My First Quilt

According to my collection of quilting magazines, my interest in quilting began in 1993. During the summer of 1995, I signed up for an evening quilting class, offered through the school board. I can't say for sure, but I think it cost around $25.00 for about eight lessons.

This is the only quilting class I have ever taken. Once a week I would receive an instruction sheet for that weeks block. The teacher would then demonstrate how to piece the block. At home, you would piece your block together, and then bring it with you to the next class.

My favourite block to make was the Drunkard's Path. As I pieced together my Attic Window block, I thought it would be cute to have a cat looking out. It was this little guy that got me hooked on applique. When it came time to baste my quilt, I was so excited; I stayed up until 3 o'clock in the morning to finish basting.

All went well until the last class. Because we ran out of time our lesson on hand quilting and binding was cut short. Once home, I was unable to stitch through all three layers of fabric. I even tried doing one stitch at a time, but it looked awful. So, I packed my Sampler quilt away.

I did make two other quilts after that, which I almost forgot about. They are in the cedar chest at my parent's house. I believe I tied both of them. One day, I must dig them out and quilt them properly. Maybe find them a nice home. I continued to purchase quilting magazines and thought about my Sampler quilt. But, that was the end of my quilting until 2003.

My sister and I attended the Sewing & Needlework Festival, in Toronto, the Fall of 2003. I was having strong urges to quilt again. That day, I purchased a brand new sewing machine and started building my stash. I had lots of quilting books to read over the winter. Spring of 2004, I prepared a quilt sandwich and spent many an hour practicing hand quilting in the garden. Hand quilting of my Sampler quilt began the summer of 2004 and continued on and off until it was completed January 9, 2005.

I regret not making my quilt sandwich years sooner than I did. Giving up is not an option for me anymore. I truly believe you can do anything, if you really want to. My quilting journey may have started twice, but the end is nowhere in sight!

Until next week.....happy quilting!

Karen