March 1, 2009
Twitter Quilts ….. Twilts
The Reason
When I get home from a trip, am between projects or in any kind of transition I often have creative down time. I realize that I don’t give myself a lot of permission to play. This idea really got me excited because it gives me the opportunity and rewards of creative play in small bursts.
The Concept
I have been exploring the social networking phenomenon partly at my daughter Becky’s encouragement and partly because I believe it’s the direction of the future. Still, it makes my head spin, Blogs, Widgets, Tags, Links, Flickr and Twitter. Where does an aging hippie start? Twitter in particular got my attention. Quick bursts of concise chatter called Tweets exchanged between users. Read about it in Wikipedia. It’s a fascinating concept. I don’t feel ready to jump in just yet but I thought what about using the same concept to do little quilts. Twitter Quilts or Tweet Quilts…….Twilts.
The Rules
The size of the piece can’t be larger than 144 square inches, which is 12” x 12”.
The title should be a quick pithy idea like a Tweet, which is limited to 140 characters.
That’s right, just two rules. I have added two additional rules just for myself. I will try not to take more than a day to do each Twilt and the materials should come from my stash.
I will try to post my Twilts as I create them and welcome everyone to join me. I would love to see what other quilters come up with. I am excited to have the opportunity to play; some of my best ideas, like my method for Cathedral Windows, came from a moment of play.
What do you think of this idea? Want to join me? Here’s my first one. I will be posting a new Twilt every tuesday so check back to see what’s new on Twilt Tuesdays.
Thinking of Cherry Blossoms
Snips and Bits from Shelley's Studio 
rebecca said,
March 1, 2009 at 8:57 AM
I LOVE it! Can we make Twilts next time I’m down? I know you’ve got oodles of cool bird stuff I can steal from the stash.
Shelley Swanland said,
March 1, 2009 at 9:03 AM
Absolutely, but what bird stuff could you possibly be refering to…..LOL.
robin said,
March 14, 2009 at 4:02 AM
this is a good idea…just started on twitter…but love the idea for
little “twilts”. i get so bogged down in large project and this is
ideal way to do something quick personal and small for someone
or even me!
Shelley Swanland said,
March 14, 2009 at 5:49 AM
Thank you Robin,
I find Twilts very satisfying, a good way to mix things up and to try out new techniques between my larger projects.
Catherine said,
March 25, 2009 at 10:04 AM
I really love the idea. Great way to try out a new method or fabric color combo without too much commitment.
Shelley Swanland said,
March 25, 2009 at 10:28 AM
Thanks Catherine,
I am really loving this project. You should join in. I would love to see your work and share it here on the Blog. I hope you are enjoying the books!
Denise Felton said,
March 29, 2009 at 6:50 AM
Genius! I’ve scheduled a link to your post to go live on my blog later this morning. I hope it brings you a few extra clicks.
Denise
http://needlework.craftgossip.com
Twilt your tweets « Needlework News said,
March 29, 2009 at 7:03 AM
[…] Hey, if you’re a Twitter user, why not twilt your tweets! Find out more. […]
PixelChyk said,
March 29, 2009 at 12:25 PM
Great idea!! – Love your twilt!
Hope you decide to jump in and become a regular Tweep too! There are lots of creative ‘aging hippies’ tweeting these days – I’m sure you’ll end up feeling right at home. 🙂 (actually – it was one of the Tweeps that I follow that led me here!)
Enjoy!
PixelChyk
http://www.flickr.com/indiemoon/
Shelley Swanland said,
March 31, 2009 at 2:16 PM
OK I’m in! Anyone who would like to, can follow me on Twitter now.
SarahB said,
April 11, 2009 at 7:55 AM
What a great idea these Twilts are!
jules said,
April 15, 2009 at 12:30 PM
Great idea, I’m making little gems A4 quilts for a tombola at FOQ in Birmingham, England, think I will rename mine twilts I Love it!
Shelley Swanland said,
April 15, 2009 at 12:48 PM
I had to look up A4 to figure out what size that was. Apparently US and Canada are the only countries that don’t use that standard for paper. I learned something new. Your Little Gems certainly fit my rule of less than 12″ X 12″. You are welcome to use the term. I have added a link to your site. Very inspirational!
jules said,
April 15, 2009 at 12:57 PM
Thank you.
I thought A4 was a universal size, will bear that in mind in future:)
Shelley Swanland said,
April 15, 2009 at 12:59 PM
No problem, it’s a good thing to know in this big world we live in! :+)
Caroline said,
April 30, 2009 at 6:20 AM
Fantastic concept! All my current projects are a little too large to join in, but I’d love to see what you’ve done though.
nice to see that Twitter is working, in networking quilters. Am now following you, and I’ve added your blog to my favourites 🙂
Happy Quilting.
Caroline x
Shelley Swanland said,
April 30, 2009 at 6:28 AM
Thanks so much Caroline! So far there are ten Twilts and they have proven to be a great way to spark new creative ideas. As far as Twitter and Social Networking in general, there is real interest among quilters. I was vending at the Seven Sisters show this last weekend and was fielding more questions on Twitter and Facebook than Cathedral Windows, which is my speciality. I decided if I didn’t join in, I would be passed by. Looks like it was a good decision!