Very Sweet.
Originally Posted by AnnT
(Post 4634726)
My Momma teaching me how to sew when I was young. I clearly remember the very first dress I ever made all by myself, I think I was around 11 years old. It had a circle skirt that I hemmed by hand...I remember think I would NEVER get finished! Momma has encouraged me through out years with praise, advice and sometimes oodles of fabric. Also the questions and compliments from people outside my family. My children tell their friends I can sew anything. I haven't tried to discourage their opinion of my awesomeness! LOL's
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My husband...every day in every way. I am not a good sewer or quilter...but he gives me so much encouragement to continue because he knows how much I love it and how hard I try. He is willing to buy me anything(we can afford) that I feel will be helpful, indulges me with fabric, machines etc. I am so blessed to have such a loving,caring hubby! (also the poor man thinks everything I make is wonderful lol..what does he know?)
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My husband has always been my quiet. kind, incouraging force. He helps me make some of my choices, takes me to quilt shops and doesn't say a word about how long I'm there. He lets me work and doesn't complain if dinner is late or if I'm totally wrapped up in a project. He is my best friend and biggest helper!
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Originally Posted by Cheshirecatquilter
(Post 4623868)
What is the best thing anyone ever did for you or gave you to encourage your sewing and quilting? I'm not talking grand gestures like buying super expensive machines or remodeling an entire room for your use. We all salivate over those stories. My mom, now gone 7 years, gave me a small sewing table (about 24"X48") with a recessed shelf to hold the machine about 25 years ago. The panel that covers the shelf when closed as a table swings out to the right side and provides a little more space to pile things. It's sort of portable, with a little sweat, very simple, but soooo useful. I thank her every day.
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my entire family crafts...so when I find encouragement from others it really fuels my creativity!
BUT when someone asks me to show them or teach them..that really sparks things up! |
First off, I think this is a really cool post - full of fond memories and positive thoughts. I love it. My small gesture was a friend who, when I mentioned I was interested in trying my hand at quilting, marched me off immediately to a quilt store to pick out some fabric. She loaned me a machine and we sat in her sewing room and she walked me through my first quilt. The funny part is that I haven't finished it yet - still need to baste and quilt it! But still, that is at the top of my list. The quilting bug has been with me ever since! :)
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Oh boy, where to begin !!! First of all to my mom, for having a few scraps of fabric hanging around for me to carve up and sew by hand, onto my barbie dolls. A christmas present from my fav. aunt and uncle, a small sewing basket complete with a barbie doll clothes pattern, fabric, and notions (including microscopic buttons) to complete said projects. I still have the basket, I was about 9 years old. My mom let me start sewing on her electric machine when I was about 10. That was 42 years ago. On from there, age 13, sewing house dresses for my grandma, 6 at a time, she was 4' tall and as wide as she was tall. So there was pattern altering going on, from that age on, I only ever saw my grandma wear dresses that I had made. Age 16, I was sewing grad gowns and then bride's maid dresses for both my older sisters. Both my sisters left home and took their grade 12 grad gifts with them( their sewing machines), and I was left with nothing to sew on. My parents bought me my grade 12 grad gift when I was 16. They must have figured I needed one. ( It was the only machine I sewed on till last month, when I purchased a Pfaff Quilt Expressions 4.0. Wow what a dream !!!) Then I went onto sew clothing for "Social Services" for some children in their care that needed specially equiped clothing, such as easy access pants, overalls etc. For my dad one year for Xmas, I made him a western style shirt with yokes, snaps etc. Well the first one didn't fit quite right, so, one altered pattern later, he got the one he loved. For the next 25 years, he never wore a shirt that wasn't made by me. He used to go and even buy the material he liked himself. ( Sorry, I had to stop and have a little cry) I think I've tried to sew just about everything, my mom used to saw that I'd sewn everything except panty hose and cowboy boots. I've done drapery, upholstery, Linda Lunstrum parkas and accs., blue jeans, stretch and sew, moccasins with bead work, cabbage patch dolls, barbie doll tents, football hand muffs for my sons, costumes of all sorts, fleece jackets and blankets and everything else fleece you can think of, bags and purses, and probably a whole lot more that I'm forgetting to mention. I took Home-Ec in grade 8 and 9, but then didn't take it anymore, because I figured I knew more than the teacher. She had us making a fabric pencil case. Pretty lame considering I was making my own clothes by then. I made my first scrappy quilt when our oldest son went from crib to twin bed, this was pre- rotary cutters and chain piecing etc. He turned 26 yesterday, on Nov. 5. All of the encouragement started with everyone I knew right from childhood,to my husband and sons, sisters, parents, grandparents, friends. Thank you for bringing up the topic, I never really thought about it, I just have always loved it, and didn't stop to think, that maybe I was being steered it that direction, but clearly I was. Boy, once you get me going, I think I'm starting to ramble !!!! lol Thanks for bringing up the topic !!! I have to go have a good cry now !!! Auntie B, from Saskatchewan, ( rhymes with Scratch N Win) Canada.
