I took my first quilting class in the Fall of 2009. We used a simple pattern and learned about patchwork and quilting. We started with fabric selection and were guided through every step of the quilt-making process. Following this six week class, I was immediately hooked and found myself immediately signing up for the only class available to this wee beginner, an Underground Railroad Sampler quilt class. (I know talk about jumping in with your feet first!) Over the next ten months, seven of us met every Monday night at our LQS. We compared our progress. We discussed our challenges and of course, praised and cheered eachother along.
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| I used the Kansas Trouble fabric line for this quilt. |
I finished this sampler 10 months later, just in time to gift it to my parents for the 50th wedding anniversary. I made it specifically for their motorhome, as they travel 5 months out of the year, and there's nothing better than a home-made quilt by their "favorite" daughter (LOL!!)to make a place feel like home. My mom loves it so much, she uses it on their bed at home during their non-travel months! (Yes, this was one of those ultimate moments for me!)
As you can see, I was pretty proud of my accomplishment too!
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| September 2010 |
I always kinda miss the comaraderie of taking classes with quilty friends. Unfortunatly, I'm just too tired (or maybe I'm just getting older) at the end of school/work day to take a class until 9:00pm. We don't have a local guild. Saturdays are the only day off my husband and I have together. Store closed on Sundays. So thus, I'm grateful for blogging and our virtual guild of sorts we find here. Also, like many of you, I'm thankful for the opportunity of Tuesday Archives to document this sampler quilt here on my blog as I write a new post about an older quilt to share with you...
my "oohhh and aughhh" comaraderie of quilty friends.
Beautiful quilt, and how wonderful it is loved so much by your parents!
ReplyDeleteGreat first quilt, Val. You were always meant to be a quilter!
ReplyDeleteMy first quilt was a lap size Yellow Brick Road which I gave to my daughter. My second quilt was a queen size Log Cabin which I gifted to my in-laws.
Val it's gorgeous!! I can see why your mom would want it with her all the time!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, beautiful work! Sampler quilts are a huge favourite of mine, and since I've been seeing a lot of Underground Railway blocks recently, I did some historical research. Was disappointed that historians all say there was no such thing. I don't think they're correct...and prefer to continue believing that this was a truly unique and innovative way that decent people helped runaways escape to freedom and a better life! Your parents not only have a beautiful quilt, they have a quilt with great meaning! Congrats.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quilt Val. I made a mini version of the Underground railroad quilt in a wall hanging years ago.
ReplyDeleteWonderful quilt Val! Samplers are great for trying a new technique, a new block, a new fabric line, and just for fun.
ReplyDeleteYour quilt is most certainly something to be proud of. You started out with truly difficult piece work, such a brave girl!
ReplyDeleteI love it. I read a book called The Lost Quilter, this summer. Have you read it? It is based on a story of the underground railroad quilts.
Happy quilting!
Your blogging sister,
Connie :)
Love the quilt am sure they love it
ReplyDeleteLovely quilt. I have not made one myself, but quilted two for my customers. I am sure you are now your parents fav daughter! LoL :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful quilt. Even more special that your Mother likes it so much to use it on both beds.
ReplyDeleteI miss taking classes too. The local guild meets in the morning when I'm at work and the closest quilt shop is an hour away. So, like you I'm really grateful for the group I've gotten to know on the web.
Your sampler quilt makes a very good bed size quilt.
ReplyDeletewhat a great job you did on your first quilt and to know it is so loved must make you feel so good.
ReplyDeleteI would love to have a friend I cold share time and stitch with at home, like you I get so much from blogging and seeing what everyone does out there in the big wide world!
I have never taken a quilt class and the guilds are really far away over an hour so that's no fun for me either-our blog friends are really special! My Mom had made this quilt with civil war reproduction fabrics this is really a nice set of sample blocks. I ended up selling my book-too many things on my to do list lol
ReplyDeleteAhh, we UGRR comrades! I see you did the 12" blocks and I like it in the KT fabrics. Very brave to jump in with the UGRR sampler after your first class but I have always found Eleanor's QID instructions to be a class in themselves and provide good support even for beginners. What a wonderful gift for your parents and how cool it has a place of honor in their home base!
ReplyDeleteYay, you found your post Val! That's a fabulous block and a fabulous quilt. DP is so versatile, relooking at my own post I 'almost' want to make another! ;D - Chris
ReplyDeleteSo glad your parents love the quilt so much. Samplers are not only fun, but a great introduction to quilting.
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