A New Hobby

I was cruising around Pinterest last summer and found myself drawn to quilt patterns...simple ones...the kind a 10-year-old could crank out if given a sewing machine and some fabric. Still, as I was pinning table runners, baby quilts (less overwhelming that a queen size version), and various blocks into a new folder aptly titled "Quilting", I convinced myself that quilting might be a fun hobby and a new outlet for creativity.

 

After some time on YouTube and reading several tutorials, I was off and sewing. For me, the pre-cut fabrics are a blessing for this novice quilter. No cutting errors or slipping of the rotary blade (ouch!), just put the pattern together, piece and sew. The challenge is to know when to stop buying fabric. It is SO easy to build a stash of fabric for that "someday project" (especially when there is such a beautiful fabric store near my house http://inspirefabrics.com. I'm beginning to wonder if a 12-step program should be considered.

 

If you are thinking about the hobby for yourself, a bit of advice - invest in a couple of necessary tools to minimize seam ripping (I wrote "minimize" not "eliminate"). These include a 1/4-inch foot and a walking foot. You see, if you are like me, I am incapable of keeping my seams to 1/4 "scant inch" without help. That little foot is the BEST for piecing fabric together and the walking foot keeps the layers of fabric from puckering on the underneath side of the quilt sandwich. I will admit that prior to finding these little gems I was teetering on the idea of finding a new, less exasperating hobby altogether, as I do not enjoy seam ripping. It is neither relaxing or pleasurable as an activity. However, I would also have to contend with the fabric in the closet (you have no idea) and what to do with all of THAT. Well, no worries now!

 

So nine months into my hobby I have gifted multiple table runners and a few simple throw quilts but now I am ready for a big project - the guest room bed. Oh yeah, the guest room is getting it own special quilt. Not quite put together but you get the general idea of what the topper will look like. There is still quite a bit of work to do but my goal is to have it completed by the end of May, then on the Christmas presents. I have some dandy ideas for this year! ;)