ARTandHANDICRAFTS

Feb. 28, 2008

Quilted Placemat

A few years after I learned Redwork, I decided I had to do something with all these embroidered blocks of fabric... But what? In the meantime, I'd become friends with a lady from my church who is a creative quilt-maker.   She does various quilt-making techniques including "I Spy", appliqué, paper foundation piecing, and English paper piecing.  It was inspiring to see her finished projects.  She told me about the local Quilter's Guild and some of their activities.  She moved away that autumn.  Due to her encouragement, I joined the Guild.  I had found what I could do with my Redwork!  Now all I needed to do was learn to piece and quilt.  When I was a teen, I'd begun making a one-patch quilt but hadn't  finished it.  Recently, I'd made two blocks for comfort quilts (more on that, in another post).  However, I didn't really know how to create and finish a quilt. You may be finding yourself in the same position.  You want to learn to do something - but find it easiest to learn when someone else shows you.  If so, do what I did: sign up for a one-day class!  I attended an all-day "Beginner's Quilting" workshop at a local quilting fabric store.  The instructor was very thorough and gave excellent hands-on instruction.  Each of the participants made a place-mat.  Here is mine: Since then, I've attended a two more classes at the store and two workshops through the Guild.  I have read a lot of quilting books.  I've learned more about piecing and quilting - and have even more to learn.  Although I can see the imperfections in my handiwork, it can't take away the satisfaction I feel towards my very first piece of finished quilting.  I actually did it: I started and finished a pieced and machine-quilted project! The store owner who taught the Beginner's Quilting class has a positive view towards imperfections...  She calls them "design details" that make your handiwork your own.   Instead of criticising oneself for one's handicraft mistakes, view them as opportunities to learn more, and as proof of your progress. The Amish quilt-makers deliberately make a mistake in their piecing or quilting.  Why?  Because only God is perfect.  It is a reminder of who we are (fallible humans) and how much we need Him, our Lord and Saviour. I'm sharing my imperfect projects with you as encouragement not to be afraid of trying something new and making mistakes.  Just keep that stitch-ripper handy, and a prayer in your heart!

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Feb. 7, 2008

Victorian Bouquet

I'm a member of my local quilters' guild.  I joined, not because I know how to quilt, but in order to learn how to quilt from ladies who love it. The guild had an optional 'Brown Bag Challenge'.  We put two fat quarters of fabric and a note with our name and suggestions (favourite room, colours) into a brown paper bag.  The coordinator exchanged the bags between the participants.  Upon receiving the brown bag, one had to create an item for the recipient, using her fabrics and any additional supplies.  This is what I made: I love vintage outline embroidery (Redwork) designs!  This floral bouquet is from the Ladies Home Journal, circa 1880's.  I hand-embroidered the picture, pieced the top and backing, machine-quilted it with 'trellis' quilting, and hand-sewed the binding.  For a final touch, I sewed on a dragonfly charm. The recipient was thrilled with her wall-hanging, which made me very happy.  (This is the third pieced and quilted project I've made.)  DD didn't want me to give it away, because she loved it so much.

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