Saturday, February 28, 2009

It Seems You CAN Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

I'm fairly new to quilting. I think I started what? Three years ago? For the most part I'm self taught. Although I did take a Quilting 101 class to learn hand piecing and quilting. I learned a lot in that class. More than what any of the books could teach me. It's the tips and tricks the instructor can give you that is worth the price of admission.

So since then I've been muddling along doing my thing. I'm starting to feel pretty competent about my quilting skills. I know what to do. That doesn't mean things turn out the way I want them. But I know what I'm supposed to do.

I waltzed into my favorite quilt shop one day and fell head over heals in love with a pattern. It is a drop dead gorgeous creation called Amaretto Rose by The Vintage Spool.

I had no clue how to applique but I had to have it. Then I bought fabrics. Then I prewashed and ironed the fabrics. Then I started tracing the pattern pieces onto freezer paper. Then reality set in and I panicked. Then it sat in my closet for a year.

So while moving into Sheville, I found this project again and decided "By golly I'm going to do it". So I opened the box, browsed the directions, started to hyperventilate and them promptly called the quilt shop and asked to be placed in their next applique class. I knew I had bitten off WAY more than I could chew.

On Monday, nine of us sat around the room and were properly introduced to the art of needle turn applique. I always wondered what the greatest thing since sliced bread really was. Well, is a Clover bias tape maker! Let me tell you, that little gadget is slicker than snot! And let's not forget that I'm a recent snot viscosity expert. I also never would have figured out the trick to folding the freezer paper and cutting multiple copies at once. I would have been here 'til Tuesday cutting out each piece one by one. Once again the class was worth the price of admission. I now feel confident I can tackle Amaretto Rose. And I ended up with a cute block to make into a pillow to boot.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've never attempted an appliqued quilt, but I've always admired them so much! Do keep us posted on your progress. Lovely pattern!!!! Oh...and I love the block.

Winona said...

That is a very lovely pattern. I will follow along with your progress. You did a great job on your practice block. Winona

Jayne said...

Wow, I love that Amaretto Rose quilt, too! Can't wait to see your progress on it.

Changes in the wind said...

You go girl!! I love a woman who continues to push, search and grow and the results..........pure beauty

Terri said...

Oh, I really want to take a couple of classes, and you've increased my resolve. That quilt is beautiful and it will be an heirloom when you finish it!

Sandy said...

That block is so very pretty! Great work!

JeanneLee said...

Christine, there me be hope for me yet...someday! You are doing a bang up job in the *quilting dept.*! Keep it up and I look forward to seeing this quilt finished!

Carol said...

That pattern is so beautiful. Can't wait to see the finished quilt. Also, the block will make a lovely pillow. You did a great job on it. Way to go.

StitchinByTheLake said...

I love applique! And you are so right - the bias tape maker is just the best tool ever. :) But then I say that about all my tools. I have an applique quilt I've been working on for 2 or 3 years. I work on it a while, put it back because it seems overwhelming, then drag it out again. And that's ok. blessings, marlene

Karen said...

You learned well. What a pretty applique block.