You don’t often hear quilting described as “adventurous.”
Adventure refers to activities that might be unusual, or exciting, or risky. But really, adventure is relative and subjective. Someone who jumps out of airplanes every weekend might be very nervous about going on a retreat when they don’t know anyone else there. An adventure can just be something outside of your usual routine.
A quilting adventure can be many things. It could involve travel: exploring quilting in other cultures, visiting quilt shops in other regions, exploring a quilt museum, or going to a big quilt show. Skill-building can be an adventure. Have you ever joined a mystery quilt-along, or taken a class to learn something new? The quilting community can be an adventure all on its own! There are swaps and bees and guilds and retreats you can join where you can meet new people and learn an awful lot.
If you ever feel like you’re stuck in a rut (quilting or otherwise), consider finding a new adventure to explore. You don’t need to go on an epic journey or perform daring deeds or answer riddles from a creature next to an underwater lake.
adventure is out there
Rona the Ribbiter hosts a terrific website for the adventurous quilter who wants to travel. Check out her Ultimate Quilter’s Bucket List Challenge if you’re not sure where to start.
Meadow Mist Designs runs mystery quilt-alongs (they’re free and very well done). I made the Magnolia Mystery Quilt once upon a time.
If you want to travel without having to do any of the planning, try a tour or a cruise. Country Heritage Tours mails out beautiful catalogs with plenty of options. (I haven’t tried any of their trips, though.)
For a mini-adventure, try going to a regional quilt show. Take a class while you’re there. Get business cards from vendors and make plans to visit their shops in person. Chat with strangers! There are myriad ways to get out of your comfort zone.
How adventurous are you?
Download the worksheet:
Flourishing is a year-long journey that invites quilters to explore meaningful themes each month—clarity, connection, self-care, creativity, mindfulness, and beyond. Each month brings a new focus, sparking thoughtful reflection and creativity. Flourishing stitches together personal growth and the art of quilting, offering a fulfilling path for quilters to connect, create, and thrive.
