What’s Your Quilting Story?

I’m always interested in hearing how people got into quilting. Did you come from the garment sewing world, or was quilting your first step into the sewing world? There are some interesting stories to be told. I hope you’ll share yours with us by leaving a comment. Since I brought the subject up, it’s only fair that I go first. Right?

When I was in third grade, I took a sewing class taught by my mother. She did a lot of sewing including making dresses for my two sisters and me. I think the love of sewing is in my DNA. My Grandma was a dressmaker for her entire life, as was her Mother before her. Once I learned to create clothes, I was hooked. I sewed whatever I could get my hands on.

This is my Grandma. And me, as a baby.

One time I noticed the rags my Mother used for cleaning were fraying on the edges and I asked if I could hem them. Oh yes! I was desperate to sew anything!

I did sew clothes for my children, but when they were older, they didn’t want my homemade clothes anymore (and looking back, I can understand why). They wanted clothes from the mall. So, I turned to quilting. I am a self-taught quilter. Imagine my surprise when I tried to sew my quilt blocks with a 5/8” seam allowance! Learning to sew with a 1/4” seam allowance was a unique experience! Wow!

I threw myself into quilt sewing for years and had a wonderful time. Then, I began to look longingly at a well made dress and made my way back into garment sewing. I even signed up to take an online class on Couture Sewing, which I love. Now that I have a few granddaughters, doll clothes have been the big thing

I even knit the socks!

around my sewing room! Even though I am totally into garment sewing, the quilt world is pulling me back and I’m letting it. A girl can do two things at once!

We’d love to hear your story! Please share it with us!