Sewing is a lot like life...sure, there are patterns for just about everything, but in order to love what you do, or love what you make, you have to change the pattern to make it your own regardless if the change is a fraction of an inch or the length of a yard. And more often that not, those choices you make to change the pattern do not work out exactly the way you hope. It can be frustrating and challenging, and sometimes you have have to rip it all apart at the seams and start completely over. Which requires patience. A lot of patience. But in doing so, you create something that is far more rewarding, and far more beautiful, then what you started with.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Quilting #1: I am going to learn how to Quilt!

True to my New Year's resolution to try new things and challenge myself, I've taken another few steps in the right direction towards another challenge.....I am starting to collect tutorials and fabrics for my very first quilt.

Deep breath.....breathe in....breathe out.....I can't actually believe I just said it out loud....because I've now put it out there into the bloggy universe and now I can't not do it. And I am nervous about it. Really nervous.

Thankfully, so thankfully, the incredible talented and inspiring Rachel at Stiched in Color was so nice to respond to my question about the best way to get started learning how to quilt...in fact, she pointed me to her incredibly comprehensive series she documented for quilt beginners on her blog called the Stiched in Color Colorbrick Quilt Along for Beginners. Y'all, let me tell you, if you have never quilted before, this should be your first resource! I am still reading through it all because I want to familiarze myself with all the steps before I start, but she covers everything from selecting fabric, to how to cut and chain fabric together, to how to baste, quilt and bind. And it is all broken down into individuals tutorials. Check it out today if you are thinking that you want to learn how to quilt...it is AWESOME!
Plus, I know my brilliant stepmom will be there to hold my hand, every step of the quilting way.
In addition to starting to familiarze msyself with the quilting process, I am also starting to collect fabrics that I love for the Colorbrick quilt in Rachel's beginner series. This quilt calls for at least 10 coordinating Fat Quarters, so I went through my stash this evening and found a few base pieces that I think I want to use and build my quilt around.



I LOVE LOVE LOVE Amy Butler's Bliss Bouquet in Emerald! Isn't it so pretty?! I made may favorite Amy Butler Birdie Sling in it last year and I think it may be one of my absolute most favorite fabrics, not only on my shelf, but of all time. Bold statement? I know.

Eek! I can't believe I'm really getting started, though I know it is going to be a long process because I am not going to rush it, which is going to be hard for me. Wish me luck!

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6 comments:

  1. SandyFebruary 5, 2011 at 9:28 AM

    Thank you so much for the link. I too am wanting to learn to quilt. I will definitely check this out. :)

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  2. The Paisley AbbeyFebruary 5, 2011 at 9:31 AM

    I love that Amy Butler print too. You will have to keep us updated as you work through the process!

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  3. KristenFebruary 5, 2011 at 10:00 PM

    Oooh, you're on the verge of quiltmaking--I love that! I can't wait to see what you come up with!

    Thanks for visiting my blog. :)

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  4. Stephanie @ Love. Life. Read February 6, 2011 at 1:01 PM

    I just stumbled across your blog today. :) I subscribed so I can keep following you along your journey. I have to learn to quilt on my wish list for this year too. :) Thank you for pointing me to some great tutorials.

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  5. Stephanie @ Love. Life. Read February 6, 2011 at 1:02 PM

    Oh, I have to say I LOVE Amy Butler too. :)

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  6. millieFebruary 7, 2011 at 7:33 AM

    You are going to love it, Emily. Making quilt tops and other patchwork is my favorite part of sewing. The quilting part is the hardest for me- I advise you to start with a baby or lap sized quilt, not a bedsize quilt. Have fun! I can't wait to see your quilt!

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