Earlier this week, the nation celebrated Independence Day. Parades, picnics and family get-togethers marked another year after the 1776 adoption of United State's Declaration of Independence. After sunset, dark skies are brightened by incredible firework displays. In my small town, exploding rockets scented the night air with gunpowder, shook windows, and sent the dog scurrying for shelter beneath my desk. A good portion of my Fourth of July evenings traditionally includes tripping over a wild-eyed canine companion or two.
In past years, I've gone down to the schoolyard to "ooohhh" and "aahhh" with the rest of the crowd, or glimpsed bits of colorful blasts from the back porch. This year, I simply sat, with the dog firmly entrenched around my toes, and thought about independence. What's it really mean?
The dictionary has many definitions for independent, all hovering around a basic core idea. The one I like best describes independent as "capable of thinking or acting for oneself." I'm also pretty partial to "(of income or resources) making it unnecessary to earn one's living, as in a woman of independent means", but haven't figured out how to make that happen yet.
What I can do is apply a certain amount of independence to my everyday life, and that includes quilting. Instead of strictly following a pattern, I can interpret it creatively. If I get the urge to explore or alter an existing technique––or dream up a new one––I'm giving myself permission to forge fearlessly ahead, regardless of failure or success. I am not bound by quilting conventions. I won't worry about what others might think.
Want to wrap yourself in a large dose of independent thinking? Pick up the current issue of Mark Lipinski's Quilter's Home magazine for quilts and commentary that stand apart from the traditional take on quilting. Learn more about editor Mark Lipinski and take a sneak peek at the July/August issue online at www.quiltershomemag.com.
Quilter's Home isn't available by subscription, so grab a copy at your fav fabric shop while you can, or order online at the VillageQuiltShoppe.com.
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Want to wrap yourself in a large dose of independent thinking? Pick up the current issue of Mark Lipinski's Quilter's Home magazine for quilts and commentary that stand apart from the traditional take on quilting. Learn more about editor Mark Lipinski and take a sneak peek at the July/August issue online at
