Hope you had a nice weekend. It's very cold here - Bbrrrrrrrr - and about to become colder still. Great cozy quilt weather! Good thing I've got lots of quilts to cuddle under. I'm also feeling a lot better every day. I still have about 10 days to go until I can drive myself around town, and boy, will I ever love that! My family has been great about taking me hither and yon, but I'd still like to get around on my own. I also finished listening to The Help, and loved it. I have a new Nicholas Sparks book to listen to next, called Safe Haven. Hoping to get to that later this week. On to more important stuff......
How about a new contest?
Guess what? Journey 2 of the Prairie Women's Sewing Circle is finally finished!!!! YEAY!! I celebrated all weekend. The covers have been printed and I'm about to take the patterns to the printer. (Have to wait for a ride there.....ugh!) Anyway, I want to celebrate with a contest.
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| The Quilting Gathering - Prairie Women's Sewing Circle Journey 2 |
This quilt, called The Quilting Gathering, is one of the new projects in Journey 2. The story is about how quilter's in the nineteenth century made and quilted their quilts. This quilt has a paper piecing template which makes this block turn out picture perfect! Leave me a comment on how you learned to quilt...who taught you, how long have you been quilting, and anything else you'd like to share. What will you win? Well...how about a kit to make this quilt from the same fabrics I used, and the complete pattern set for Journey 2! Comment before midnight Friday ~ January 21st, and I will do the random number thingy to choose a winner. Can't wait to read your quilting stories!
I found a quilt in a thrift shop that I had to have but one day I decided to wash it. Well, I wasn't very knowledgeable and that decision turned out to be very distressing... yes, I ruined the quilt! So, I decided that I had to contribute back and replace the treasure I had destroyed, so I found a local lady who quilted and she taught me how to quilt. It was a sampler quilt. I have now been quilting for 14 years and couldn't imagine not having this art as a part of my life!
ReplyDeleteHi Pam, Well it looks like your on the mend & I'm so happy for you. I will look those books up you mentioned. I also like to (listen) to books while sewing. That's called multi tasking,right? LOL I started quilting when I was in my late 20's and the fun hasn't stopped. So thats like 30 years of learning. The more I learn the more I love quilting. And thanks to people like you and my own self taught lesons I am having the time of my life. I finished all of Journey 1 & am excited about starting #2. Can't wait to see you soon!!! Karen Schultz
ReplyDeleteHi Pam, I have just discovered your blog and your Prairie Women's Sewing Circle Club. I think the patterns are wonderful and I plan to go back and do Journey 1, as well as the new one. Many of your followers would say I'm a fairly new quilter, as I've only been quilting for four and a half years. But I have been quilting CONSTANTLY since that time and have made many quilts. I love reproduction fabrics and I love small, so your patterns are perfect for me. I'm looking forward to following you on future journeys. Carla
ReplyDeleteWhat a great contest! I am doing Journey 1 with a group in CLara City MN at Shades of the Past Quilts and we are all anxious to see Journey 2--such a FUN gathering! When did I start quilting? Not really sure-I mostly did garment sewing until I could resist the pull no longer...piecing I have done for a long time but the actual quilting part I am not even confident enough to say that I can do it yet...I would like to know what exciting thing you are planning to do for your maiden voyage when you get clearance to drive? Quilt Shop? DQ?
ReplyDeleteHi Pam! I'm very excited about Journey 2... I miss the monthly meetings. My mom has been quilting for quite some time and got me involved about 3 or 4 years ago. I don't have much time for quilting (I work full time, go to school, and have four children), but I love it! See you in a few weeks for our next Journey =)
ReplyDeleteHeather Potts
Looking forward to Journey 2. I took a quilting class in the 70s, a refresher in the 90s. I like piecing but actual quilting, not so much, so I have lots of kits and few finishes. Now that I'm retired and so many long-arm quilters are available, I have plans!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful quilt! Thanks for the chance to win a kit and pattern. I was 8 years old and in 4-H when I made my first tote bag. I was taught by 4-H leaders, my mother and older sister. I continued to sew clothing for myself and then children. I didn't make my first quilt until my oldest son was 7 yrs. old. I pieced it by hand and my mother help me draft the bow-tie block (with set-in seams). She has always been my "go to" person for quilting advice. I still piece quilts by hand but not everything. I love using my Featherweight or Singer 301A for machine piecing.
ReplyDeleteMy quilt journey began (kind of) when my husband said "do you want a sewing machine for Christmas?" I said no - but knowing how he is I knew that I would get one. I was right - he was playing with it - made socks for the dog (that makes me laugh). I put it in the closet and never used it. Then about 15 years ago, some ladies from my church somehow convinced me to come meet with them and make a quilt. I actually only went a couple of times - was busy - working full time, going to school at night, and raising 2 kids. So, I got the basics from them then taught myself the rest as I went. My first quilt was a king size log cabin (what the heck was I thinking). One thing has led to another and now my big quilts have become teeny, tiny quilt jewelry which is now my full time job! Wow - thank goodness I got that sewing machine and the ladies talked me in to coming. I can't imagine what I would do without quilting!
