Color and contrast, cutting through an anxious haze

The first section of this quilt spoke of love and flowers. The pinks and reds are so warm, so ripe.

This second section feels like sunshine. I’ve sliced into shade after golden shade as The Netherlands enjoyed the sunniest start to March ever recorded.

When I visited the Van Gogh Museum in February, a stack of Ruby and Bee Solids was already waiting for me at home, ready and willing for inspiration to strike. I didn’t know at that time that the weeks following our getaway would be heavier than most. As the worries pile on and the weeks trickle by, I’ve realized that what I am feeling is anxiety. My thoughts revolve through the war in Europe, our doubled energy bill, my husband’s tentative job search (in place of pursuing a masters) and preparations for an emotional court case this summer.

It’s a lot at the moment. Logically I can rationalize that things will be ok, that our family’s future can unfold in a number of acceptable ways, but emotionally I’m often feeling a sort of anxious haze.

And do you know what breaks through the haze and sets my spirit light? This very quilt. The colors. The clarity. The contrast. It’s freeing me.

My Diamond Wedge quilt is conceived in three sections. I begin each one by sewing the edge blocks, creating a visual color frame. Then it’s easy to follow the frame as I set out the blocks in the color blend.

Now my design wall holds two rainbows: Diamond Wedge and Pas de Deux. They’re so different though, aren’t they? One is sharp, angular, simply powerful. The other is complex, layered, meandering. I like them both, each in their own way.

How nice to find myself with two rainbows shimmering on my wall, just when I need them.