I have a number of quilt friends on Facebook who enter their quilts in various local, national and even international contests.  It means something to them to be able to say they are an award-winning quilter.  It is a goal for some quilters, giving them purpose in their lives. 

I understand their competitive nature – usually it is just competing with themselves to see if they can do better and better (and not competiting against others).  Really, I do.  I applaud their efforts and enjoy the beauty and work that is put into their creations.  It’s just not me.

I could care less if my quilt is ribbon-worthy.  I have no desire to put my quilt in a juried show.  Nope, my goal is to create a quilt that one wants to snuggle up with on a cold night, a child wants to wrap around them when they are feeling under the weather, a teenager wants something that a special person made for them to pack off to college with.  I want to make quilted love.

I have a brother who I made a quilt for 25+ years ago.  When I went to see him a couple of years ago, he showed me the tattered, ripped and falling apart quilt.  I had to smile.  I knew that the quilt had been used an loved.  My purpose in life cemented once again in front of my eyes.  He asked for a new quilt, and I made it for him.  I know that the new quilt resides on his bed, being used every single day by his dogs and every night by he and his wife. 

THAT is why I quilt.  THAT is why I spend my discretionary time and money on my passion.  THAT is what makes my quilted heart beat. 

THAT is quilted love!!!