ReplyDeleteI participated in Journey 1 at my local quilt shop and am looking forward to Journey 2. Growing up, I did not sew or have any interest in it. In fact, I didn't learn how to quilt or sew until my mid 20s. I learned to quilt by taking a beginners class at my local quilt shop from an award-winning quilter. I've now been quilting about 12 years and am loving it.
ReplyDeleteI just started quilting in the fall of 2005. Living with an incurable form of leukemia keeps me in the house more during cold and flu season; so thought I should learn to put my sewing machine to use more than just shortening hubby's pantlegs. I had seen quilts of a couple friends and was really intrigued by them, so took a few classes and then took off on my own. I have alot of WIPs and a great stash now, didn't take long for me to learn to appreciate great fabrics and patterns lol. I now own 3 machines....my old faithful Kenmore, a Janome Gem for taking along, and a Janome Horizon that hubby surprised me with this year.
ReplyDeleteI have developed a deep interest in Civil War fabrics over the last year or so. Would be such a joy to win that kit; as Jo Morton is on my list of favorites.
My Grandma machine pieced and hand quilted all her bedsize quilts. My mom machine pieced and tied all her quilts with yarn. I love machine piecing and hand piecing and I do some hand quilting but send the bed size quilts to the quilter. I am so fortunate that my three daughters are quilters too, the ties that bind! Can't wait to get started on Journey 2. Grandma Rita
ReplyDeleteI took a beginners class or two. Classes are not my thing, but it gave me a start. The rest was from watching TV, talking to internet friends, and trying to read patterns. I have a bad habit of reading something other than what is printed on the page.
ReplyDeleteBillie
My Mom taught me how to sew when I was 5. I made all my clothes until my late twenty's. I did not discover quilting until my late 30's when I saw a paperpieced jacket that a friend of my Mom had made and I fell in love. I traded in my very old Kenmore sewing machine on a "computerized" machine and my friends thought I had fallen off the face of the earth as I was home all the time quilting. Quilting is my passion, my therapy and I never get tired of it. Now I love learning the history of quilting. Pam, I have absolutely love your Journey series. I am looking forward to Journey 2 and many more to come.
ReplyDeleteTake care ;)
I loved to do something with a needle in my hand for as long as I can remember. Spending summers at my grandparents, I learned to stitch at the feet of my grandmother. But, no one in my family quilted. When my oldest child was born (30 years ago) my mom would come every Wednesday so I could have a mom's day out and do something for myself. I found myself a lovely little shop 20 minutes away, took a beginner class where we drew templates on the back of cereal boxes, cut them with scissors and stitched everything by hand. I was in heaven. I feel I've come a very long way since that first class- I love my rotary cutter and rulers, but I find that I still love to do handwork! I love tried and true, and keep going back to "the old way"....maybe that is why I love reproductions so much? Thank you for your fabulous designs.I find they speak to me, and I am excited to begin exploring the history and patterns of Journey 2.
ReplyDeleteHi Pam,
ReplyDeleteHooray for the completion of Journey 2!!! I can't wait to start receiving your new patterns and getting busy with them. :-) Quilting seemed like a natural transition for me after having sewed everything from my own clothes, wedding gowns, baby's clothes and a lot of home dec. I didn't have the time when I was working full time, but after taking an early retirement due to my MS, etc., I too went to a quilt group at a local church and the rest is history as they say. That was in the mid 90's. I did however make a baby quilt for a friend when I was in my early 20's, but didn't know back then that's what they were called! LOL No other quilters or sewers in my family. I have taken a few BOM classes too, but am mostly self taught. I have learned SO much from your patterns, Pam!! So glad to hear that you're doing better. Thanks for such a fantastic contest/giveaway! You are so generous! Take care, Karla
No one on either side of my family quilted, so I took a course in the Community School. This was back before rotary cutters. We did everything by hand and made templates out of cardboard. I drifted away from quilting and then took another class at the Community School with a great teacher when I was pregnant with triplets. I think it saved my sanity!
ReplyDeleteNext week is my birthday and I would love to win this beautiful kit and membership to club 2.
Marilyn in NJ
When I was in high school (in 1979!) there was one week set aside which offered the opportunity to take special classes, go on mission trips, etc. I took a quilting class and learned the log cabin pattern (which is still my favorite!). I didn't quilt much after that until I happened to find a quilt program on public television and saw the new techniques using rotary cutters and mats and rulers. I knew I wanted to get started again....and I haven't quit!
ReplyDeleteHi Pam...
ReplyDeleteI am in love with your Journey 2!!
Actually, I am a self-taught quilter of about 12 years. Never wanted to have anything to do with fabric, thread, or needles until I grew up and moved away from home. But once that bug hit, it hung on. I'm so thankful that it has, though, because I have met the nicest people because of quilting!
Thank you for the chance to win...Kristine
As a little girl, I had a quilt on my bed that was made by my great grandmother. She would piece all winter and when her mother-in-law and her sister would come for the summer, they would set up the big frame in the front room and quilt them. I wasn't able to learn from her, but I started quilting when my children were small and haven't stopped for over 30 years. I am named for that grandmother, and I think she would be proud that I continue to quilt, knit, crochet, and and embroider with her genetic encouragement. I continue to learn everyday thanks to the blogging world. Thanks for the generous giveaway.
