I’ve been offline for a while because I’m taking graduate courses toward a master’s in curriculum and instruction, with a focus on integrating the arts. Recently, we had to watch a TED Talk and write a blog post about it. I chose Elizabeth Gilbert’s Your Elusive Creative Genius.

I won’t bore you with a full summary, but in my blog post, I shared some strategies that help me break out of a creative rut. I really needed that reminder since almost all my creative energy lately has gone into schoolwork. So, if you’re like me, here are a few tips to help you get your creativity flowing again!

Creativity Lessons from a Quilter:

1. Set a 10-Minute Timer

When I’m in a rut, I set a timer for ten minutes and let my family know: “No interruptions unless the house is on fire or someone’s dying.” Most of the time, once I get started, I slip into a creative flow and end up working longer.

2. Prep the Next Step 

Before I stop working on a project, I set up the next step. I even leave myself post-it notes. This makes it easy to dive right back in, even if it’s just for a few minutes before school in the morning.

3. Keep a Journal

I keep a journal of ongoing projects and ideas for future ones. When an appointment gets canceled or we get a snow day, I don’t waste time figuring out what to do; I jump right into something I’ve already planned.

4. Keep Your Project Bag Packed

When I pack for vacation, I also pack a small quilting project. Evenings or rainy days often give me quiet time to sew. I keep a bag ready with essentials like a seam ripper, rotary cutter, and scissors.

5. Get Inspired by Others

I make a point to attend a couple of quilt shows each year. Seeing other people’s work recharges my creativity and reminds me that there's always more to learn and explore.

6. Teach Something to Someone

There’s nothing more inspiring than teaching someone to make something.  Over the years, I have taught several quilting classes.  In my first class, I had sixteen students (that’s a lot for a quilting class). I couldn’t believe I had that many people sign up to take a class and BELIEVE in my abilities.  Being able to teach someone something is energizing and confidence-building and helps YOU propel forward as a creator! 

Happy quilting! 

- Melissa

Sparrow Quilt

Take a look at these birdies! Just in time for spring! This one was a challenge! It's from the pattern by Pen and Paper Patterns.

Quilt Class: Illuminate!

 

Join Melissa Allen from Graham Hill Studios at Haphazard Quilting in Canaan, New Hampshire for a quilting class!

The class is being held on Saturday, November 13th, 2021  In this class, you’ll be making (we won’t finish, but we’ll be off to a great start) a quilt called, “Illuminate” by Melissa Allen

To register: Call Haphazard Quilting 603.523.2029 or stop by the shop

Use this pattern with scraps, charm packs, jelly rolls, or layer cakes!

	Assorted Prints	Background	Binding	Backing
Wall Hanging 1x1 Approx. 24”x 24”	53- 2.5”x5” strips	2 strips - 5” x WOF(2.5 strips))	¼ yd	2 yd
Baby 2x2  Approx. 48”x 48”	200 - 2.5” x 5” strips	8 strips -  5” x WOF	½ yd	3 yd
Lap 2x3 Approx. 48” x 72”	300 - 2.5”x5” strips	12 strips -  5” x WOF	¾ yd	3 yd
Twin 3x3 Approx. 72” x 72”	462 - 2.5”x5” strips	21 strips 5” x WOF	¾ yd	6 ¼ yd
Full/Queen 4x4 Approx. 96” x 96”	800 - 2.5”x5” strips	32 strips 5” x WOF	1 yd	8 yd
King  5x5 Approx. 120” x 120”	1, 250 - 2.5”x5” strips	50 strips 5” x WOF	1 yd	10 yd

Wonderful BQ 5 Class

Last Saturday, I taught a class at Haphazard Quilting.  My students were awesome. Here are the pictures of our happy quilters! 

 

Favorite Podcast and Other Stuff

While I have been working on my "Star of Scraps" quilt pattern, I've really been enjoying listening to Sherri And Chelsi of a Quilting Life.  No, not my sister Chelsi, Chelsi Stratton of Chelsi Stratton Designs. The podcast features mother and daughter talking about all things quilting as well as organizing, and even food!  If you are looking for an inspirational podcast, I highly recommend a listen! 

I've also been working on organizing my studio.  Wow.  It's amazing to me what cleaning a space can do for "clearing your head"!  A couple of years back I bought a HELMER cart from Ikea.  Although I'd been using the cart, I hadn't really "organized" it.  Here's one of the drawers now.  I spray painted the jar caps white and added magnets to the bottoms (Canaan Hardware has great magnets) so they won't slide around! 

And, in other notes, I've been helping with the barn quilts for Mascoma Valley Preservation.  It's almost time for round two of barn quilts to be delivered to their homes. Here's a picture of the one that made its home at my house!

Designing a Pattern

Right now, at this very moment, I am designing a pattern that uses 2.5" by 5" fabric strips. What I have discovered and often taken for granted is, it is hard to write a pattern. The skillset required to write instructions using Adobe or some other program has a steep learning curve. I thought I'd try InDesign and quickly realized it was wayyyyyy out of my league! So, GoogleDocs it is! The working title of the pattern is called "Star of Scraps".  If anyone has any suggestions as to what program I can use to design quilt patterns (instructions), I would greatly appreciate it. Or, if you know how to use one of these programs and want to teach me, I’d be ever so grateful!  Happy quilting! 

BQ 5 Quilt Class!

 Join Melissa Allen from Graham Hill Studios at Haphazard Quilting in Canaan, New Hampshire for a quilting class!

The class is being held on Saturday, June 19th, 2021.  In this class, you’ll be making a quilt called, BQ (“Big Quilt”) 5 by Debbie Bowles.  

The class schedule is as follows:

9:30 Arrival, set-up

9:30-12:00 Introductions and review of general pattern instructions, cutting and trimming tricks

12:00-1:00 Lunch break - Bring your own bagged lunch!

1:00- 3:00 Sewing 

3:00 - 3:30 Take - down

Cost of the class is $55.00 and includes the pattern by Debbie Bowles with a cheat sheet by Melissa Allen. 

Spots are limited due to covid restrictions. To sign up, contact Haphazard Quilting. 523-2029.