My first quilt was made 9 summers ago. I was pregnant with my first child and I wanted to make a baby quilt for him. Thankfully, a dear friend helped me each step of the way, because I had NO clue about quilting, but I really wanted to learn. I remember having the hardest time rotary cutting. (I was scared to death!) And I also remember having a very hard time sewing a straight quarter inch seam. (That eventually got easier.)
I didn't quilt or bind it. The layers were sewn together, then flipped. It's tied with perle cotton. It measures about 40" square. My son still loves it and after 9 years, it's still in one piece. :)
One of my most recent finishes is the oh cherry oh quilt. (more here.) I quilted this one so heavily that it makes up for the lack of quilting in my first (five) quilts. :)
I've learned so much since my first quilt. A good sewing machine really makes a difference. Quilting is hard at first, the learning curve is steep, but once you get over the hump it's so worth it. Practice really does help. Simple patterns are good. And a fabric addiction is hard to kick.
After making my first quilt, I recall thinking "I can't believe I just made a quilt!" I still get a thrill when finishing each one. It doesn't get old, even after one hundred and some odd times.
56 comments:
Amen to that! I get more excited with each quilt I make!
I love the feeling of putting those last stitches in to the binding.
Such satisfaction!!
Andi :-)
That was a sweet little quilt and I'm sure he will treasure it always. I do love your other quilt so much! Yes I'm thinking the same about the machine quality. Mine is probably a bit simple for quilting. But what if quilting is just a fad for me? I'm very much like that.
Well Amandajean, considering that you got me started quilting, I wanted to see what your first quilt was... my how your colours have changed in 9 years!
I have just ordered Oh Cherry Oh and just can't wait to make a quilt with the fabric.
Hasn't this been fun seeing how we all started?
Hope you had a great holiday...
Thanks so much for sharing your first quilt! My first quilts were tied as well, and my quilting was only done on small projects such as pillows. And they were hand quilted!
After many years of being away from sewing, I also find machine quilting hard. I'm only on my third quilt done by machine, and yes, the learning curve is steep!
Thank you so much for your continued encouragement on your blog. You're a true inspiration, and keep people like me going!
I can't believe that you have made 20 quilts this year....!!! Is this since January?? Good for you!
Paulette
You are a go-getter. I want to finish five this year and it seems like a huge task. Love your blog.
I can too say I am terrified of my rotary cutter..I have the supplies to start but I am so scared to cut into my fabric that it sits in a pile..
Oh to sew the first stitch, I'd probably have a panic attack..
Oh I wish I could be crafty and a beautiful quilter like you!!
Stephanie
I love seeing all of the first and recent quilts...and how especially wonderful that yours is still in one piece after being loved by your son for so many years!
I remember you showing me Z's quilt right after you finished it! It still looks great! :)
I think a lot of us start with a baby quilt. I know I did! Unfortunately, my daughter doesn't use hers much. I wish it were as loved as yours!
So cute. I love making baby quilts.
Oh yes, I know that feeling. My last quilt is allways the best... until the next! Love your blog.
I am still in the first year of my learning curve. I have a 1967 Kenmore that I use. I am going to buy a machine soon. I was going to get an embroidery only machine since I have a 8 month old and would get a lot of use out of it but I am wondering is it really that much easier to quilt on a new machine? I may have to change my mind and get a combo machine:)
I'm just starting my first quilt..I'm very excited and nervous!
Keep up the good work
Your first quilt is great for a baby!
You inspired so many to start quilting! That's gotta feel good!
awww.
your 1st little quilt is adorable.
and i love, love, love your old red barn quilt along quilt...ALOT.
Beautiful quilts! Some of those old, simple one's hold so many memories and are loved as much as the new fancy ones for different reasons. You are so encouraging to all of us out here in blogland! I am so tempted to try about 10 of your patterns; once I get the 5 quilts done that I'm in the middle of right now:)
I can't wait to get started again. My first quilt is in tatters and tucked away in a box - I think I need to break it out and see what can be done to patch it up.
I have several aprons that belonged to my great aunt and my mother-in-law that I plan on making a quilt with. Lots of 30's/40's fabric to play with. I only hope I do them justice.
Amandajean...Thanks for sharing your first quilt! I love to see that we all started similarly! I'm like you...I just love the whole process of quilting!
I had been on "quilting hiatus" for 9 years (other than a couple of x-mas stockings, etc) and wow - the Old Red Barn QAL fired me up - and your blog is also so incredibly inspiring. Thank you. It really doesn't get old after 100 times, just more interesting and has new techniques, twists and turns.
I love your oh cherry oh quilt. It is SO cheery. Fun to read about your journey from the first quilt to now.
Amazing how our quilting styles change over the years.
Wow - first quilt was flannel and it's so cute yet. I know exactly what you are saying about the fabric addiction and the thrill after each finish - I feel the same way.
