Why make a quilt?

I have to confess. I really just like to sit at my sewing machine and sew. Sure I like to make things while I sit there, but really, the whole process of using the sewing machine is just soothing to me.

It’s probably why, as long as I’m not on a deadline, I don’t even mind taking out a few stitches to make a corner match.

More than just sewing

But why I do like quilting especially?

Some would say that it’s because of all the different design possibilities. There are so many fabrics to use and patterns to try.

Sure it’s fun to pick out fabrics and design new patterns. It’s fun to play with colors and design.

But it’s the most fun when you are doing it for someone else.

Sharing your love

Nothing beats thinking about someone you love – the interests they have and the colors they like – and then making something just for them.

Well, maybe the look in their eyes when you give it to them. And with quilts that feeling lasts.

Recently I was looking through my old quilt pictures from the early 2000s when I was doing a lot more quilting. I was trying to find a picture to illustrate a quilting technique for a blog post. But I came across two particular pictures:

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This teddy bear and quilt were for a friend who was having her 5th child. She had decorated the nursery with these fabrics and wondered if I could make the extra into a quilt for the crib. They were decorator fabrics, so it was a little tricky. But I got it done, and then made a little matching teddy bear as a surprise.

This blue quilt was for an old friend from college. It was a wedding gift. The couple had picked out all blues in an oceany feel for their registry, so I got a bunch of batiks and made an oceany quilt. I remember it being a little nerve wracking quilting it on my long arm because batiks are so unforgiving of mistakes (the needle holes stay behind if you have to rip out stitches).

Quilts bring lasting joy

So why do I tell you all this?

I mean, it’s been 20 years and before I ran across the pictures again I could only have vaguely described them to you.

But over the past 20 years both these friends have randomly mentioned how much they like the quilts. The teddy bear is still in the girl’s room, the quilt is still on the couple’s bed (but it’s getting a little tattered – I need to make another).

What I made for them brought a little joy into their lives – for 20 years and counting. Their joy brings me joy.

If you are already a quilter, you know what I’m talking about.

If you haven’t started quilting yet? I want to help you have that same experience.

That’s why I started this blog. Why I share little tips and tricks online. Why I created my beginner quilting course.

It’s really worth it to learn how to quilt so you can start making some gifts of love.

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