Day 108 – Ying Yang

Have you finished all your holiday shopping yet? I have a few for special gifts to buy, but if I can’t find what I’m looking for I know I can always give my family members yet another IOYAQ (I Owe You A Quilt) coupon.

Just in case you’re struggling to finish a quilt at the last minute, please remember that you, too, can give out as many IOYAQ coupons as you like! It really helps to reduce the stress of this busy time.

Today let’s learn design inspired by one of my favorite symbols: the Ying Yang:

I’ve also used this Ying Yang symbol as a quilting motif on my first quilted kimono jacket and plan to use this design as a decorative filler on the trim of my next jacket project as well.

Inspiration – As a teenager I loved the Ying Yang symbol, but I didn’t really understand what it meant.

According to Wikipedia: “The Ying Yang symbol is used to describe how seemingly disjunct or opposing forces are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world, giving rise to each other in turn.”

It is a wonderful symbol that simply acknowledges the natural rhythms and circle of life.

Difficulty Level – Intermediate. This design is not difficult, but you will need to take your time when judging the distances of your circles.

Notice that I didn’t do a very good job with my sample and some of my circles ended up looking more like ying yang Easter eggs!

Design Family – Stacking. The circles are formed in rows, making this design very easy to stitch in straight lines. Place this design in areas that are open and uncomplicated, like sashing, where the design can also show off a bit.

Directional Texture – No direction. Because the Ying Yang is such a recognizable symbol, that is really going to be what you see first when you look at it.

Suggestions for Use – Personally, I can see using this design in sashing, or as a focal point of a circular applique block. Instead of filling your flower centers with stippling or spirals, fill them instead with a simple Ying Yang symbol.