Sewing and Quilting – Part 1: The Early Years

My Family Treadle Machine

Quilting in my jammies, you ask? Sometimes I’m already in my jammies and decide to stay up late quilting. Sometimes I get up, have a cup of tea, then go downstairs to quilt. In my jammies. Good days are quilting in my jammies for a few hours, taking a shower, then changing into clean jammies to quilt some more! I seldom have that luxury, but when I do ...

My earliest recollections of sewing were my grandmother (Grammy) teaching me to embroider tea towels, and learning to sew on an old treadle machine when I was about 5 or 6. This, as it turns out, was a wedding gift to my great-grandparents in the late 1800’s, of which I am now the proud owner. There were quilts on the beds made by my Great-Grandmother and Great Aunts (I inherited a couple of those, too). My Grammy crocheted and tatted beautifully but I have a tin with the pieces of her only attempt at quilting. I guess it’s not for everyone?

Later, in elementary school, my brother’s girlfriend worked in fabrics at our local department store, and I loved visiting and “petting” the fabrics. And, like every girl in my generation, Home Ec included sewing (loved) and cooking (not so much then but enjoy it now).  The only sewing I’ve done since the early 90’s has been quilting, until recently. But more on that later.

Liberty's -UFO

My 1st Quilt

When I was in the Navy and stationed in London, I discovered Liberty’s Tana Lawn fabrics & fell in love. (My niece and her family recently visited London and I believe there may be a little “souvenir” coming to me!) Years later, after I moved to NY, I took my first quilt class, “Olde is New,” from Joann Parisi, which was the perfect beginner class because absolute perfection was not required. That quilt has traveled with me on almost every trip – to multiple states and a few countries. A bit worn now & in need of some patching, it still remains a favorite!

Since moving to NY, my passion for quilting has continued. And I have to say, my skills have greatly improved. As well, my fabric “collection” has grown immensely! Best of all have been the friendships I’ve developed – through active participation in quilt guilds, teaching classes, being half-owner in a quilt shop for a few years, and belonging to “friendship groups” that met/meet regularly. I wouldn’t trade those for anything!

Lady - Best Girlie & Quilting Companion!