Using our creativity for good is one of the best ways we can make a difference. Through design, art and craft - and with our hands and hearts - we can effect change. However small it may seem at first, each incremental effort is still significant.
~Janine Vangool, Publisher, Editor, Designer
A MESSAGE FROM JANINE'S "UPPERCASE MAGAZINE" WEBSITE:
First of all, let me confess that I’m not a quilter. I have made one quilt from start to finish and that felt like a full-on disaster, which, in retrospect, I blame on my inexperience at not recognizing that the tension of my sewing machine was malfunctioning. This quilt now resides on my son’s bed, and he doesn’t mind the puckers and imprecision so I guess it wasn’t a real failure after all—the only disappointment being the gulf between my expectations and reality.
My love for quilts is genuine and generational. My grandmother was a professional seamstress who made drapery; she was also a quilter who made beautiful quilts and blankets from old clothes and scraps. I treasure her quilts and use them often, with just one delicate one with a white background stowed away for safekeeping. My mother is a prolific quilter as well, and I am grateful for her help in making sample quilts for my fabric look books. I get my work ethic and attention to detail from her.
I have full intentions of being a quilter, someday, when I have more free time. In the meantime, I’m fortunate to be quilty by association! Through the collections I’ve created for Windham Fabrics, I’ve had the opportunity to design many quilts and see them come to life through other people’s skills at assembly and pattern making. I’ve met many inspiring quilters in person at Quilt Markets and virtually via Instagram, many of whom are featured in this book.
Janine's words about using our creativity to make a difference resonated true and authentic with me. Whether we are creating something for ourselves, a gift or a donation - whatever we pour our heart and creativity into - it gives us the opportunity to lift the spirits of the recipient. Join me in making your next project a gift that will brighten someone's day.
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