SOL: check!
One of my goals for spring break was to finish the black and white quilt I started over a year and a half ago. I didn't really think I'd get it done (I haven't picked it up to quilt in a few months), but the other day I got on a roll and had to keep going.
I asked for a sewing machine for my birthday a few years ago, on a whim. Brad's cousin was pregnant, and I wanted to make a blanket. Since then, I've sewed a few pillow covers, a couple baby blankets, and this.
I've written this before, but I really believe that quilting is slowly becoming a lost art. Not many 20-somethings are doing it; it's not the most trendy hobby, but it's making a little bit of a comeback.
Part of the reason I quilt is because it's part of my heritage. My mom tells stories about how her grandma would come over and dig through Grandma Lu's sewing room trash, pulling out quarter-sized scraps, exclaiming, "I can't believe you were going to throw this away! I can use this!" She made quilts for all nine of her children and all her grandchildren (I don't remember how many). And, of course, her daughter (my Grandma Lu) makes amazing quilts, too. And, of course, her daughter (my mom) makes amazing quilts, too.
Part of the reason I quilt is because I love to contemplate how the fabric and pattern will come together in the end to form a beautiful piece of art. I remember going to choose fabric for our quilt... I had chosen the pattern and had a vision. I pulled out bright red, yellow, orange, green, blue, and purple prints, carefully stacking them in one spot to complete the picture in my head. Mom and Grandma asked me about 20 times as we stood in line, "Are you sure?" I think it turned out pretty well (see background of picture below)... Grandma told me later that she really wasn't sure about it when we bought the fabric, but as it came together she could see how beautiful my "vision" was. One of my favorite parts of making a quilt is choosing the pattern and fabric.
Part of the reason I quilt is because of the sense of accomplishment. It just feels good to finish one, to see the finished product. I know I have a lot of practice before I'm an amazing quilter, but I feel good about finishing my first pieced and hand-quilted quilt.
Now I need to plan tomorrow's trip to JoAnn to get started on my next project...
I love your quilt! I am working on a black and white with red. I started it 3 years ago. I'm almost finished. My goal was to sew during break too but didn't get around to it. Kudos to you for hand quilting! I always send mine off to have someone machine quilt it.
ReplyDeleteBEAUTIFUL! I love quilts that are less about the fabric and more about the pattern the fabric creates. I love the black and white combination. Quilting is something I love to do. I have 2 unfinished that I need to get going on. I would love to see your "rainbow" quilt! It really is a hobby that connects generations.
ReplyDeleteOur school put on the musical "Quilters" a few years ago, & all the school, as many as wanted, put together the giant quilt that was the centerpiece for the show. I spent some afternoons after work sitting with parents & some students quilting that quilt. It was the most pleasant of times, becoming a community of quilters. I come from a whole family of quilters, but have never made one. You have given me more motivation; maybe someday? Your quilt is gorgeous. Thank you so much for the photos.
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful! My daughter and I have made a few rag quilts-- so simple compared to your work of art-- but I can relate to the feeling of accomplishment. We gave ours away for Christmas and I have honestly never been more excited to share what we've made. It felt like such a piece of me was stitched into the quilt. I can only imagine how awesome it feels to make something so beautiful. Be sure to fill us in on your plans for your next quilt!
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful. Keep your visions.
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