By now you’ve probably heard that September is National Sewing and Quilting month, and Fat Quarter Shop has come up with a fun blog tour to inspire quilters and sewers to think a little about these great past times and also to branch out and try something new. Each participating blogger was asked to answer a few questions…here are a few of my thoughts…
1. How did you start quilting/sewing?
My first memory of quilting and sewing is of doing an embroidery project in my Blue Birds group for Camp Fire Girls when I was about 6. I remember being a little frustrated because I sewed my whole project through my skirt and had to rip it out. I don’t think I ever finished that project. When I was ten I received one of my Mom’s sewing machines for my birthday, and patchwork pillows were my first projects! Later I took sewing lessons at the Singer store in our mall and started making clothing.
2. When was the first time you knew that you were a quilter/sewer?
When I was sixteen I got my first job at Cloth World. We were allowed to cut fabric we wanted and leave it under the counter until pay day when we could then purchase it. It was then I knew I was definitely a sewer…I spent everything except for what I needed for gas money on fabric. I really started quilting a lot when I was about 27 or 28, and haven’t stopped since!
3. Do you have any sewing/quilting horror stories or faux pas?
See question number one. The fact that I own several seam rippers proves that I’m constantly making mistakes and hopefully learning from them. But I really do keep a good attitude when I mess up…after all…making mistakes is part of the journey!
4. What advice would you give to someone who’s just starting out in sewing/quilting?
Have fun! Try new things! Keep “swimming!” I really do believe we can have joy from creating in both quilting and sewing, and keeping it fun is key. Be sure to balance your sewing and quilting goals with both fast and fun projects as well as those techniques that challenge you to learn something new.
You can download the Fat Quarter Shop “Color of My Heart” quilt pattern pictured above (finished quilt measures 27 ½″ x 27 ½″) here.
I had the hardest time thinking of something new to try to celebrate this national quilting and sewing month, but then I remembered I have tried something new recently. One of my goals this year was to tackle the “Sew Together Bag.” Although I’m okay with zippers…this bag seemed a little daunting at first. After all…it has four zippers, including a bound zipper.
One day I just decided to give it a try, and now I’ve made six of these fun project bags with a few more cut out and ready to sew. I keep thinking of other uses for them…and they really are the perfect gift. I’m glad I gave this pattern a go, because it really has been fun…and it’s gotten me back to doing a little more traditional sewing!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Thimbleanna says
Happy Sewing and Quilting Month Sherri! Your little sew together bags are so pretty — you always choose the best fabrics!
Carla says
I would like to make one of these too, but am too afraid to even attempt it : )
Yours look lovely
OPQuilt says
I have got to make one of these sew-together bags! Yours are very cute, that's for sure. It was fun to read your thoughts about sewing/etc and to get to know you better.
(PS I'm so glad you tagged me on the Around the World thing, as I have been tagged about six more times and I'm glad I did it already!)
Elizabeth
em's scrapbag says
I'm very glad my friend made me one of those zipper bags so I didn't have to. I love it!
Enjoyed reading your answers. Mistakes are defiantly part of the journey. My journey is full of them.
Helen L says
It was fun reading your answers to the questions: yes, they used to start us sewing at a young age!! I remember my mom sitting behind me and helping me sew a little drawstring pouch (I'd love to see it now and see what it REALLY looked like.) 🙂 Love your pouches: they look great and I'd love to try them, but they do look a little intimidating!! Have a great weekend!!! Hugs, H