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My mom has been inspiration. She put my sister and I each on a sewing machine when we entered junior high school and told us we would be making our own clothes from there on. I loved it (not sure my sister did). But as the years, three kids, full time work etc went by I sewed less and less. One day, in the mid 80's she "coerced" me into taking a quilting class with her at the LQS, and I was hooked from day one. It was totally uphill from there for me. Also, my DH is very supportive.
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i would have to say that my mother gave me the best compliment that kept me sewing. the summer between the 7th and 8th grade was the first time i made my whole school wardrobe with my own money from babysitting. when it was time to get school clothes, she told me that since i had saved her my whole school clothes budget, i could have all the colors of purses and shoes that i wanted. this was in the days of 'candy apple red patent' and turquoise and yellow....and of course, white and black patents as well.... i had them all and as i was grown, it was really not extravagant...they lasted for a long time with just a new color now and then to replace...the bags lasted all the way thru high school.... one of my favorites was candy apple brown T straps.... it was not like her to hand out a simple compliment, she never wanted us to get a 'swelled head'... but she was proud of my sewing skills and thrilled that i was independent enough to buy my own fabric... she rarely let me know that she approved but she would make me drag out my latest project for the neighbors....thanks for the question... nice memory....
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Originally Posted by NANAOF2BOYS
(Post 4630235)
I started quilting when I saw a friend hand pieceing a quilt and asked her what she was doing after she told me what it was i went out got some charm packs put them together got some batting and backing tied it and I was hooked... all self taught :)
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Originally Posted by Cowman Creations
(Post 4630281)
A substitute Home Ec teacher. I was making a jacket with a very fine plaid. I matched and pinned the set in sleeves perfectly. Then after I sewed them in I noticed the darts were now in the front. She told me "you won't learn anything by ripping that all out. I've here all day with time on my hands let me do it for you." The next day I came into class to find them all ripped out and ready for me to start over. In later years she became me 4-H leader.
I didn't learn anything by ripping out but I sure got a lesson on kindness that has stuck with me for over 30 years. |
Originally Posted by kuseta
(Post 4630283)
I had sewing lessons as a teen, but always used my mom's machine. After I got married, I would go to mom's house and use her machine. When we bought our first house, my parents bought me my own machine. Nothing fancy at all, but it was mine. I set up my own sewing area in the basement. A few years later, my dad gave me a big coffee table book of quilts and $100 to help feed my antique quilt collection. Another thoughtful gift!
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Originally Posted by butterflies5518
(Post 4630327)
I have been interested in quilts for years and longed to make my first when I met the BF who encouraged me, enables all my purchases and my Mother and children who love the results and clamor over who gets the next one. The most shocking is the oldest who buys everything, her quilt is now her most treasured possession.
