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February 15, 2018
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Misc

Why do I quilt?

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://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?

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