A Stash of Fabric, A Boy's Weekend and Phone a Friend

My mother started a tradition of making a quilt out of bandanas before each of us went off to college.  My oldest brother's was red and blue, my sister's had pastel colors and my middle brother's was brown and yellow (I think I'm right on that).  Anyway, when it came time for my quilt we either couldn't find bandanas in colors I liked or I said I'd rather have fabric. My mom and I went to the fabric store, purchased two coordinating fabrics in blue and cream, a material for the backing, batting and headed home.  For some reason I actually ended up sewing the quilt rather than my mom (not sure why).   To hold the quilt together the squares were tied off at the corners and centers with yarn.  33 years later I still have the quilt though it does have a few tears in places.

As the quilt began to tear I thought it would be a good idea to make a new quilt.  I purchased some fabric to coordinate with some I already had, found a Better Homes & Gardens pattern online and cut out part of the pattern.  That's where things stalled (for a year or so). After I returned from vacation this past December with the beautiful quilt for our Benner Pups I got to thinking about the fabric I had tucked away and plans to make a new quilt.  I told my friend Karen about my idea to make a quilt (I think she thought I was a bit crazy as she didn't know how much I could sew, knew about quilting, etc.).  

An opportunity presented itself where I would have time to myself to set out on this quilting adventure, a boy's weekend in Vegas. Perfect!  With the remainder of the pattern cut out I got down to business.  Bab's (the name of my sewing machine at the time, another story yet to come on why she's been replaced) was a great sewing partner, sewing straight and even. In no time things were starting to come together.  That's where the "phone a friend comes in".

Since I hadn't taken on a quilt of this magnitude before (several different fabrics, sizes, etc.) it was helpful to have an experienced quilter in my back pocket, Karen.  She was there at a moments notice.  Karen reminded me to square off the blocks, gave pointers here and there and cheered me on.  I finished up the top around midnight.  

So, here it is, my first attempt at a quilt since high school.  The longarming was done by a woman with a local business in Vancouver, Washington (Gail - highly recommend working with her!).  She now does the longarming for all my quilts.  

The original quilt - 33 years later, still together (with some character)

Photo of Better Homes & Garden's pattern I used.  Here is the link:

http://www.bhg.com/crafts/sewing/free-bed-size-quilt-patterns-quilts-throws/

Completed quilt on longarm machine 

Quilting detail

Early Influences Lead to Creative Outlet

I was fortunate enough to have many wonderful teachers throughout the years.  Two in particular stand out from high school.  They both taught Home-Economics (one cooking/baking and the other sewing/tailoring) and helped me develop a passion for all.  Thank goodness I decided to give classes like this a second chance in high school as I had the opposite experience in junior high.  At that time the teacher's idea of a worthwhile class was to walk up and down staircases with a book balanced on top of our head (not sure what good posture had to do with it all - keep in mind this was the late 70's too!).

Early on when I was first married and had a young daughter I spend a considerable amount of time sewing clothes.  My husband can only wear natural materials and back in the day dress shirts did not come in 100% cotton.  My sewing and tailoring skills came in very handy as dress shirts have to fit just right.  I sewed many outfits for my daughter throughout the years as well including a couple of matching dresses (not always the best idea because if your child misbehaves in public it is difficult to disown them as you match!).  As children grew and life became busier the days of sewing clothing went by the wayside.

Last year a friend of mine made a beautiful quilt for our dogs (Booker Noe and Parker Beam - named after bourbon distillers).  It was such a thoughtful act of kindness and the quilt matched the decor of our home beautifully.  It got me to thinking about the joy sewing had brought me through the years and ways I could incorporate it back into my busy life.  That is where my creative outlet for quilting began.

The purpose of putting together this blog is to document the quilts (and other things) I make along this adventure called life.  Hope you enjoy the ride!

Booker is the Airdale and Parker is the Corgi - check out their quilt by friend Karen, a beautiful piece!