LUCI CAMORANI

We talk to Luci of Sea Garden Sewing about her creative origins, the joy of the craft and quilting with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

How did you first get into quilting?

I have always admired quilts, and I remember I often wished that I was one of those people who learned how to quilt from a grandparent or other relative. A few years into college, I was bogged down with hard science courses and wanted to have a creative outlet. I had already learned how to sew in a middle school class, so I bought my first sewing machine on an impulse and learned how to quilt through the internet and social media!

What’s your favourite thing about quilting?

I love how quilting is an enjoyable activity with a tangible takeaway at the end. It’s something I can do even if I’m struggling with a low mood. I’ll convince myself that “If I’m going to be having a hard time regardless, I might as well have a hard time with a quilt to show afterwards!”

How do you find that Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome affects your quilting practice, and what tips do you have for other quilters with EDS?

With Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, I am required to be very mindful of when, how and for how long I am able to quilt, as well as being cognizant of how the physical toll of quilting will impact the rest of my day. Some days the thought of sitting up in a chair is the last thing I want to do. On days like these, I’ll migrate over to the couch, throw on a movie, and hand bind a quilt, or pull out my laptop and work on my quilt pattern designs.

Working from a correct table height for cutting, ironing and sewing is definitely a huge factor as it helps me maintain a posture that allows me to work longer without pain from hunching over. My biggest tip for quilters with EDS or chronic pain is to embrace tools and methods that help you!

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from quilting?

I’ve learned that if you are persistent enough, you can learn how to do almost anything! Being a self-taught quilter has built my confidence tremendously with each new skill I learn. It’s definitely transferred over into other areas of my life.

What kind of projects are you currently working on?

I recently joined my very first quilting bee on Instagram, so I’ve been combing through my scrap stash to make some of the first blocks!