Drawing by M. C. Escher

I wish I had a penny for every quilter who said, "I can't draw!" The fact of the matter is, we all can draw something. Drawing is like everything else - it takes some time and practice. As a matter of fact, I had students this past week stating the same thing, but they left having created their own original quilts. Imagine their excitement! Your drawing doesn't have to be as fancy or clever as M. C. Escher's, but putting pencil to paper is the first step in getting an idea on paper.

During my retreats when students are trying to tell me what they see in their minds, I usually say, draw what you are seeing. I get a much clearer vision of what they want to attempt when they draw it - no matter how rough it might be. It also helps them solidify their idea and allows them to start thinking about the technique they will need to complete the vision in fabric.

To participate we urge you to create a new drawing for the show and tell. After all, the point is for us to all draw something to promote the day, not to revisit things from the past. Here's some ideas: Do a Rhapsody skeleton; take a nine patch and subdivide it differently than you've seen; overlap geometrical designs and color in the blanks. Get your family involved too!

So, we are urging all TQS members to stop for a moment and draw something. It can be  realistic, abstract, a quilt block, or anything else that sparks your interest. It can be as simple or as complex as you wish - it's not a competition. We just want you to draw! To post your drawing - scan it, or photograph it, and upload it to the Show and Tell link on TQS. The official International Drawing Day is June 6, but you can post your drawing anytime between now and the end of the day on June 6th.

The worldwide "Drawing Day" goal is 1 million pictures.  Our goal at TQS is several hundred pictures.  Can we reach 500?