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Originally Posted by Mariposa
(Post 4630399)
A fairly recent kind gesture was that someone here on the board gave me a pair of thread snips. I was thrilled! I think of her and her generosity when I use them! :)
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Originally Posted by Sewhappytoquilt
(Post 4630945)
What a wonderful topic to post - when I was a poor, struggling college student, the uncle of my beau at the time (now ex-husband) bought me a discontinued model of a sewing cabinet. Both sides unfold and open to make a 5 ft. long surface, with four drawers on one side. I have never seen a nicer, or sturdier one since. Thank you "Uncle D" :thumbup:
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Originally Posted by BETTY62
(Post 4634113)
I joined this board at the time I first started learning to quilt . At that time I did not know anyone who quilted nor was there a quilt shop within 25 miles of my house. I was so blessed by the people on this board who gave me the confidence and encouragement that I needed to actually make that first quilt. I will always be grateful to them for their help.
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Originally Posted by Sadiemae
(Post 4634117)
My late DH was my Cheerleader! I miss that and My DM made me quilts and all of my clothes, great memories...
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Originally Posted by annthreecats
(Post 4634160)
I have to say it was the Quilting Board that helped me learn to quilt. I had an idea for a wall hanging a year ago and wanted to make it from fabric. The wall hanging is now up. I couldn't have done it without reading and learning from everyone here. This place is amazing. So much great information.
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Originally Posted by Rainy Day
(Post 4634177)
Another mother at my sons school, she encouraged me to just go for it. She is an amazing quilter and she didn't laugh at my efforts. Now I understand how gentle she was with me when i was a beginner.
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Originally Posted by noveltyjunkie
(Post 4634235)
I don't recall anyone giving me any encouragement until I found this site.
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Originally Posted by quilter1
(Post 4634404)
My husband always encourages me with my quilting. He is glad when I buy things and fabric. He even gave up his office space to accomodate my Tin Lizzie ( that he bought!). He built a closet for my stash and redid my son' s bedroom for my sewing room (after he moved out LOL). His best is by far his encouragement with time, he always reminds me that I need to spend more time for myself with my quilting. Hopefully he is not just trying to get rid of me LOL.
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Originally Posted by It'sJustMe
(Post 4634427)
I was one of those kids whose mother handed a needle and thread to at a very early age.
Back in the day, 3 labels and 25 cents - or was it a dime? - sent off to Wright's Trim would get you a package of various trim pieces. She did that for me several times and in my little mind it validated the sewing/handwork process for me. |
Originally Posted by Yooper32
(Post 4634461)
My oldest daughter. I had sewed for over 45yrs. but "quilting" was not a word I knew. She came for a visit, bringing some papers printed for a small crazy quilt pattern for a paper pieced potholder. She showed me what it would look like. I thanked her and started to walk away, but she said, "oh, no, Mother, you sit down right now and sew it like I showed you. If you don't do it now, you will forget what I said and you will never "get it". She was so right, and that began my journey into quilting.
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Originally Posted by LindaM49
(Post 4634463)
I've told this story here in my introduction but will repeat it. It was one of my dear friends when I was a senior in high school. She encouraged me to start sewing my own clothes. I had fiddled around with some things before but never serious about it. Joan went with me to pick fabric to make a wool skirt and V-neck vest. I had said previously that her sister was a home ec/the sewing teacher at a high school. Joan was an excellent teacher and I wore my outfit a lot...I loved it.
