Quilter 65

Hats off to you, Grandma. You are ambitious and have thought this through thoroughly. I hope you all have a great day and the little ones will someday want to follow in your footsteps. My little grandson asked me the other day while I was piecing a block, "What is so important about sewing, Nana?"

Neesie

Those charm squares are awfully cute but I have this thing about pre-washing the fabric; seems like those small squares would end up fraying a lot. When I buy 1/4 - 1/3 of a yard, I wash the piece in a lingerie back and it still frays. How big are those charm squares, anyway?

Neesie

That sounds really cute . . . but I don't think they'll have that many blocks. Seriously, I'm thinking maybe 9 or 12, most likely they'll be 12" (finished) squares.

I do like the brick idea, though. We'll see how the "super simple" quilts go, then maybe move on to something more involved, next time.

Neesie

Awwww, thanks! This all started because my DD wants to learn to sew . . . so of course my DGD wants to learn, also! Quilts are so much more fun, than skirts . . . and also more forgiving of crooked seams.

Neesie

Thanks for the marker/laundry marker advice! Sounds like heat-setting the ink, must be the key.

marnissa

I'm a newbie and not sure if this helps but when my gramma first let me sew on the machine she made me wear knit gloves so they would get stitched before my fingers did, but looking back I could have still sewn my finger but the mittens did make me very aware of where my hands were and I was 5. I say God bless you Gramma passing crafts down is an amazing gift to future generations and more people should be doing it.

denveremerson

Neesie, how did the quilting camp go? I'd love to hear all about it!

dublb

Oh, yes, please fill us in. Inquirin' minds want ta know.

Neesie

Had to make a "minor" change, in the plans. We had the three girls here, last week, and did a few other crafts (to test the waters). Turns out the younger girls' fine motor skills are still a bit "young" and while they did stick with a craft, they were both tired of it, before it was finished. On the other hand, my 9.5 yo DGD seems to be powered by Eveready and Duracell, both! We kept her from Thursday through Sunday, after my DD took the other two back. Friday, she picked out her fabrics, then I got the squares cut. Then she decided how she wanted them arranged. On Saturday and Sunday, she learned to pin and sew! We used the post-it notes block, for a seam guide . . . but I think next time, she'll graduate to using a strip of painters' tape, as a guide. Will post some pictures, in a bit (gotta get them off of my camera). She did VERY well, for her first time! Practiced briefly, on a strip of scraps, then I let her have the squares. Had to rip/redo a few minor parts but overall, she did really great . . . and she loves it! Once she gets off of the slow speed, it'll be much more fun. I did do a heart applique, with her name and date, but all of the rest, she did! We only got the top done and will put on the backing, next time she comes over.

Will return, in a bit, with pictures. Gotta feed this silly dog, first (she's reminding me it's mealtime).

JScott

Right. I feel that sewing is so important because of the generations before us all sewed. Then it was a need. Now we use it more of a hobby.