Monday, June 1, 2009

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


17 comments:

Ruth's Place said...

What a cute first quilt. I sent my first one (queensized pieced) out to be quilted after unsuccessfully trying to machine quilt it.

Betsy said...

Lovely story Karen. Your first quilt is adorable.

Unknown said...

It is always interesting to hear how others began their quilting addiction. I love the first quilt. Samplers are always a great way to begin.

Funoldhag said...

Your first quilt is very pretty - you had a knack for it from the beginning. I think the more quilting a quilter does, the more they want to do. I still want to try everything I see! :-) Carol

Dolores said...

What a wonderful story and thanks for sharing it with us. I'm glad you didn't give up. Hand quilting is so much nicer than machine quilting. You did a really great job with your first quilt.

Peggy said...

What a lovely story - it's wonderful to hear how others got started. Happy quilting - forever! Peg

*karendianne. said...

I so enjoyed reading how you transected the Quilting Life. Thank you for taking the time to share. I have to say, I LOVE that little kitty, too. Have a great day, Karen.

*karendianne.

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

Lovely journey - thanks for inviting us along. Darling quilt.

Cathi said...

Great little quilt!

Carrie P. said...

Great quilt for your first one. It is always interesting to see how people get started quilting. Glad you stuck with it.

Sherri said...

I love your story...I'm certainly glad your quilting journey started again!!!

Stephie said...

Thanks for visiting my blog Karen. I love it here and will be back. This post was such a lovely read. I like to hand quilt (and hand piece) and one thing I notice is the difference between the first blocks I make and the last - the last one's are so much better! Like you, when I first started I could barely get the needle through the layers, but I discovered it's as much about the size of needle that you use as anything, and it takes freakin ages to find the right one! (And they seem to be different for each piece you quilt.)

Carole said...

Somehow, that just seem wrong to leave the students like that. I didn't have a great first quilting class myself! Thanks for sharing!

Janet said...

Thank you for sharing your story. I too started years ago and then got involved in my career and kids. I'm so glad I picked it up again in 2003, same as you. I will quilt as long as I can.

Staci said...

Thanks Karen,
I love all your wonderful quilts on here. I only wish I could stay up until 3am to work on mine. Maybe then I would actually be able to finish one. :)
~Staci

Mrs Quilty said...

What an interesting story...really enjoyed...that first quilt is darling and the kitty makes it! Adorable!!! I really wanna try that someday soon! I love your last sentence....no end in sight! Atta Girl!!!

Robin said...

Your first quilt is just lovely! I love the little kitty in the window. Very cute! It has a wonderful story too... thanks for sharing it!