My quilt design sketches are predominantly geometric, relying mostly on triangles, squares and rectangles. I tend to avoid curves, partial seams and free-form designs. This is partly because I just prefer straight lines, but also because my sewing skills are still at the ‘beginner’ level. I don’t sketch designs that I can’t figure out how to sew myself.

In her book The Creative Habit, choreographer Twyla Tharp writes that “the more skill you have, the more sophisticated and accomplished your ideas can be.” This series of blog posts will be a good record of how my designs change as my sewing skills improve.

This week’s sketch is all about diamonds and stripes. I can see this being constructed in 18 columns, each of which is made from angled strips of fabric interspersed with wide, flat triangles.

In her book, Tharp argues that “the best creativity is the result of good work habits”. Most creative individuals aren’t natural geniuses with God-given gifts; rather, they use preparation, routine and hard graft to produce their work. The skills underpinning creativity are “developed through exercise, through repetition, through a blend of learning and reflection that’s both painstaking and rewarding.”

I’m a big fan of routine and order, so I found a lot to like in The Creative Habit. I actually started my weekly ‘Sunday sketch’ series before I read the book, but Tharp’s insights are extra encouragement to keep my new habit going.