Splendid Sampler Prism Block
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My Splendid Sampler Block

Today, I’d like to present my block contribution to the Splendid Sampler quilt along! My block 77 is called ‘Prism’. The pattern is available here on the Splendid Sampler website. I used various Moda fabrics to create my block, and ultimately decided on a design that was very geometric and easy to piece.

prism

Part of the assignment of coming up with a block design was to name the block and share a personal story about what the block is all about. I named my block Prism, and it’s in honor of all of the friends that I have met through sewing. I’m an introvert and have trouble connecting with people in real life, but sewing has given me a reason to meet many friends both on-line and in real life, from all over the world. I find that I have no difficulty talking about sewing with people and it’s really helped me blossom and become a better and more empathetic person.

When I was in high school, I thought that I was just ‘shy’ and that a lot of people didn’t talk to me because there was something wrong with me – I was unlikeable or defective in some way. I constantly heard the term, “This is the best time of your life,” and I thought it was such a joke, because I didn’t feel like things were all that great. It took me all the way until I was an adult with children of my own to realize that I’m an introvert, and that’s quite different from just being labelled ‘shy’. My husband has a great little story to describe introverts and extroverts. An extrovert starts off the day as an empty glass. The more they talk to people, the more full their glass gets, because they thrive on socializing. An introvert starts off the day as a full glass, and the more they talk with people, the less water is in their glass until by the end of the day, it’s empty and they are worn out from socializing. It made a lot of sense to me.

Me and Pat Sloan, co-author of the Splendid Sampler

Me and Pat Sloan, co-author of the Splendid Sampler

So if we meet in person and we’re not talking about sewing, I will probably have little to say, if anything at all. Maybe you’ll think I’m being rude, but I don’t mean any harm. However, if we meet in person and we *are* talking about sewing, I will likely have a lot to share. If we’re talking in a big group, I’ll only pipe up when I have something important to contribute to the conversation; otherwise, I’ll be taking in what everyone is saying and storing it in the back of my mind to draw from later on.

I’m very thankful because I have found that in the sewing community, no one has ever made me feel bad for being an introvert and not being overtly social. My biggest pet peeve is when someone, especially a stranger, says, “Why are you so quiet,” or, “Why don’t you say something?”. In the sewing community, I don’t feel like a defect, but rather someone who has ideas that hold merit and who people look forwarding to seeing and talking with. And that’s a great thing.

Sew Sweetness Creative Maker Supply Case, Splendid Sampler Style

Creative Maker Supply Case that I made with Block 42 ‘Pencils’

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17 thoughts on “My Splendid Sampler Block

  1. PatSloan says:

    Thank you so much Sara for being my friend, and for being part of our special Splendid Sampler Journey this year… smooches!!

  2. Beth says:

    I love your block, but more importantly, I love your story. Your husband’s description of an extrovert and introvert is brilliant. Sewing, quilting, and fabric has helped to bring me out of a very dark place I found myself after the loss of a child, to a world of wildly diverse and creative individuals who are making a positive difference in this troubled and complex world, one stitch at a time!

  3. Melody A. says:

    what an apt description of extroverts and introverts your husband came up with, as I am also an introvert. In high school people thought I was stuck up because I didn’t talk unless I had something worth saying. It did test my own convictions about myself. I met a man who totally got this and accepted who I was for the 39 years we were together. So Kiss your husband lots!!! Love your work and the block is really neat, look forward to making it!

  4. Diane Byatt says:

    I also loved your husbands description. It fits so many people. My daughter \(a teacher) constantly tells teens Graduation from high school is the great equalizer in real life.so don’t hold on to what happens in school!

  5. Donna Baker says:

    That’s a nice block and I’m so glad you were able to share more of yourself, I’m sure it was not easy. I realized at age 42 that I was an introvert but a somewhat sociable one for many years. If I can connect with someone, it’s usually on a one on one basis as I don’t care for being in crowds. It was my husband who made me realize I am ambivert, as he is as well. I am selective with who I talk to and open up with and after a day at work having to talk to people, I just want the quiet in my life to recharge. I love your husband’s glass analogy it is spot on.

