7.31.2007

The Long and Winding Thread

Sooner or later this was going to bring us to the topic of Quilting. It is a path that has been long and circuitous for me.

Warning: This story is long and circuitous too.

It all started some time back in the early 80's when I had 4 children under the age of 6 or 7, and felt it was the duty of all young mothers . . . who were good mothers . . . to be creative, crafty little homemakers. (This involved stencilling fabric and putting it in embroidery hoops with lace hot-glued around the edge and hanging it on the wall in groupings with bunches of dried flowers.) But, I digress.

I did have sewing experience under my belt. Those experiences involved a home-ec teacher named Mrs. Smiley, (who did not) and an all too patient mother who would finish what I didn't after a certain period of time. As the mother of 3 little girls and 1 baby boy, however, I was proud to say that the children had sported a certain number of matching outfits at my hand, until a certain someone (hereafter known as "Mr. Ess" or "PDaddy.") put the ix-nay on the boy matching the girls thing.

But, I digress some more.

My first quilt was pieced on my machine and quilted by hand, all done by reading a magazine article. I still have it. (Actually, this daughter does.) I went back to sewing clothes for the girls and didn't quilt again for a few more years. At that point, I had the unusually bright idea to actually take a class in quilting. My first project for that was a pillow . . . which I do not still have . . . and that is really for the best. I made quilts (from patterns) off and on over the next several years.

In 2001 a good friend of mine -- who taught lots of classes -- asked me to be a part of a "Block Exchange" where everyone makes 12 of the same block (all with a "theme") and then exchanges them so each individual has 12 different blocks to make into a quilt. Then I did a really odd thing. I actually made them into a quilt, which apparently is not the norm. My friend complemented me on that and . . . a monster was born.

Not wanting to appear inexperienced, I designed all of my own blocks for the exchange quilts. At that point, drooling became commonplace for me, the room where I did sewing became a "Sewing Room" and I reaggrivated a herniated disc from sitting in one place so long. In 2003 I went to work at a fabric store and ended up teaching classes there.

If this turned out to be the most boring story in the history of mankind then I suggest that you go watch some paint dry to put things in perspective. As for me, I'm going upstairs to sew.

And I'm wearing a bib . . . 'cause it still makes me drool.

6 comments:

Mrs. Dub said...

sadly, as you own daughter and keep of the infamous quilt, i didn't know the details of your quilting journey. (maybe i was on a mission when the patchwork really got passionate?)

but i'm glad you quilt. now, if i could just figure out how to sew.

Angy said...

Mary, you're adorable! Yay for you blogging too :) And no worries, I didn't get bored at all with any of your stories!

Anonymous said...

Welcome to the blog world! You have always been SO creative. I will be checking your blog daily -- just like your daughters'.

Mrs. Dub said...

wow! had i realized other people might read my comment, i would have done spellcheck. (and typed with both hands.)

here's my edited remarks:
sadly, as youR own daughter and keepER of the infamous quilt, i didn't know the details of your quilting journey. (maybe i was on a mission when the patchwork really got passionate?)

but i'm glad you quilt. now, if i could just figure out how to sew.

ginny said...

I, for one, am really glad you like quilting. It sure came in handy on those three quilts I've made, all of which caused me to have a nervous breakdown. Thanks for finishing them.

Although I don't sew as much anymore, I have to say that when I do, I prefer a nice clothing project that can be completed within the day. Sorry we didn't inherit your patience.

hilari said...

sandie, i am so gald to read that you have a blog. i will make it part of my morning "must reads."