Anne is a wonderful member of two bees I am currently a part of, Snip.Sew.Send and the Stitchin' Bee. June was her month for S.S.S., and she requested that we make her a map block. It could be any kind of map using any technique.
Mine is finally done and on its way to Anne, who hopefully will forgive me for being so very very late. I did enjoy making this block, though, and since it might seem a little abstract, I'll give you my thought process for coming up with the design.
When Anne sent out her introduction for the Stitchin' Bee, she mentioned that she is married to her best friend. I find that incredibly romantic . . . and I have read many many scientific articled about pair bonding between two humans, what causes it, and how it is sustained. For instance, did you know that when you see someone you are in love with your brain sends out bursts of chmicals called oxytocin and serotonin? These chemicals give you a sense of euphoria, and you are literally addicted to the other person . . . the process also occurs when drug users get a fix :)
For some couples this chemical reaction occurs for only a few years, for others it can last through their entire lives. Thinking about this made me remember a book I bought some time ago about human brain development and function: Mapping the Mind, by Rita Carter. I love this book, its like a cool text book/coffee table book hybrid. Very easy to read and lots of nice pictures, but very informative and interesting.
The cover of the book has a "map" of brain function. So this is the image I chose to recreate, using embroidery floss in the colors from the "map of the states" fabric Anne sent to us for inspiration. I didn't sketch it out first, or anything, I just kind of started working on it. I did fold the fabric sometimes to get a straight line to follow, but otherwise it was all freestyle. I really like it. I think of it as an homage to Anne and her husband, as well as a nod to my love of both science and sewing. A union of left brain and right brain, if you will.
So there you have it. Possibly the coolest and nerdiest quilt block I have ever made.
Forgive me, Anne! The block is on its way.
So, so awesome! I love the concept and your ideas behind it. =]
Posted by: adrienne | August 02, 2010 at 06:32 PM
What a beautiful block and great inspiration!
Posted by: Kris | August 03, 2010 at 08:02 AM
Our internet has been down for a couple of days so I didn't get to see your block and thank you for it!
I am SO touched by the thought that you put into this. I love the whole left brain/right brain thing because that does represent my husband and me. After almost 24 years, all the chemical reactions are still there and I know I am lucky in that.
This will be a treasured part of the map quilt!
Posted by: Anne | August 03, 2010 at 07:49 PM
Wow! I'm here from Anne's. I loved reading about your process and LOVE the block! Fantastic Job!!!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | August 06, 2010 at 09:43 AM
This is great Lisa! I love how much thought you put into the block, it makes it that much more special!
Posted by: Kelly B. | August 13, 2010 at 10:27 AM
I can't understand what the block indicates:( I felt so sorry for myself.
Posted by: ivory suits | May 07, 2011 at 06:48 AM
Mapping on mind is a great creative thought to develop our brain functions.You have shared excellent thoughts which really help to get inspired .Thanks for your innovative ideas.
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