Unique. It is what makes us each an individual. I have learned some interesting things about myself over the past couple of weeks that separate me from mainstream. Like I didn’t know I wasn’t part of the mainstream, ha.

I knew that I was an introvert. I don’t see this as a problem but it often leads others, namely extroverts, to think that it is a problem that needs to be fixed. But in being introverted, I have also learned that I don’t really need to be part of a group. It is more than me not being a “joiner” as I have labeled it. I don’t really enjoy group things. I don’t feel the need to have a group that gives me approval, accolades or give me feedback. I thought most people were like that. I am finding out that is not true. That’s why I don’t enjoy things like quilt guild. Or women’s groups. Or sign up for quilt camp. It hinders me from pursuing the things that I do out of a need to pursue it for myself. Not for the approval of others.

I like to engage in things that others don’t/won’t/can’t do. The odd ball , weird or old-fashioned and then add my own twist on it. I guess that means making it my own in the contemporary sense.

. I like to play violin and string bass. I like fairy tales and dragon stories. I quilt. I like to crochet, knit and tat. But weird stuff like amigurumis, making owl things, gnomes or beard hats. I don’t like making the stuff my grandmas used to make. So that leads me to think about trying some new things like writing patterns. Or Submitting a quilt to a juried show. Trying my hand at testing patterns especially in types of piecing that I may not be confident in. Things that will challenge me on many levels but are not “group” things that require “joining”.

Which brings to mind another discussion that is being had out in blog land. Can we really define who we are as a quilter? Am I a traditional quilter? Yes sometimes. Am I a modern quilter, depends on the definition. I don’t think I would say that I am one or another. Angela at this blog, has had a couple of discussions on this topic based on her experience at QuiltCon. .It is an interesting read.

I have decided that I am starting a new quilt movement and you can join me. I am not either. I am not an art quilter. I am a quilter. A transitional Fusion quilter. It is a style that fluctuates and incorporates all things that influence my art from life, experiences and well, simply, my whim. Please feel free to join me on this one, this movement is open to all styles and is beyond definition. It is about each unique person and the uniques piece they create.

I am a shy, geeky, introverted, over thinking nerd. I am unique. Or maybe just weird. Or is it this long winter?

Vicki