How it got started was..Joan always wore something to school that I loved and I would ask her...where she bought it and the answer was always...I made it. It also helped that both of us had boyfriends in the U.S. Navy that we were so in love with and were planning to marry when they got out...but it didn't work out that way for either of us. LOL It has been stated that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and I bet Joan was happy when you showed interest, and now I bet there are some who feel the same way when they see what you have made and want to know how it was done. |
Yes, the compliments are great and even though I might see millions of mistakes most of the people that I know are none quilters and they only see the beauty of the quilt and not the mistakes. I have say though the thing that makes me want to do more is my 5yr old grandson. I have 5 kids and lots of grandkids but this one; he loves quilting. He's already picked out which of my machines is his; a treadle, I think the no electricity part intrigues him. He thinks sewing is great. My daughter has made a few block quilts and enjoyed it but when she moved out a few months ago she said she didn't have any space for her machine (my old one). This past weekend she had to sew buttons on my grandsons shirt and he watched her and was amazed that she did that. He said he was going to tell his GiGi (that would be me). The next day she came over to get her machine and said she could sew on the kitchen table. Her son was so proud of her that she wanted to do more. This little boy, Kaleb now inspires the both of us, one to do more (me) and the other to start doing more (his mom) What a joy he is.
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My DH always ofers support, he goes with me when I buy fabric, and if I can't decide he helps me with that. If I mention I need something, he'll look online and find the best buy and buy it for me. He's terrific a real keeper
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My mother has given me so much! She taught me to sew, crochet and many other crafty things when I was very young. Those are things you never forget over the years. I didn't sew for many years, but I'm glad to be doing it again - quilting, that is. We have always kept our hands busy!
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My dh gets up far earlier than he normally does one week a month to take DD to school. I usually take her but one week a month he takes care of everything so that I can go on a quilt retreat. And he doesn't complain about it!
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Once at quilt camp (oh, last weekend was quilt camp time--first weekend of firearms season), I sewed together 148 HST sets, with 147 having one of the HST turned wrong. Mama Shirley "unsealed" all of them for me.
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My mother taught me to sew, she never complimented me but would invite me to attend classes with her. This is the only common ground that we shared but what she gave me keeps me giving to others from the knowledge I learned by sewing.
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This is a very nice thread. :o
Thank you for starting it - and thank you all for the rest of the posts. |
My dear mom sewed and I can remember having to "roll" the remaining remnants of anything she sewed. I hated to have to do that, but then came the day when I had a daughter and oh my gosh, how many little dresses were made out of those scraps. I would love to be able to show my mother some of the quilts I have pieced and now being able to have the opportunity to do some long arm quilting, thanks to a friend. I can see her smiling from heaven. She was always encouraging and loved to share - I think I get that from her for sure.
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It may not seem like a big thing but I have a friend who goes to garage sales and buys material for me to make charity baby quilts with. She never wants any money for her finds. At the price of material these days, that is a wonderful thing for her to do.
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People here on this board sent me fabric because I had no stash and Walmart did away with our fabric. I was overwhelmed by the generosity.I received so many compliments on my projects. I got packages from total strangers and it really got my creatice juices going. It has been a couple of years ago and I still have warm fuzzies!
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My now husband bought me a sewing table. I couldn't believe he did it because we didn't know each other that well at the time!
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My moment was when my aunt from Texas saw my quilts and said I should have the blocks my great grandmother made. She thought I would be able to make a beautiful quilt out of them.
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I have to say my husband for one - he said if that's something I want to learn to do he'd support me in it, and my mom gave me my grandmother's sewing basket. My nana passed away last year and using her box everyday reminds me of her.
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I currently have a room full of machines and cabinets, a quilt waiting for repair flung over my chair that holds my massager (which my dh bought because I have back problems) fabric overflowing everywhere...piles of vintage doilies and runners laying atop my cutting mat, a little bit of everything everywhere at the moment. Three sewing machines are out and in use, one sitting in the middle of traffic, blocking traffic, and my dh not complaining because I am sitting on the computer instead of getting up and "doing something" with it,lol. (He knows my back is really bothering me right now, because I pulled a dumb stunt and took a bad fall). Having him support me by letting me do whatever I want is the greatest gift I could ever get. It is the opposite of the way I was treated growing up.
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My husbands support and and understanding of my quilting .
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