Well behaved women dont
make quilts. I dont remember where I first read this little quote, but it meant the world to me immediately. As it has also been quoted, it is kind of crazy to cut up perfectly good fabric into tiny pieces just to sew them back together again. Of course, those who like to say this are probably very well behaved and have no idea of the allure of making quilts!
I grew up around quilts but never thought much about them. I never even witnessed anyone making them, although the women in my family were constantly producing new quilts. I guess I didnt think much of it until marriage when my husband wanted his graduation quilt placed on our guest bed. His mother had it made for him, and it meant the world to him. It also made me start thinking about quilts as a decorative medium.
Still, it would be five more years until I gave quilt making a try. Our son was ready for a big-boy bed and I was determined that he would have a quilt! Using nothing more than my husbands advice, I created the most horrendously constructed quilt ever made! But, I was pleased with it and my son used it until it finally fell apart 10 years later.
Because I had tons of scraps from my fashion and decorative sewing, I decided to give quilting another try. In the beginning, I only used my scraps. Eventually, though, I ran out of useable bits and had to buy some yardage. At the time, it did seem to be totally wasteful to cut up that perfectly pretty fabric! Now, I dont think twice about it. The only decision to make is whether I want to make a lovable utility quilt, a beautiful heirloom quilt, or enter a show with a fabulous art quilt.
These days, I create quilts of my own design in colors that I like not necessarily those that others would choose. I add appliqu and machine embroidery when inspired, and use quilt making as my main creative expression. For those who need it, making quilts is also an excellent form of therapy for both physical and mental health!
Are you thinking about trying out the quilting art form? I strongly encourage you to do it sooner rather than later! Once you get started, youll have so many ideas for new quilts that you will be in a fever to get them all made. Bookstores are a great way to find instructions, but be sure to check out your local library first, and search online! There is so much online content about
quilt making that one could make researching it all a full-time job! Quilters are a wonderfully generous group of people who love to share their knowledge! You can start with the free tutorials here: (address for tutorial/projects section?)
So, come join us not so well behaved ladies! We consider it a good day when we are able to influence someone to join our ranks. Whether you want to make pretty and delicate coverlets or bold and beautiful comforters, quilting IS for everyone. The time to begin your journey is now!