  6. Linda schiffrr says:

    I am happy that you have found a community in sewing that lets your value really shine out! So many folks who are introverts never manage that. I like the glass filling and emptying metaphor – it is completely apt. My husband is an introvert and I am the opposite. It took us a few years to come to appreciate and respect our differences. Both are valuable ways to be – don’t let anyone make you feel less worthwhile because you are ‘quiet!’ We need doers _and_ thinkers.

    Linda

  7. Julie says:

    Maybe that’s why people like us come to find sewing…and you have obviously found your gift. I’ve enjoyed following you.

  8. Krista says:

    I bet that your story will resonate with a lot of people, Sara! It definitely does with me! The internet has been such a blessing for me to help connect me with my “people” in sewing. I’m still looking for those people locally, but I have a better understanding now of why it takes us a while to find each other. It’s also helped me to not feel so anxious around people who have different approaches to life than I do–in face-to-face situations, I would probably not be able to see that

    I loved how you were describing conversations–I wish we could give each other non-verbal clues to that–if I ever get the privilege to meet you in person, I’ll know what we can talk about!!

    I enjoyed your quilt block and the story behind it–thank you so much for sharing it with us!

  9. Nikki says:

    Love your husband’s analogy. I am getting more introverted each day (particularly since I retired.) I am finding myself searching for “that is okay” from family. In my sewing room, surrounded by pretty fabric, my dogs and cats….I find my bliss. I hold on to that feeling when I have to be around people. Thank you for sharing your story and your block.

  10. Sharon says:

    A wonderful story and a great block! I can understand the introvert part so well. I teach during the day and love it, but after 30 years I still need to go home and fill my glass at home to recharge for the next day! It has been a pleasure to watch your work…and get to test your great pattern! Thanks for sharing all!

  11. kaholly says:

    Excellent post. I share your story, but I was 50 before I figured it all out! Great block.

  12. Lesley Gilbert says:

    Thank you for my pdf bag pattern. I’m looking forward to catching up on your past posts to see what you’ve been up to 🙂

  13. Nana-Jan says:

    Sara thank you for your lovely block. Thank your husband for his anonology of introvert/extravert
    That means I am somewhere close to introvert but not total… as I like to have & need some company in the day, but to much gets me anxious & jumpy… sometimes plain irritable, but with none I am sad and feel remorseful . I don’t understand why.
    I have dealt with a rough year this year in this very subject… and am having to figure it out in my own.
    Bless you inall you do!

  14. Helen LeBrett says:

    wonderful description of introverts (me) and extroverts(my hubby)! That’s why I send him off to events and I usually stay home and sew. He comes home happy and I stay home and sew and am happy! 🙂 I LOVE your pencil/marker case: such fun pencils on the front!! Hugs, H in Healdsburg

  15. wendy says:

    I totally understand where you’re coming from. Not only am I an introvert, I also have social anxiety and mental health issues which have robbed me of my self esteem. If we met in real life, I’d be the one hiding in the bathroom…

  16. Judy Forkner says:

    I can certainly relate to your life as an introvert. I was always thought of as shy & quiet. I remember at a family gathering for my dad’s side of the family, some of the relatives asked if I was ever going to say something–I thought of the perfect reply–I can’t get a word in edgewise in this group!
    It’s always easiest to talk about something you actually know something about!

  17. Linda says:

    Your husband is spot on! I’ve always thought of myself as a back burner sort of person, but give me a sewing project and watch me shine. I am lucky to have an extroverted BFF that gets me out into the world. She even took me to a quilt guild meeting that we both attend. I love the bag great for quilt retreat at the end of the month! Thanks for sharing your story.

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