I have loved working with fabric since I took a sewing class in junior high school. At that time, I made everything from men’s shirts to ice skating dresses. Then I went off to college and didn’t have time to sew for a few years. I took a quilting class in 1982 but, for some reason, it didn’t stick. Then I took another quilting class in 2019 and this time it really stuck! I’ve been making quilts ever since, and loving it. I love the colors, the designs, and the satisfaction I get when I complete a new quilt.
People ask me what I do with all the quilts I make, which comes out to about one every two weeks. I keep my favorites, give many to family and friends, and donate the rest to people in need.
I started keeping a notebook in 2020. I wish I had started at the beginning of my quilting journey. In the notebook, I write the name of the pattern, if there is one, the name of the fabric, if known, and notes I take as I go. I also include a photo of the finished quilt. Since I give so many away, I like having a photo to remember quilts I have made but no longer have in our home. I also keep track of the number of the quilt, that is how many I’ve made up to that point. I have no idea why I do that but I do.
I notice that I like to write down everything I learn. I think that’s because I like organizing my thoughts into logical categories and also because I don’t want to have to remember everything. I especially like having project steps written down so I can go back to them later. I figured since I’m writing them down anyway, I might as well share them with others. Here is the Introduction I came up with for absolute beginners at making quilts.