Steve

The entire last month has been quite an education. With Leslee and my mother as guides the process of learning to quilt was eased considerably. Machine pieced, and hand quilted, it measures 37 ½ by 26 ½ with two borders and the backing serving as it’s binding. It took me a little over two and ½ weeks (in the spare time between my work schedule) to complete it. Learning to use the sewing machine was probably the biggest challenge, though I think I’ve gotten the hang of it. My favorite part was the hand quilting followed up with designing, piecing and my least favored bit, finishing (probably due to my inexperience with the sewing machine). The corners on the mock binding turned out pretty good but only because I finished them by hand.

I’m taking it in to work to show Leslee and then boxing it to send to Mom, who in turn will take it over to my Aunt Mary and together deliver it. The baby’s mother, my cousin’s wife Anya, doesn’t know I’ve made it. Her baby, Tristan, is seven months old and I think this is a perfect welcome to the world gift.

I’ve already cut out my flower for my Hawaiian quilt since Leslee is at hand to instruct. Also still figuring the design for my next baby quilt and readying materials. Can’t wait to cut and get started.

This was such a neat first experience and as neurotic as I was about each aspect, it turned out well. I was pleased when I finally took it from the machine for inspection. At first I was speechless. After shaking it out and taking the pictures it finally sunk in, I made this. Quilting is great!