Quilting Class

[Dobie]

I started taking a quilting class last night. I wish there was a step below "beginner" - that's the level I feel I'm at.
Last night I learned a lot of the basic terminology and how to thread my sewing maching (I told you I'm REALLY a beginner). I picked my colors and started to cut out some 4 inch blocks to make one of the bigger blocks.

I really enjoyed myself, although in the end it's probably going to look like something a second grader did. We're meeting once a month, with homework to do over the month - so it's not going to be finished for 10 months.

[DianaB]

I think that's great, Dobie! I think that all women should know how to run a sewing machine, even if it's only for the basics. You never know when knowing how to sew will come in handy! I'm sure that as you work on it you'll get better. You know that we're going to need pictures as you progress!

[Janet]

Dobie, I would love to join a class like that. I like to sew and make some doggie clothes, but I've never tried a quilt. Maybe someday, I would like to try and make at least one.

[gja1000]

I don't think I have the patience to make quilts but I have many that my grandma made and I love them to death!!! There's just nothing like a good quilt - especially in Texas where it does not get very cold. You need a blanket but not a super heavy/warm one.

I remember my grandma piecing quilts by hand, and then later by machine. She and my aunt would set them up in the living room and quilt them. I would try to quilt, but they would make me quit, telling me that grandpa would get his toe caught in my stitches because they were so long!! LOL!!

At the community center in my home town in Oklahoma, they still set up quilts and the women come in and quilt them.

[Dobie]

As I move along, I'll post pictures of finished blocks - but you all have to promise not to laugh!

[Tiramisu]

I'd love to see your progression of quilt classes. I love to quilt and have my g-mother's quilt frame that is probably 50 years old. My mother bought it for her when I was little. I'm more of a lap quilter.

I machine stitched a quilt top of 6" squares while I was off work. I found some leather looking fabric at Wal-Mart. I'm using butter suede for the backing and a low loft batting. It will be fairly heavy. Hubby loves it and we've decided to use it as the bedspread/comforter on our bed.

[Janet]

I'm so glad you're going to post pictures Dobie and don't worry about comments. I have never ever seen a quilt that I didn't like something about. They are all so beautiful.

[DianaB]

Sandy, you're going to have to post pictures too. I

t just amazes me at the different talents that everyone has!!! I can sew, but I've never made a quilt. I did piece together a Christmas tree skirt but instead of quilting it I just tied it. It's really very pretty and it's large, just what I was looking for at the time.

I used to sew clothes for the kids and myself years ago but I don't sew too much anymore. I made dresses for Amy and Dae Lynn when they were little that were so cute. The material was a light pink stripe and the dress had a good sized white collar that I cross-stitched little flowers and leaves on. I still have them hanging in the closet because I can't bear to get rid of them!!! LOL I'm just too sentimental, I guess!!!!

I'm STILL trying to get some curtains done for my dining room and kitchen. I find that I just don't enjoy sewing like I used to. It could be that I spend too much time on here!!!!! If I ever get them done you can bet that you'll be seeing pictures of them!!!!

[Dobie]

Now that I have the sewing machine - I'd really like to learn how to make curtains.

[DianaB]

Curtains aren't hard especially if they're the straight across kind. Actually the ones that I'm making aren't hard but my material wasn't wide enough and I had to sew some panels together. For some reason I just haven't enjoyed making them. If you look in the pattern books at fabric stores you'll find some patterns for curtains.

[Tiramisu]

I grew up sewing and wearing homemade clothes. I made lots of clothes for my kids. Like Diana, I think I burned out on making clothes and using the sewing machine, but I've always loved needlework.

I actually cheated at the first couple quilts I made. I inherited some quilt tops from a great aunt. All I had to do was the hand quilting. I especially like to quilt and crochet in the winter time. It keeps me warm while I work it on my lap.

Of course, with four kiddos and eight g-kids, I don't have too many quilts or afghans in my closet.