From Quitter to Quilter: Making My First Quilt

From Quitter to Quilter: Making My First Quilt

The first memory I have of me even touching a sewing machine was a scary one. It was a crisp October day in middle school, 8th grade to be exact, when I found out that I had to make an apron in my Home Economics class. That had to be one of the most frightening moments in my middle school career. I was right. I was literally scared of the sewing machine. I trembled with fear as I sat down in front of the old sewing machine. Not only was the sewing machine old, but it was fast and loud. I was looking like a poor little deer caught in headlights. The first few sewing classes were filled with drills, sort of like a series of "get to know your machine" classes. For me, even the orientation classes were difficult. I couldn't sew a straight line, I had trouble keeping the fabric still, and I was always jamming up the needle in the needle plate. I felt hopeless. In my 8th grade Home Economics class we had two sewing assignments, an apron and a sweater. Needless to say, I didn't complete either assignment. I left my 8th grade Home Economics class "knowing" in my heart that I would never touch a sewing machine again. That was 18 years ago.

Fast-Forward 16 years and my life took a turn I never thought it would take. I relocated, and as a result needed to find a job. I have no doubt I landed the job because I had strong customer service skills. Trust me, I did not get hired because I had wonderful sewing skills (this was a store that catered to sewers and crafters). I am grateful, however, that I am a quick learner. Being a quick learner is what kept me employed. Here was an opportunity to conquer my fear of sewing machines. My first project was sewing a simple gathered rod pocket curtain. I must say I did pretty good. As time progressed, I learned embroidery. Through embroidery is how I ended up learning how to quilt.

Ah, Quilting! My first experience with quilting came through an idea my boss had about sewing dog and cat beds and donating them to our local Humane Society. The beds didn't have to be perfect; just unique and cute. I began experiencing with different feet and quilting techniques, and from there I knew I was ready to make my first quilt. It was November 2008, and the store's Christmas shipment had come in. Among the countless supplies was a book titled "12 Days of Christmas" by Nancy Halvorsen, which contained the pattern I used to make my first quilt. I chose that pattern because it wasn't a complex quilt, but instead, it had clean lines and consisted of squares and rectangles. Of course, I can't leave out the fact that it was an embroidered quilt. Embroidery was my first love in terms of sewing. By the time I made my first quilt, I had been teaching embroidery classes for a few months. Making the quilt was quite a new experience for me.

Deciding to make my first quilt took guts. I was still unsure of my skills, but I wanted to see what I could do. I found the process to be an enjoyable one. I relished in every step: picking out the fabric, cutting out the pieces, embroidering the squares, to hand-sewing the binding. I couldn't believe I had it in me to do. Every part of the process belonged to me. I made some mistakes along the way. I had to take out a few stitches, re-cut some embroidered squares, and I even had to redo some embroidered squares (due to them not being centered properly). What I learned along the way was that if I stayed calm, embraced my mistakes, learned how to fix them, ask questions to those who know more than I did, and be patient with myself- I would have better success in completing the quilt. Oh, and I need to give credit where credit is due: the 1/4" patchwork foot is a Godsend to any quilter, whether you are a beginner or advanced quilter. The 1/4" patchwork quilt saved my life because I still have trouble sewing a straight line.

Once the quilt was completed and hung, customers could not believe that a first time quilter had made the quilt. I must say it was quite an accomplishment.

If you are thinking about making your first quilt or if you are a beginner, I am here to tell you- if I can do it, you can do it. Remember, this is coming from someone who said that they would never sew again.

Happy Quilting,

Barbara Grant

No Longer Sewing/ Quilt Challenged

My latest creation, a personalized Endless Bag. Want an Endless bag with your name or a short message? Email to learn more about my creative bags.
~MIRACLE~

Yo Yo's

Got yo yo's now what? There are numerous uses for yo yo's and easy ways to make them. The Clover Yo Yo Maker is fun and easy to use. Use it to create a variety of projects using scrap fabric. This holiday season I plan to bright up my gifts by creating Holiday Yo Yo Trees and Snowman Yo Yo Ornaments. The projects will serve several purposes. One it will be a unique addition to our wrapped packages. Two recipients can reuse as ornaments on there trees. Get stitching! Make yo yo's the modern way or the traditional way. No matter how yo stitch them up there are many patterns and uses. Have a yooolicious time!

Traditional Youth Arts

I am so excited about the Traditional Youth Arts Program. Many days have been spent out of the sewing room and in the community establishing locations for the program. I am pleased that our first program of this year will kick off this Friday. 10 eager students desiring to learn sewing, quilting, and garment making. Our first day will be spent learning the history of sewing, sewing machines, and quilting. Also we will discuss the modern art of sewing and wearable art. After our discussion students will learn to make yo yo the traditional way and how to make them with modern tools. The plan is to create enough yo yo's over the next few months to make a coverlet that will be entered into our County Fair. So much to do to finish preparing and to gain additional sites, but for now I will rest till morning and start all over again.

Creatively,

Traditional Youth Arts Program

Heavenly Fabric Creations provides traditional arts programs that promote cultural understanding to increase academic achievement, strengthen self esteem and identify and build leadership through art. The program offers instruction and hands on experience with hand sewing, machine sewing, quilting, applique, construction of wearable art, crochet, knitting, and creative expression. Students are provided with the opportunity and tools they need to do something positive and creative with their talents and time. According to research students engaged in positive traditional arts programs are less likely to turn to acts of violence and destruction. Traditional Youth Arts Program offer an alternative, effective and more affordable option to crime prevention. The program will increase academic achievement and improve youth’s attitudes about themselves and their future. Also the program is designed to increase the ability to work on tasks from start to finish which is vital for both academic and vocational success.
Heavenly Fabric Creations Traditional Youth Arts programs provides enrichment, cultural, and traditional arts activities to guide learning and engage youth in wholesome activities.

A work in progress for an upcoming class. Great project for beginners to learn several piecing & quilting techniques. Like the design request one in colors of your choice.
~MIRACLE~

Unfinished Projects

So your bins and baskets are filled with unfinished projects. Join the club! All experience that from time to time. My bins, baskets and every nook & cranny are filled with projects while my mind races on with new project ideas. On top of all of my unfinished projects is the task left to complete my first book. I think I have writers block. I need to complete the glossary of terms and add one photo. The book will be my early morning task after prayer.

This week has been spent finishing some of those projects and what a pay off. The Desert Beauty Table Runner was an unfinished project from a class that I taught. All was required was to finish the binding, hand sewing is not my favorite task; however, this week I have done a lot of hand sewing. The pay off was great. As soon as I listed the Desert Beauty Table Runner it sold in a matter of minutes.

My goal is to not start anymore projects until ALL of my current unfinished project are completed. Today I will work on a baby blanket. The red and blue puff blanket requires sewing the final rows together and stuffing each block, adding a backing and then binding. It should be listed soon. Next on the agenda is a place setting. Setting includes place mats, hot pads, and microwave spud bag. After completing the place setting project then I have two quilts to finish. One is the Tennessee Waltz and the other is a mini wall hanging.

The good that will come from finishing all these projects is a full store. I will utilize my time wisely by sewing at the sewing studio during the day and doing hand work in the evenings while spending time with the family. Time to sprint to the studio and get busy! Share your unfinished projects or inquire about unfinished projects of interest.

Blessings and happy stitching!