I'm new here and excited to get acquainted!
03-11-2026, 02:11 PM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2026
Location: Marion, IL
Posts: 8
I'm new here and excited to get acquainted!
Happy to be on board and looking forward to positive interactions. A little about myself. I'm from Southern Illinois, Marion to be precise. I've been involved with quilting since I was a child. Grandparents on both sides and both parents were excellent quilters.
I'm committed to preserving the "old way" of doing everything by hand; piecing, thread basting, quilting, and binding. I've also recently committed to being "sustainable" in my fabric acquisition; recycling clothing and linens, purchasing second-hand at estate sales/garage sales, accepting donated fabric from friends and family, etc.
I recently returned to quilting after a fire destroyed my portable shed "studio" a few years ago and I lost everything; completed projects, WIP's, stash, tools and notions.....everything. I only have one project started; it's in the initial piecing stage right now. I hope to upload photos soon.
I'm committed to preserving the "old way" of doing everything by hand; piecing, thread basting, quilting, and binding. I've also recently committed to being "sustainable" in my fabric acquisition; recycling clothing and linens, purchasing second-hand at estate sales/garage sales, accepting donated fabric from friends and family, etc.
I recently returned to quilting after a fire destroyed my portable shed "studio" a few years ago and I lost everything; completed projects, WIP's, stash, tools and notions.....everything. I only have one project started; it's in the initial piecing stage right now. I hope to upload photos soon.
03-11-2026, 02:30 PM
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Peoria, IL -- Midwest Transplant
Posts: 7,260
Waving from Peoria! You are way down from me, I don't think I've been anywhere close yet.
More power to you by using the hands. Unfortunately for me, I do not have what it takes for the hand work but I can surely admire it in others.
Glad to have you join us, some people post pictures here with few issues, others have a lot.
More power to you by using the hands. Unfortunately for me, I do not have what it takes for the hand work but I can surely admire it in others.
Glad to have you join us, some people post pictures here with few issues, others have a lot.
03-11-2026, 04:01 PM
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,362
Welcome Daren! Lots of positive energy in the QB. Losing everything in your quilting shed is heartbreaking! Good for you for starting up again. If you have a Goodwill "by the pound" clearance center near you, that is a great place to find upcycled fabrics for your projects.
03-12-2026, 04:33 AM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: The Great State of Texas
Posts: 417
Oh, it must be hard restarting after such a loss. Glad you’re here, and I hope that we can inspire you! Would you like some “orphans”? I’ve got a batch of leftover blocks from various projects. If so, reach out in the DM’s and I’ll send them your way!
03-13-2026, 03:57 AM
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Delaware
Posts: 1,620
Sending you a warm welcome from Delaware. In 1988 I lost my entire house to a fire so I understand the loss. All my grandmothers quilts and hand made items were gone along with my clothes and furniture but my children and I were safe. While I still miss the tangible items, I still have them in my memory. I hope to see a few of your new projects here on the Board.
03-14-2026, 04:13 AM
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Maine
Posts: 1,418
Welcome from mid Maine where it is currently snowing, sounds like you have grieved your loss and are ready to start quilting again. I can't even imagine losing all my quilting "stuff", it would devastate me. Glad you are back in the game. I too am a third generation sewist. Lots of great ideas and learning opportunities on here, along with a very positive atmosphere. Looking forward to seeing your projects as you complete them. Happy sewing and welcome.
03-17-2026, 11:49 AM
#8
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2026
Location: Marion, IL
Posts: 8
Orphan blocks
I will graciously decline the orphan blocks because I don't really enjoy working with them, but it was so kind of you to offer! Thank you for making me feel welcome!
03-17-2026, 12:00 PM
#9
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2026
Location: Marion, IL
Posts: 8
Southern Illinois
Waving from Peoria! You are way down from me, I don't think I've been anywhere close yet.
More power to you by using the hands. Unfortunately for me, I do not have what it takes for the hand work but I can surely admire it in others.
Glad to have you join us, some people post pictures here with few issues, others have a lot.
More power to you by using the hands. Unfortunately for me, I do not have what it takes for the hand work but I can surely admire it in others.
Glad to have you join us, some people post pictures here with few issues, others have a lot.
03-17-2026, 03:45 PM
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Peoria, IL -- Midwest Transplant
Posts: 7,260
I've been looking down there since I saw your introduction. Might be a good place to stay when I do go to Paducah, I travel with two smallish dogs and a hubby and looks like nice activities for all of us in the area!
We moved from Seattle a bit over 2 years ago, this is the start of the third year. I spent one year with vision issues, but I am set up at home now and able to see/travel pretty easily and have many places to discover in this part of the world.
We moved from Seattle a bit over 2 years ago, this is the start of the third year. I spent one year with vision issues, but I am set up at home now and able to see/travel pretty easily and have many places to discover in this part of the world.
