My Quilting Story
Quilting wasn’t even my idea, it was my husband's!
My first foray into hand crafts was the result of a project for my university art education class. We were to learn a new art form and document our process. At the time, I was working at a private care home and one of the ladies I looked after was always working on a crochet project. I asked if she would teach me and we had many delightful hours together. Crochet gave way to trying other art forms over the years. After I was married, I wanted to follow the “traditional” wedding anniversary gifts. Cotton is the second anniversary gift and I decided that cloth napkins in our wedding colours were needed. I didn’t know how to sew and no one I knew was willing to take on a commission project. I was determined to have those napkins so I decided I'd do it myself. I Googled where to buy a sewing machine and saw a store a couple blocks up from where we live. We went over to check the place out. While I was busy with machine demos, my husband was walking around looking at all the quilts. About an hour later we walked out with my first sewing machine. My husband informed me on our way home that I needed to make him a quilt after I learned how to sew. I did. I was hooked! Right after that first quilt, I made a second one, 90"x110", for our bed. I quickly decided that I did not enjoy basting my quilt sandwich and quilting on my little 6" throat space machine. At this point, I was either going to stop making quilts or decide to pay someone to long arm. So we started talking about buying a long arm. It was really important to my husband that I have what I needed to enjoy this hobby of mine. I did some research and settled on Grace Company because that quilt shop two blocks from me happened to be a dealer for them. They had a summer sale and it was an incredible deal, I haven't seen one that good since. I was nervous about making the purchase. I have a history of trying an art form, purchasing supplies, and then losing interest shortly after. Definitely, this was a lot of crazy in making this purchase. It turned out to be a good crazy because I have gained a new passion and art form. Sometimes the roads best journeyed are the ones that are unexpected and directed through other people. I come from an entrepreneurial family. My parents have their own businesses. I now have two. My first and primary business is teaching piano. I have 40 students in my studio that I am very proud of. They work hard and we all have a lot of fun together. My husband and I also have motorcycles. I rode before we were married and got him into it too. I sometimes ride with a group in July and August. Several of the ladies in the bike group also quilt - nothing like seeing us all decked out in our gear comparing photos and talking about our latest project! I also enjoy being active - walking, snowboarding and hiking are some of things my husband and I do together. When I really want to relax, I like to curl up with a good book or play a video game. |