Quilt Journaling helps heal me
Have you ever considered that quilting could be more than just a craft; transcending needle and thread and becoming a powerful tool for healing? Journaling can be a profound journey into self-discovery and creative expression. Combined with quilting itself, the two, I believe, can lead to a kind of healing.
At its core, quilt journaling is about stitching memories into the fabric of my creations. Each quilt becomes a living record of my experiences; a tapestry woven into every seam. As I thread the needle through the material, I’m not just connecting pieces of fabric…I’m weaving a narrative of my life.
Photo courtesy of Pierre Bamin for Unsplash
The process of storytelling allows me to confront, process and celebrate emotions embedded in my memories. Quilt journaling is a form of creative therapy that goes beyond the physical act of quilting. It provides a safe space for emotional release and self-expression. The rhythmic nature of quilting, combined with the focus on texture and color, creates a rather meditative experience, don’t you think? As I immerse myself in the creative process, I find a sense of calm and healing. It becomes a journey of self-discovery that allows me to explore and understand my emotions in a tangible and visual way.
The journaling aspect of quilt-making is where the magic happens. To enhance the therapeutic benefits, I incorporate writing techniques that infuse feeling into my journals. I write about the emotions that each fabric and color evoke, the memories associated with the patterns and the person to whom I’m gifting the quilt, and the inspiration behind all the choices I’ve made about the quilt. This gives more depth to my journals and allows me to connect more closely with my own emotions.
Quilt journaling offers a unique intersection of creativity and emotion. The act of creating something with my hands, combined with the emotional release I get when journaling, fosters a holistic approach to my well-being. The more I embrace the connection between creativity and emotion, the more profound the effects become. It’s a symbiotic relationship where each stitch has the potential to heal and each journal entry is a testament to my journey.
Quilt journaling is not just a craft; it’s a therapeutic process that invites me to explore the depth of my emotions while creating something beautiful. If you’re ready to begin your own journey of quilt journaling, please consider picking up my new book, The Story of Your Quilt. It is loaded with inspirational prompts and motivational quotes to help you articulate your quilts’ stories. As you complete your quilt, this journal will become a treasure you can gift to the recipient of your quilt whether that is a loved one, or yourself. For art and traditional quilters alike! Pick up your copy here.