....if I put my mind to it - make a quilt.
Quilting is something that I grew up with. From as far back as I can remember there was always some type quilt around. To "cover up with" and get cozy on a cold winter night, or to make a pallet out of for an after dinner Sunday nap, or simply just to admire. I grew up watching my Granny quilt, so I've always know about quilting frames- even ones suspended from the ceiling, handmade quilting templates, batting of all types (and not the kind that comes all fluffy in a plastic bag), needles and thread. From the time I was old enough, I've known how to make some type of stitch, although often imperfect. Yes, my Granny let me quilt right along side her whenever I showed an interest, even though it meant that she'd have to pull those stitches out long after I was tucked into bed.
The quilts of my youth were more functional and practical than for show. They were more often than not so heavy that I could barely turn over when one of them was placed on my bed at night. As a matter of fact, I still have at least three of Granny's (actually she was my maternal Great-Grade Mother) quilts in my possession now. Made by hand without a single machine stitch in them. They are still intact, and one of them resides on my bed each and every winter season.
My Mother too
WAS a very diligent quilter for a very long time. I say "was" because she's not even talking about it lately. But for a long time we use to discuss all the different quilt patterns - you know, the nine patch, baby's block, dresden's plate, double wedding ring, log cabin and many, many others. I've even made one or two myself. Mind you, they did not hold up as long as my Granny's did however. And there is still to this day something in the back of my mind that says "I ought to make another one". Of course, for a time I had plans of making a quilt for each of my grand-children. But with work schedules, and my obsession for garment sewing that hasn't happened - YET! I still have that coffee mug that my Mom bought for many years ago with the inscription "I'm a quilter...and my house is in pieces".
In 2009 I had a secret sewing goal that I told no one about (cause just in case it never came to pass I didn't want anybody asking me about it). Smart, huh. Two of my sewing buddies also quilt, and I'm somewhat embarrassed that I haven't made at least one quilt since I rekindled by passion for sewing. But, I've decided that "I just might...if I put my mind to it" make a quilt.
I guess all of this was the preamble to reviewing a new quilting book that arrived today.
This book is filled with - as it says happy, colorful, and irresistible ideas and instructions. It highlights:
- a modern and fun approach to quilting,
- includes small patchwork projects that take less time, and
- showcases traditional patchwork as an art, and a fun craft for people that aren't happy without a needle and thread in their hands (like me).
So viewers be on the lookout because there just might be a quilt coming to this blog some time soon - if I put my mind to it....