Your first quilt looks so sweet. And I really love the last one! It's so great that you still get excited about finishing another one.
i still have trouble with that quarter inch seam! and quilting does get easier and more doable as you practice on all those quilted gifts.
I just recently got that "I just made my first quilt feeling" a couple weeks ago. It took me a good 9 years to complete it but it is done and I really enjoy it. In a couple days you can check it out at jennyloucreates(dot)blogspot(dot)com.
Thanks for being an inspiration. I love seeing what others do!
Your first quilt is adorable.
Your last is fantabulous.
Thanks for showing and for being an inspiration and a teacher!
I'm so glad you learned to quilt, because I just love reading this blog! I've been quilted for almost a year, like you, when I made my first quilt, a queen size somehow quilted under a 3/4 size sewing machine(!!) I couldn't believe that it was actually done. I think it took a few nights of sleeping under it for it to sink in! LOL!
Happy Quilting!
What fun! I've been quilting for a while now and I STILL have trouble with the quarter seam allowance. I still love the Oh Cherry Oh quilt.
I'm with you all the way! My first quilt was horrible (maybe I'll suck it up and post about it?)
I think I've finally got the whole STIPPLING thing down, so I to LOVE LOVE LOVE finishing a quilt! Well done!
i loved the feeling of finishing my first and only finished quilt, i looked every where for tips and ideas and your blog came in pretty handy for that. i love your first quilt its adorable
YES!! I still get that same thrill everytime I finish a quilt! And my husband still says the *exact same thing* ~ "you made that?!" Oh, and I got him to admit the other day that I will probably own the Juki "in the near future!" WOOHOO!!!
My first quilt was for my first born too. My son -- but he was 11 before I made him a quilt. lol
You can see where your love of simple comes from!
oh, i love that first quilt! it looks so nice and soft.
your first quilt is perfect for a baby and I love that you son still uses it!
well said! what a journey and the road continues!!
It is such a FANTASTIC feeling isn't it. I've made 25 this year and every finish I want to jump up and down!! I should be able to finish a couple this month. Thanks so much for teaching me. I LOVE it!!!
I made my first quilt about 4 years ago for my sister for Christmas and it was tied too. The first quilt I machine quilted my mom made the comment that she didn't realize that quilts were finished off like that. I remember my grandmother having a quilt going and tying it off. It was made out of pieces of old dresses. I used to love to snuggle up with that quilt because of the smell of it. It's amazing how quilting has changed over the years.
AmandaJean - Your quilts are gorgeous and I loved reading your post about your first quilt. so sweet!
How fun to see your first quilt!
your first quilt is adorable!! exactly what a first quilt should be.. simple squares and do-able!! and you know how i feel about your new works...
I think we all have a special place in our hearts for our first quilt, kind of like our first love...and the quilts last longer...tee hee
oh that is so good to hear, I am currently working on my first quilt. So good to know everyone goes through the same nervousness in the beginning and that it will get easier!
Such a relief to know you didn't start out perfect! I am working on finishing up my first, following your ragged squares tutorial. I still have so much to learn.
Have you ever taken any formal, or informal classes? Or just taught yourself and learned as you go?
Amen to that! All of it! Thanks for joining in- its good to have ya!
Ug, ok, I'm admitting it, I'm a fellow quilter/stalker. I LOVE your blog more than any other! But I had to comment on this post. This is my favorite quilt you've ever made! Makes me want to put it under a big round tree and eat fruit all day and listen to 40's music! I LOVE IT! Keep the inspiration a comin!!!!
Your first quit is so CUTE! The soft shades are so soothing.
And the cherry quilt is gorgeous :D
Jess,
I mainly learned to quilt from a friend of mine one on one. I have taken some classes at various quilt shops. (one was a machine quilting class.) And I LOVE to actually READ quilting books. there's so much to learn from them.
aj
what machine do you recommend? I am where you were 9 years ago! I've done 4 quilts but 2 technically without help and have yet to quilt them (I've been sewing by hand). Very inspiring to see where you started and where you're at! What an amazing gift! Looking forward to getting started again, time is limited with a 6 week old and 3 big brothers but such a blessing they are!!!
Your quilts are gorgeous! I'm a new quilter, and I'm glad to hear that sewing straight 1/4 inch seams gets easier!
Love the cherry quilt. I'm off to explore more of your blog!
It's really inspiring to see your first quilt and to know that several years ago, you'd never made one. It makes me feel like there's hope for me yet. How awesome that it's still loved by your son (you have the sweetest sounding kids).
Im learning to quilt right now. I have a really hard time with my rotary cutter and sewing straight... Im getting better I started out very ambitiously with a hand quilt and now im working machine quilting. Its tough but I love it!
Dear Amanda,
I'm from Colombia and for a long time, I've been searching how to quilt and since I've found your blog I've been reading and reading wondering about the easiest way to start doing it.
Few weeks ago, I choose one of your tutorials -which are GREAT, by the way- and I'm about to start! Hopefully I won´t make a mess and you´ll see my "first steps on quilting"
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