First and Last Quilts
I’ve been quilting for 25 years, and sometimes it’s good to take a look back and see my quilting progress over the years.
Here’s my very first quilt:
This was a Block of the Month that some quilting friends were working on, and they convinced me that I could make it too. It is simple fused applique with very little quilting. The border and binding are absolutely horrible! Yet, I hang up this wall hanging every Thanksgiving to remind me of how far I’ve come with my quilting skills.
Here is my most recent competition quilt:
This is my original design, based on Lemoyne Stars and using gradated Nuance fabric from SewBatik. When quilters ask me how long it took me to make the quilt, I tell them about 22 years. That’s how much experience I needed to create my own design and execute it.
I like to tell my students my favorite line from a Chinese fortune cookie: “The expert at anything was once a beginner.” We all have to start somewhere, and we learn along the way.
So, show me your First and Last Quilts, and tell me about your progress!
My first (unfinished) quilt was a log cabin. The second (& finished) was a card trick by Eleanor Burns. My current and almost complete top is the Rainbow Alaska by Laundry Basket Quilts. I will definitely have to take a picture to show my progress! Thank you for sharing yours.
So many quilters start with a log cabin. 🙂 You should be proud of your progress!
I love that turkey quilt. I also love that you hang it every Thanksgiving and honor the journey. That last quilt? WOW! That is some AMAZING work. (Also, love your answer re; 22 years). An excellent reminder of expert/beginner stages, and every step of the way teaches us something else.