Threads of Thought
Needles, thread, scissors, sewing machines. Women gathered, chattering away, while fingers stitched quilts together. The banter, laughter. The smell of coffee brewing.
These are some of the memories I have of growing up in a sewing community. The church ladies, yes; but also neighbors, friends. A beautiful creative legacy.
My grandmother was a seamstress, my mother sewed clothes and quilts, my sister-in-law quilts, has owned a quilt shop, and now teaches quilting. Playing with fabric has been part of me for as long as I can remember. When I quilt, I’m with all of these ladies in heart. One of my current projects is applique. I am using some of my grandmother’s needles as I stitch (pictured above — zowie, are they sharp!). It fills me with joy to use some of the tools that she so often used.
Did I grow up loving to play with needle and thread? No, actually. But I have always had a love affair with fabric — the feel, the patterns, the colors. And so, later in life I learned to quilt.
I’m primarily self-taught; however, I have family and friends who have nurtured my quilting through the years. I’m an avid reader, so when I want to learn a new technique I read about it, watch it, then try it. I just beginning to enjoy quilt classes.
I usually have several projects going at once (don’t we all?). Sometimes I stick with one until it’s finished, sometimes only until I feel like I need a break from it. Eventually they get finished. Even while I’m working on projects, another is brewing in my head. I enjoy every minute of it.
So — welcome to my quilting life. Soon I’ll post some pictures of what I’m up to. For now, feel free to follow me on my journey.
6 Comments
Kathy Soukup
Yes Wendy! I was into quilting in the late 80’s & into the 90’s. Just got back into quilting. I too have always loved fabric. ? Best wishes to you from Missouri.
piecefulwendy
Good to hear from you, Kathy! I didn’t realize you were in Missouri now. I hope you have some fun quilt projects in the works!
Linda Watkins
You sound like me, Wendy. I have several projects started, just to break the monotony; and I’m constantly brainstorming about what I can do next. With so many projects going at once, they are ‘slow going;’ but I keep at them and eventually get them finished. I also have two quilt tops that my mom wanted me to finish for her.
piecefulwendy
I’ve seen some of your projects, Linda, and they are beautiful. Slow going is better than not going at all 🙂
LuAnn Dorr
I remember walking into your mother’s quilting room and being blown away by the colors and fabrics. I didn’t know she quilted until then. I will quilt vicariously through your blog, as my current obsession is knitting. Your cousin, LuAnn
piecefulwendy
And I, in return, will knit vicariously through you. I tried knitting when I was 3 and quickly gave it up. 🙂 I have done some knitting, but enjoy quilting much more. Good to hear from you!