, but this time she tried a knitting machine. They're comfy and warm!
Susan, as a retired homeschool mom, I can vouch for your creativity. It's a challenging role!
Hey, Erica, I LOVE how you tied this blog in with your new book -- VERY clever and VERY interesting!
I especially like the statement, "Personal Touches Breathe Life Into The Project."
Thanks for this great analogy. I admire your writing and I admire that you are a quilter. Making at least one quilt is one of my goals. I loved seeing the Red Cross Signature Quilt and learning that it inspired A Bride Sews with Love.
Thank you, Connie! That Red Cross Quilt was a project of a lifetime. Knowing that it lives now at the Dodge County museum for people to visit gives me much joy!
Erica, thank you for the beautiful post!!! And beautiful quilts - they are amazing!