ReplyDeleteKathy
I fell in love with the huge quilt my friend and I shared to cover up ourselves while watching TV shows on one freezing cold night in SF. Then I asked her what it is(I had no clue!) and who made that. She took me to her LQS in Bay area, SF and they directed me to see my LQS in Arizona to take a beginner's classes. And I did. That was about 12 years ago. That was my very first time to touch the sewing machine, iron and everything to make the quilt. I had about 8 yeras of blank time, then happily restarted quilting 2 years ago :)
ReplyDeleteI took an after school sewing class in 8th grade and fell in love with fabric. The path to quilting came much later when a friend and I took a quilting class at a local quilting store for something to do after work. That was it. I've been hooked ever since.
ReplyDeleteI've been sewing since I was 8, plus other needle arts. I always admired and loved quilts, and didn't think about creating them until my 20's. Then motherhood appeared and sewing fell into a long hibernation. The past five years has sent me on an adventurous journey of rediscovering sewing and quilting. A whole new education! I enjoy Prairie Women not only for the inspiration, but also for the wonderful ladies I have met. Sharon
ReplyDeleteI learned to hand-quilt from my grandma. Piecing came much later - I'm self-taught. Have been teaching in quilt shops for 12 years.
ReplyDeleteIn 2000, I was property manager for an office building when the sister of a girl I went to high school with rented an office from me. Shortly after she moved in she asked if I wanted to take a quilting class. I said yes....and the rest is history. Good thing I did not know that making an Ohio Star with pieces that were 1.5" square was not the best thing for a beginning project! I look at that wallhanging today and wonder how I managed to complete it with no quilting experience. I still have the one practice square we started with to remind me of when my quilting passion began. Thanks, Pam, for the contest....it is so great to read all of these wonderful stories of our common love of quilting!
ReplyDeleteCarol from PWSC
Hi Pam! I have been patiently waiting and I'm ready for Journey 2! I love your patterns and style. I was bit by the quilt bug around 1999 and got hooked on online swaps and did the Y2K charm swap where I swapped 25 - 2 1/2" squares and a signature square with ladies from around the world. I learned alot about fabric quality and colors from all of those little swatches I received in the mail. I made a 9 patch quilt with a block from each lady and I am still using the remaining charm squares in my scrappy projects. I started quilting on my own, learning from books. I finally started taking classes and realized I had been doing things the hard way. I am grateful for all that I have learned from my quilt teachers over the years. I continue to learn new things and never tire of reading quilt books and trying out new patterns. I see a quilt block or pattern or new technique I like and I just have to try it out. I have quite a few UFO's but also have finished many quilts. Quilting is my passion and I spend as much time and money on my hobby as my honey spends on golf. We are very compatible and enjoy having time apart to pursue our own interests and time together after. He is as crazy about golf as I am about quilting and plays year round which leaves my weekend mornings free to do my own thing. I don't know what I would do without quilting. I feel blessed to have something in my love that gives me such peace. Thanks for your wonderful patterns. I have enjoyed the patterns from Prairie Women's Sewing Circle Journey One. I'm looking forward to many more journeys with you! Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteKatie
I made my first quilt in 1976 when I decided to make a Bicentennial bed quilt for my son. Today it makes a great picnic quilt.
ReplyDeleteWhat a generous prize!! My mother taught me to hand sew when I was 4 years old and that started my love of sewing. I began quilting in approximately 1996. I started slowly because I was still teaching but now that I am retired it is full speed ahead. Quilting is an important part of my life. Through it, I have made many wonderful friends and it also lets me be creative.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your quilting talents with us.
Charlotte S.
My first memories of sewing was sitting on the floor when I was 6,my mom sewing her and my clothes on the machine...I always imagined myself quilting only when I was old LOL but then 5 years ago I got pregnant and took my first quilting class to make a baby blanket...and never stopped since then. It's not only a hobby, but a passion and inspiration and brings so many wonderful creative women together. Thanks for inviting us to tell our stories :0)
ReplyDeleteHugs, Sandra
My story is that I nearly flunked "home ec" in junior high school. The teacher told me point blank, "You'll never be any good at sewing." Some years later, my husband-to-be took me to visit his grandmother and I fell in love with the quilts she had on all of the beds. I SO wanted to be able to make one of these myself, but the home-ec teacher had implanted herself in my brain. Fast forward about twenty years -- my niece spent a day teaching a group of family members to make a log cabin quilt in one day, using Eleanor Burns methods. I was hooked and never looked back! I've made and given away dozens of quilts over the past twenty-two years and look forward to many more. But I sure wouldn't give one to that home-ec teacher.
ReplyDeleteMy mother and grandmother were seamstresses, so growing up I learned to sew starting with doll clothes. I eventually made my own clothes and home dec items. I studied design in college so it was natural for me to turn to quilts for their graphic design. That was over 35 years ago! I taught myself to quilt but since joining a guild about 10 years ago, I have learned so much more and had fun meeting other quilters in the process.
ReplyDelete