Monday, May 24, 2010

My Quilting History

Kelly asked us to explain our quilting history. 

Here's my timeline:

2003- I mentioned to my friend Billie that I loved quilts.  Her mom quilts and she was quite confident I could too.  She told me about these day long quilting classes her aunt held at a church.  She convinced me I could do it.  I bought my first sewing machine.  The class started at 8 in the morning and went until 11 at night.  It cost 30 dollars plus supplies.  They had all of your cutting done for you in advance.  What a deal right?  So I went.  I came home with a large lap quilt (pictured below in the golds on the bottom row) in the trip around the world pattern that was hand tied.  I did it in one day.  I presently hate the quilt, but my husband swears it is the best in the house.  I am not fond of the colors or the poor matching of corners or even the hand tieing for that matter.  (I should also mention that growing up I was always very fond of the projects that my mom's friend, Judy, would sew, quilt, and create.  That is probably where the interest stems from really.  I also did some sewing in 4-H and Home Ec and I really like it.)

2006-  I haven't done any quilting since the last class.  Although I did have an excuse, I did have a baby in 2004 so it wasn't a great time for the new hobby.  I attended another class and my mom (and friends) joined in for this one. That was her first quilt. As for me, I was much happier with the corners on this second quilt (the green and tan on the bottom row), however....I today I am not fond of this one either.  The colors seem blah to me or I am not fond of hand tieing.  However, this is husband's second favorite quilt in the house and he says it is staying as well.

2007- I make my first quilt on my own and follow it with 6 more quilts in 2007 (I did attend another all day class at this point .).  I mostly send these to the long arm quilter.  My favorite quilt of all time (is from this year) and it is picture below on my bed in red.  At the very end of 2007, I start a blog.  I didn't have many visitors at first, but those that did visit I quickly thought of as friends.  Among my earliest visitors were Anna and Mary Anne

I keep sewing, and sewing, and sewing. 

2009-  My husband lost his job and I am forced to learn to stipple.  I hang in there and manage to catch on.   I join the Charming Girls and Guys Club and find I get more accomplished than ever.  I continue to enjoy my blog and all of the great quilters I connect with.

2010-  Kelly convinces me to do my first tutorial (still located on the right side of the screen), I have hosted a couple of swaps, participated in a few more, and have one planned in the near future (bag lovers stay tuned). 

So that brings us to the present.  That is 22 finished quilts and baby quilts, 6 unfinished quilt tops, and 5 mini quilts.  I am pretty pleased with that.  No, I didn't count my bags...that is probably a post of its own.

20 comments:

joan said...

Those are ALL lovely Kris. What a great story down "quilting" memory lane! A keepsake for your grand children when they cuddle up in your lovely quilts! I especially like your "Houses" one.

PunkiePie (Jen) said...

Very nice Kris! Nice to learn more about you. And your collage is super! ;)

Kelly@ Charming Chatter said...

Oh Kris! I loved hearing about your journey! I don't like my first quilt either, but my daughter loves it, and still sleeps with it when she comes home! It was a long break, but boy, when you got back to it - look at all of the beautiful things you've made! I heart your collage of projects - and how you've been such a wonderful host to all of us (and that awesome tutorial)!!!! As they say, "you've come a long way baby", and I'm so glad to know you, and to get to share in the journey with you, Kris!

QUILTING IS BLISSFUL, DI said...

Love all those quilts--isn't quilting amazing!!! and how we have all came down that road--but at different times--different ways--yet we have all gotten there!!
Hugs, Di

Allie said...

My goodness what lovely quilts - what fun to stroll down memory lane with you!!!!!

merrily row said...

Great quilt bio. Thank you for explaining the journey, and nice quilts.

Michelle said...

I like your story. But I love your quilts!

Laurie said...

Wow, you have become quite proficient! I'm still learning, but I look up to you all! 'Came over from the bingo game. Good luck!

Dawn said...

beautiful..that is history for your family and thanks for sharing your gorgeous quilts....bingo buddy....
hugs

Luv 2 Kreate said...

Enjoyed reading your history...

Debbie said...

Saw your blog on In Stitches blog.
Everyone can find something they don't like on the quilts. I've only been quilting for about 16 years. It takes me awhile to make a quilt, everybody wants something when you sit down to sew.I can't remember where I read or heard about quilts not being perfect, "You can't make a perfect quilt it has to have a tiny flaw, only God is allowed to create perfection." or something along those lines. Love your blog.

Carrie P. said...

congrats on winning bingo. Wow, great quilts.

Dresden Quilter said...

Your quilts are amazing. I loved listening to your story. You are an amazing quilter.

Maria said...

I realy enjoyed reading your story.

Love the way you arranged your photos.

Popped over from Bingo.Please call in

http://maria-lifeontheblock.blogspot.com

CaliQuilter said...

What a great idea to journal your quilting story. The photos are lovely. ~ Joan

Michelle said...

Awesome quilts! Fellow bingo-er (Okay, so I just made that up) It was great to read about your story.

Kim said...

Great job with all the quilts you've done. Thanks for sharing your story. It's always the ones we aren't completely happy with that turns out to be the one our family loves the most.

Paula Lynn said...

Congrats on having your name drawn from a fellow "winner".

Susan said...

Hello from Australia!!

I came to visit from SPRING FEVER!! Enjoyed looking through your blog. I really enjoyed reading your quilting journey.

Well done on all you have done!!!

Regards,

Kim D. said...

Beautiful Quilts Kris and a wonderful story about your journey.