Misc

Why do I quilt? Gifts of the Father

I've been in a challenge #CreativePassiontoProfit and one of the questions is "Why?"

Thinking back to my early childhood, I always felt sort of "arty". gifted by God, priviledged to be able to sketch, etc.  My Mom sewed most of my clothes which I'm sure was a great influence on me, though I didn't really realize it at the time.  When I was about 12 yrs, I began to make most of my own clothes.  Through my early adulthood, I continued to make clothes for myself and for family members and friends.  When birthdays came around, I was often gifted with a dress length of fabric.  Seems strange to some folks, but it was a perfect gift for me.

Connie (sister) left, me on right.  New dresses looks like a special day of some sort.

Amy and Christina (my granddaughters), in dresses I made for them.  Below you can see how much fabric is involved in this project.

After the children were out of the house, I had more time, different priorities, and such.  I began to experiment with quilting. Not like Grandma Jennie did, but by machine.  I really enjoyed the design, the math (another gift), etc.

Most of my early work was traditional.  I didn't really know there was anything else.  As time went by I made more quilts and finally entered one in an #AmericanQuilter'sSoc show.   Here it is http://www.patdurbin.com/quilt-gallery/traditional/15-piecemakers-barns

It was in Nashville and Gary thought we should go.  It was so wonderful!  I saw quilts that were more art centered.  They jump started my mind to look at quilting in a whole new way.  I went home and started on my journey of making picture quilts.  This has become one of my passions and has led me to where I am today. (saturated in quilting).

So that's sort of the start of my journey.  Now I'm headed to Daytona Beach to teach in one of those AQS shows...funny how that happened. http://www.quiltweek.com/locations/dab18/

Have you any stories to share?

Hope you have a fun day.

Early work --traditional

I went through the archives to see what I had for Valentines Day.

One thing is a very well used favorite quilt which I made in 1993.

Made from scraps of sewing clothes, this is unique, and shows early work.  We hadn't quite perfected photographing quilts either:)

Another Valentine style quilt is made from a few Block of the Month squares I won at Redwood Empire Quilt Guild in 2006.  My Granddaughters made the alternate squares and put it together.  It's kind of cute.

I enjoy this small painted quilt as a seasonal addition to my home.  It was inspired by a photo of a past plant and now has a longer life expectancy. :)

The surface is painted with So-Soft paints and then it is machine quilted to enhance.  I enjoy this type of quilt making --it's quick and fun

I decided to make some easy ornaments for my friends.  These are made in "prairie point" style.  Pretty easy.

I used a 4 1/2" square, a 3 1/2" square, and a 2 1/2" square.  I had a bag with left over Christmas fabrics to use--and found a tiny ribbon in a notions drawer.  I was set.  (You could change the size of the squares and even use 4 if you wanted).

• First I cut the squares from the fabric
• then pressed them using starch spray to stiffen a bit
• Folded each square diagonally - twice.
• I tied a knot at the top of the ribbon for a loop
• I used a bit of glue along where the ribbon would go--pressed it dry
• Then I zig zag stitched along the length of the centers - where the ribbon was.
• I just used a crystal at the top because I was in a rush.  You could embellish these with lots of sparkles.

Here they are--pretty simple, but would go well on top of a package.

Merry Christmas to all.

December - lots of celebrating.  When I designed this block for my guild (Redwood Empire) I thought it could be used for whatever kind of celebration a person wanted.

The instructions call for the background to be any seasonal print.  

I decided to make a skinny wall hanging with 4 of the blocks for myself and then one to take to guild of course. I finished it today and it's the first of my Christmas decorations to brighten up our home.   

If you'd like a copy of the pattern, email me at stitching@suddenlink.net Once I have your email address I'll send you a PDF.

This is one of the things that we'll be doing at the Daytona Beach Show...

All-Star Review 

Years ago Gary took the inspiration photo.  I looked at it from time to time, and finally decided to make the quilt. - Kind of silly, but fun.

These are Danny's Girls, Chris in the sandals and skinned knees--Amy with the swirly laces. Me with the bare feet. 

Happy to report that the American Quilter's Society Daytona Beach registration is now open.

You can see a list of all of my classes if you follow the link...:)

Registration Now Open Daytona Beach