Quilting.
Oh, how I’ve dreamed of quilting over the years. I’ve spent a decade plus painting quilts, too afraid to break out that sewing machine. Believe me, I’ve so enjoyed painting barn quilts, but over the past two years, the fabric and the thread and my untouched machine sitting in its box started calling to me. Once I stumbled upon Lori Holt, Kimberly Jolly and her shop Fat Quarter Shop, it was game over, and I was done dreaming and not doing.
I’m finally answering that call.
In December, I got on Etsy and purchased a beginner’s quilt block pattern and instructions from a shop called StaceyLeeCreative. It was for a Nine Patch Quilt Block, came with written instructions and a YouTube video. Plus, it only cost $3.50. I have nothing to lose.
I found some quilting fabric in my craft stash, so this has to be meant to be, right? Actually, I had been slowly buying a few things over the past few years in preparation for this quilting journey. I remember purchasing this fabric bundle from
Shabby Fabrics back in 2017. Then, a few years ago I bought a rotary cutter and a ruler, but last month, I caught a sale at Joann’s, and bought some more rulers and a cutting mat at 50% off. I also purchased a Lori Holt binder, and my husband sweetly gifted me some Lori Holt notions for Christmas. As I type this out, and see the year 2017, I can’t help but think “Wow, I really plan in advance, don’t I?!” It’s so silly. Look how much time I’ve wasted simply
thinking about quilting.
I was watching a YouTube video last week from Kimberly Jolly (love her!) at Fat Quarter Shop, and she showed an item they carry - it’s simply a wooden block with grooves in it to hold your rulers. I’m not sure how recent the video was, and I’m sure I couldn’t find it again if I tried. I showed it to my husband and he went right out to the garage and made me one from some scrap wood. He’s a sweetie! Once the weather warms up I’m gonna smooth the edges on it and spray paint it a pretty color!
Don’t you love my HUGE binder with only two patterns in it? 😂
I got my sewing machine unpacked while we were snowed in, and will find a YouTube video for my exact machine to make sure I’m setting everything up correctly before I start. I have a Brother CE1100PRW. Can I even (mini) quilt on this thing? Who knows. Either way, it’s happening. The thread I ordered will be here Wednesday. I can’t wait to get started!
Here’s the pretty fabric I found in my stash. I already had the wool ironing pad, but am waiting to see if I enjoy quilting before I buy a smaller iron. I brought our big iron upstairs to use, and it’s really heavy. If I really get into this, I’ll probably be purchasing an Oliso iron. Check out the adorable Lori Holt bonnet needle minder my husband bought me! 🥰
I hope you’ll stick around, because I plan on documenting my progress - my HONEST progress, warts and all. And if you have any tips and advice- please please leave them in the comments!
Wish me luck!
I hope to have an update by 1/19/25.
-Bunny
Here are the links to the two beginners patterns I purchased:
You are set to have a fun time! I look forward to seeing your journey. My best advice is to just enjoy yourself, and seems like you are doing that already. ;) I think my biggest issue has always been perfecting a quarter inch seam. I finally bought a quarter inch foot, and it has been a real help to me.
ReplyDeleteYour hubby is like mine, see it and make it. Mine made me a ruler holder like yours a few years ago, and it is my favorite tool, so handy!
--Linda at Texas Quilt Gal
You are in for a very good start! 9-patch blocks are the easiest to start with. May I give you an advice; do pay attention to 1/4" seam. If your machine comes with a 1/4" foot, use it. Pretty fabrics from your stash. I wish my DH was as handy as yours, to make a ruler holder! Cute binder too. Have fun and enjoy your quilting journey! All the best!
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