I have been playing around with the idea of journal quilts for some time now. Then all of a sudden it came to me: here we are in 2007 with pens and inks and dyes that write and draw onto fabric just as if it was paper. Why not treat the fabric just the same as if writing on paper!
So.....
365 small quilt blocks. Each with a journal entry. Stitched together to place one year of life onto fabric.
Above are my first three journal entries. And a close up:
So I have decided to begin The 365 Challenge! Watch closely, and if you want to be part of The 365 Challenge I will have a tutorial that you can click on for a pattern. You can start any day you choose.
Go on, record one year of your life. You can add bits of history, the weather details, what you ate for breakfast, where you went stitching, what books you are reading, your favorite magazines,etc, etc.....I will give you hints and tips for the next 365 days to help you!You can make it very personal or very factual - you can do anything because it is your journal!
My personal goal is to see enough of you wonderful ladies that read my blog make a quilt so we can have a '365 Challenge International Quilt Exhibition'. How wonderful to display to the world what we do as women and how we see the world! Your view counts! I have in my mind a vision of LOTS of people walking around OUR exhibition reading the intricate details of our lives......
Are you up for the challenge?
Leanne Beasley xxx
Sounds great I also have a problem with terrible hand writing. As a teenager I kept a diary for years and years they are so funny to look back on.
Posted by: Leanne | April 14, 2007 at 10:01 AM
Sounds good, could be a very interesting journey!!! Will await further details. Thanks for all your inspiration...
Posted by: Penelope | April 14, 2007 at 08:57 AM
What a neat idea! Can't wait to hear more details.
Posted by: Jane | April 14, 2007 at 08:55 AM
Sorry...noT.....instead of noR......
Posted by: Francisca | April 14, 2007 at 08:09 AM
Waaauw, what an idea! Since you told us about journals I keep one (nor every day, but as much as possible!) and it would be a challenge to make a journal into a quilt!
But.....I have the same question as Darlene has......what pen????
Keep inspiring and I wish everyone a nice and relaxing weekend!
Posted by: Francisca | April 14, 2007 at 08:08 AM
Hi Leanne - I have just signed on to typekey so I can tell you how much I love your website. Your new book flew over to England for me on Monday and I love it - I just wish I had your handwriting! The 365 challenge sounds great and I might combine it with an idea I have of turning my allotment into a quilt (so I can make a quilt journal about it!!!)
What pen is best??
Posted by: LucyLocket | April 14, 2007 at 04:36 AM
Yes, yes, yes! I'm up for this challenge, please!
What pen do you recommend? Today would be a good day to start because tonight is a sew night with my sewing buddies.
I'll be anxiously awaiting your tutorials.
Posted by: Darlene | April 14, 2007 at 03:04 AM
I think this is a great idea and I'd love to join in!
Posted by: kirsty | April 13, 2007 at 10:14 PM
I think that is a wonderful idea Leanne. You can count me in - I will just have to decide what date to start it from. For instance if I was to do an entry for Tuesday last it would have to read something along the lines of: "Had termite inspection today and was given the joyous news that it would be quicker to say where they weren't than where they were. Most of the rafters and a high percentage of the studwork all whiteanted. Boy am I glad we only rent here" Interesting day that one.
Or today it would be: "Joined Anne from the Post Office at Bungendore in the Great Shave Off and now am sporting a number one. Beanies suddenly very popular due to cold head."
What fun it will be!!
Jocelyn
Bungendore NSW
PS Had wonderful mail today - a receipt from Quiltganza. Yes it's official I'll be there for your class on 3 June. Now I just have to see about taking my sewing machine on the place ;-)
Posted by: Jocelyn House | April 13, 2007 at 09:43 PM
Yes me too!! I love keeping a journal and I love fabric so what a wonderful way to use the two. I can't wait to see what you have in mind to challenge us and to get started on mine. Thanks Leanne - this will be wonderful!
Posted by: Janelle Wind | April 13, 2007 at 09:42 PM
I too think it's a wonderful idea and would love to record on a quilt my events, thoughts, inspirations etc, etc.
Please sign me up Leanne, as I can't wait!!!!
Posted by: Sharyn | April 13, 2007 at 09:22 PM
What a fantastic idea, I was waiting for a new project to jump at me and this may be it. Can't wait. I think I will start mine on my Birthday in June!
Love your Blog.
Posted by: Marina | April 13, 2007 at 08:45 PM