New Crafting Updates!

I have to admit, when it comes to teaching people to quilt, I don't have the best track record. In college I got my suite-mate started on a quilt, but she had to finish it on her own after graduation. When I moved to CT my friend Jenni started a purple quilt, but I don't think we got a single block sewn. I had two more co-workers that I got started as well, but then had to move to GA before I could see them through to batting and binding. For a person like myself, so focused on accomplishments, this is a hard thing to deal with.

So it was with more than a little fear that I offered to teach a new co-worker how to quilt. Part of me figured that I just moved to GA, so the likelihood of me moving again before the quilt was finished was pretty slim. But who knows what other nefarious obstacles could arise?

About a month ago Jessie came over to look at patterns and get a summary lesson on what would be needed to start the quilt. She decided on a Rail Fence pattern (an old favorite of mine!) and we worked out the math to figure how much fabric she would need. Then she went off to Jo-Ann's without me to hunt her fabric. I didn't trust myself to walk into a Jo-Ann's and NOT buy any fabric.

The fabrics Jessie picked were beautiful! Honestly, just seeing the combinations of colors and patterns that other people pick is one of my favorite parts of social crafting. She came back on Sunday when we spent several hours quilting and, miracle of miracles, she finished the entire quilt top in one day! We spent a few hours last night adding the borders and layering the quilt, then I sent her home with my spare sewing machine and some embroidery thread to finish the quilting process at her leisure. She seems very pleased with the process so far, and has even talked about ideas for her next quilt! I may just have a new partner in crime...

While Jessie worked on her masterpiece, I put together this un"bear"ably cute baby blanket. I still have to layer and quilt it, but I love the way it is coming along. As long as my friends keep having babies I will have an excuse to work with adorable fabrics!

I have a few fun knitting projects I've been working on as well...but haven't taken pictures of them yet. However, I did finally make it down to Wild Fibre for the Tuesday evening knitting group. The ladies were all very welcoming and I look forward to going back again soon (especially since it is only a 10 minute bike ride from my house!).