Many of the quilts I sell are finished before someone takes a fancy to them and opens their checkbook. What they see is what they get. By the time the last thread is cut there is no way to substitute a different border, or increase the size.
Other times, though, people have a picture in their head of what they are looking for, and a conversation begins. We chat about colors, and patterns. I do not want to wrestle them into a disappointing design, though I prefer to steer them away from complicated ones.
Texting makes it easy to send progress reports, and to invite the buyer to weigh in on choices. Sometimes I have barreled along for some time before they speak up.
"Wait. I don't really like that fabric. Can I see other ideas?"
It is not as if the finished quilt has to reflect my preferences. It is going on their bed, not mine. But there are dozens of decisions inherent in every project, and it can stall the process to belabor every one.
There have been a number of projects when the receiver expressed confidence in my ability.
"I trust you." Ah, my shoulders release.
One woman admitted that she was extra busy at work and relied on me to make something beautiful without her being part of each step. Amazing.
God makes a point of wanting our lives to be exquisite. Made to order, and the manifestation of what we love. He checks in with us regularly, about where we would like to live, and how we serve the community around us. Mostly I believe this, and can lessen my grip on the details. But on occasion my opinions combust and I hurl advice.
"Wait! You need to change the shades of my circumstances! Make my influence bigger, and my inconveniences less glaring."
It is possible that such interruptions render the process less efficient, rather than improve it.
"Trust in the Lord and do good and feed on His faithfulness, and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37
