I am fascinated by lost arts in America. Quilting is one of those lost arts. People just don't do it anymore. I had always been fascinated by the quilts that I had seen on my grandmother's bed, and in other homes and shops that I had come across.
Great Great Grandma's Handsewn Quilt
When I was younger, my mother sewed blankets for each of us kids. My blanket is long gone, but I have at least one brother that still has his. I had it in my head that it would be amazing if I could make a quilt for my kids. I just had no idea how to make one. I did have a sewing machine, but this would be very different than sewing up a seam that had split open.
I had no idea where to start or what supplies would be needed. It all felt very intimidating. I was helping a woman clean and organize her office years ago. We had been chatting for hours when the subject of quilting came up. It turns out that she knew how to quilt and also offered to teach me. I could not believe it. I had just had my 3rd child, and my first son. I was enamored with the idea of making him a quilt.
The first thing we did was decide what size I wanted to do, and I needed to come up with a design. She guided me on different ways that I could incorporate different square and rectangle shapes in order to come up with my planned quilt. I drew it out in my journal. I decided on an Americana theme.
direct from my journal circa 2009
She helped me decide how many types of fabric to get, and we even went to different fabric stores together. She showed me which types of fabric and thread to buy and also how much.
Next, she explained how to prep the fabric with washing it and ironing it all out before continuing forward with cutting. She gave me options for different ways to sew all the squares together. She also showed me different supplies to get. I had no idea there were such things as cutting mats and fabric cutters. They even have fabric cutters that are wheeled almost like pizza cutters! They also have rulers and squares for being able to cut edges easier. This was a whole new world to me.
She came to my house many times to guide me through the cutting and ironing process, and then helped me be able to piece everything together. It took months, but I finally made my first quilt for my first-born son. I treasure that quilt. My son loves it too.
I stitched his name on the border
the completed quilt, 10+ years old
I do need to make some more. I enjoyed the process. Learning something new and making it with your own hands is exhilarating. I would recommend it for anyone, no matter what that something is. There is just something raw and satisfying about doing it yourself and being able to learn a new skill. It also makes me happy that I can teach my daughters and keep the "lost art" alive a little longer.