Monday, February 3, 2014

My First Quilting Class

My maternal grandmother created beautiful quilts.  The one she made for me is a cherished possession.

Photo: GRANDMA ATHA
Grandma was an avid gardener, too!
I've wanted to learn, but never seemed to find the time.  You've heard all about my 20 Wishes and how I set goals for things I WANT to do.  Well in 2013, I actually set aside the time and learned to quilt. Would you like to hear about it?

(I was not compensated for this post.)  My class was at The Rabbit's Lair in Historic Downtown Rogers, Arkansas last Fall.  If you are in Northwest Arkansas looking for a class, oh my, call The Rabbit's Lair.  It is located in a lovely, grand, old three story building filled with fabric and inspiration!
 
 
My teacher, Sheila, was well prepared and ready to work!  In one day, we cut, sewed AND quilted a lovely little table runner!  Did I mention we did all that In One Day?  Whew!  Sheila really knows how to get things done!
 
 
Here's my completed project.  I learned MANY things in that one little day! So much, that I was kind of overwhelmed with it all.  Probably the biggest epiphany was that I prefer bold color contrasts on quilts.  While I do love my little Autumnal table runner, I now realize my eyes would like for those large vibrant pears to really pop against something besides the smaller pear print.  Live and learn, right?
 
BTW...  I've already completed another quilting class and I can't wait to show you those results!  The color contrasts are definitely fearless.
 
What fabric choices do you enjoy in quilts?  Do you prefer subtle or bold color contrasts?
 
;-)  -Marci

23 comments:

  1. I can't wait to see the quilt you have done. Your table runner is a great first quilt project. I dare say that my first project was not near as nice.

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  2. Good for you!!!! Quilting is an art and its way too ambitious for me seeing that i dont know how to thread my sewing machine.
    I'm proud of you and cant wait to see your next project.
    That picture of your grandmother is too precious and it made me a bit teary eyed because it reminded me of my great grandmother in her garden. So sweet!

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  3. Oh I think that sounds like a great quilt class! Heather at the Beating Hearth has made some fun quilts..you should check them out! Can't wait to see what you learned in your second class.

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  4. Loved your post - I so admire people who can make quilts! Stopping by from The Great Blog Train to wish you an awesome weekend! :)

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  5. Your table runner is beautiful, and the post inspiring. Quilting is also on my list of "want to learn". I need to look for classes to get myself started. Would love to see more of your quilting.

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  6. Wow, that looks great for a first project! I can't wait to see future ones. Thanks for linking up to Snickerdoodle Sunday.

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  7. I too learned how to quilt in 2013! I've decided I'm a colors up against a white backdrop kind of girl. Definitely high contrast.
    And yes, the Rabbit's Lair is my place to go if I've got three hours to burn. Anything less and I don't feel as if I've had adequate time to take everything in!

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  8. That's a great first project! I like just about every color combo...right now I am working on blocks that have purple and green colors ( it is applique ) and then there's a brown background + other colors that I am quilting, and I started a block in reds and greens awhile back / it's fun to have the variety, for me at least :)

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  9. Love quilts! My grandmother made many of them. I spent many a Sunday afternoon playing under the big loom that hung from the ceiling in her dining room.

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  10. Oh wow, I love pretty quilts and such a treasure to have one from your grandmother. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

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  11. Marci that's awesome. my mum quilts watch out it is highly addictive. I would do more but with the little two it's just too hard to keep them out of the way.

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  12. Congratulations! I started quilting 11 months ago and just finished piecing my 22nd quilt. It's very addicting!

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  13. The picture of your grandmother caught my eye on the link-up! She looks so sweet and saintly! I finally finished my first real quilt last year, too. So happy for you that you were able to accomplish this! My aunt taught me, and I am not sure of the name of the pattern. It is such a sweet feeling to have completed a project like this. Who knows who will use our quilts through the years and take comfort in them. So happy to have met you today!

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  14. Marci, Beautiful table runner. I love the picture of your grandmother. I love to quilt, just got to make time. Good luck.
    Hugs,
    Wanda Ann @ Memories by the Mile

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  15. Quilts amaze me! Good for you! Thanks for sharing on The Four Seasons Blog Hop! Sandra from Scrumptilicious 4 You!

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  16. Good Morning Marci, I adore quilting and I am part of a group who quilt each Tuesday morning. I find this helps to focus me with my sewing, as there are always so many other things to do.
    Your Grandmother was a very talented lady and reminds me of my own Grandmother, Ivy. Your Grandmother would be so proud of you, knowing that you were following in her footsteps with regards to quilting. Everything in life is about learning, and you have learnt through quilting, the type of colours you prefer. Your table runner is lovely.... you must be thrilled to pieces with it.
    Personally, I love pastel colours, but on the other hand I can enjoy bright blues and reds.... it depends on how I feel on the day.
    Have fun quilting.
    Best Wishes
    Daphne

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  17. I like the bold contrasts. Why use a pattern if it won't be recognizable?
    Good luck on your quilting ventures. Reading blogs is a great way to learn some new tricks.
    Hugs

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  18. Your table runner looks great, Marci!!! I like bold contrasts the best.

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  19. Marci, I love that you are learning to quilt! I just recently started a blog, and am planning to start a DIY quilting series in the very near future, I wonder if you'd want to collaborate! (I promise I'm not just trying to promote my blog- but check it out and let me know what you think!)

    http://builditgirl.blogspot.com/

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  20. This is wonderful, thank you for coming back and sharing this with us at the #WWDParty.

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  21. Marci, as you might imagine, I loved this post. Cooking is not the only thing that connects us to each other and to the past! ♥ I'm featuring this at Treasure Box Tuesday 2/25! :) Thank you for sharing it.

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  22. Your table runner turned out lovely. As a quilter myself, I can tell you that you have started a wonderful new hobby and I look forward to seeing your next masterpiece.
    Have a Great Day,
    Suzanne
    Pieced Pastimes

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  23. I think your quilt turned out great. It seems ages and ages since I made my first one lol. I have it somewhere so I can see if I got better or not !! Good luck with all the new quilts you will make its addictive lol

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