I have had the privilege of teaching my good friend's daughter how to quilt. She asked me when she was 12 years old. She wanted to make a quilt from start to finish. I loved the journey of teaching new things to one so eager to learn.
Our first visit to a fabric shop was a magical time. Her mother just rolled her eyes as the daughter and I went from bolt to bolt touching, feeling, oohing and ahhing! She quickly had the store mapped out and knew the locations of all the colored prints and solids, the batiks, the animal prints etc. We were amazed how she had everything organized after a quick run through.
There was a special sale that day featuring a scrap pile. You could buy all the scraps you wanted for a certain price, but they had to fit into a small box that was provided. (Of course you could use as many boxes as you wanted, but you had to pay for each one.) It was amazing to see the many ways fabric was folded and stuffed into a box as no one wanted to pay for more than one, but that is another story.
We started digging in the scrap pile and the big find for my little sewing friend was the "Thirties" fabrics. She just went crazy each time she found another pattern in the pile. She soon had 10 or 12 women helping her search for her "magical" fabric. It was quite a sight to behold. Now I thought her favorite fabrics would be bright florals or animal prints or colorful batiks, but I was wrong. We did end up buying quite a few boxes! Well time has passed and she is now 16. She has made 4 or 5 quilts, some for herself, others as gifts. She still loves fabrics and when we visit the fabric stores, the same scenario is played over and over again.
In early December, we were shopping for fabric and we came upon this darling Christmas fabric with Santa Claus. Only this was a Santa Claus from the old story books way back when. My young teen went nuts and had to have it. She couldn't wait to add it to her stash. For Christmas, her mom took the fabric and made the cutest apron for her and she absolutely loves it.I have lots more to tell so if you enjoyed this, please follow me and don't forget to sign up. for my newsletter. Just add your name to the list.
Until next time...
Nan
I loved this article, Nan! I love to see young people interested in the old crafts and the 30/40's and reproduction fabrics. When Walmart closed their fabric departments because people aren't sewing anymore, I had to wonder where they were getting their information from. I know so many people who sew and quilt and so many grandchildren of my quilting friends who are now quilting at very young ages. I think we all want to get back to the basics....to a quieter more relaxing time when the world wasn't in such a hurry to go nowhere. Blessings my friend.
ReplyDeleteWonderful story, Nan! I just love hearing about young ones wanting to learn to quilt. It's a real privilege to be the one who teaches them, too. Like you, I'm glad to know that some of the older patterns, prints, and designs are still appreciated. So glad you shared this experience!
ReplyDeleteMaria,
DeleteIt has been a lot of fun teaching her. Thanks for your comment.
Linda, Thank you for your kind remarks. I know I love getting back to basics.
ReplyDeleteLoved your story about your friend's daughter. I have been quilting for over 30 years and my 9 year old grandson recently told me he wanted to make a quilt. I taught him how to use my very expensive sewing machine and he has started a quilt with four patch blocks - his corners match perfectly, and his seams are straight. He also made a square with a design of the sun and sun beams of satin stitching to include in his quilt. Forgive my bragging but he is truly amazing.
ReplyDeleteWow Susan, I would brag too! That is wonderful. You must be a very good teacher as he is doing so well. Thank you so much for sharing! Keep us posted on his progress!
DeleteHe has the blocks done and is in the process of attaching the sashing. It will be a long process but will certainly keep you informed.
DeleteThanks Susan,
DeleteThis is exciting!
Have a safe holiday weekend!
There is nothing better then sharing the love of quilting with someone who loves it as much as you do!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't have said it better! Thanks Missy!
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