Wednesday 8 July 2009

My First Quilt

Camile and Carrie are hosting a challenge for people to post their first quilt and their latest quilt, with something they have learned along they way. (Only one thing?! I've learned so very much!) Well, here is my first quilt, made in 1975 by the English paper piecing method.

I started work in a primary school in London in the early 1970s and one of the other teachers was making a quilt of hexagons. I had always sewn, and thought this was a perfect way to use up my dressmaking scraps. I decided to unify it by making all the rosettes purple, and when my scraps ran out, I begged scraps from other sewers and even bought (long) quarters of fabric from shops and markets and used the Laura Ashley offcuts which many people bought at the time. When I was planning my wedding in 1975 I decided to make the quilt up using all the completed rosettes. I solved the problem of the irregular edge by appliqueing the hexagons onto plain purple borders. I wadded and tied the quilt to complete it. The quilt has seen stalwart service on picnics, sofas and as a rug for babies to sit on in the garden, which explains why it is so faded. To say that the fabrics are a mix of fibres and weights, it has survived remarkably well.

This is my latest completed quilt. It's called 'Feathers' and was a mystery quilt I made at Rocheberie Schoolhouse Quilters. I'm still very much a scrap quilter, even after all this time, but one thing I've learned is how to machine quilt successfully.

10 comments:

loulee said...

Both lovely quilts. I think we continue to grow and learn with each new project we work on. I know I certainly am still learning.

Sew Create It - Jane said...

I think I know why we get on so well...our quilting backgrounds are so similar! :o)

I, of course, love your latest work :o)

Carrie said...

Hi Lynda ~ I love how you started making your first quilt! It's wonderful and I'm happy that it has been so well-loved and well-used.

I think it's interesting that you wrote that you're still a scrap quilter even after all this time ~ it seems as though that is what so many quilters work towards. Many quilters find the prospect of choosing and using lots of very different fabrics and colors very challenging.

Thank you for sharing your quilts and your stories.

Camille said...

Your first quilt was paper pieced? You truly must be the master of patience. I am so impressed! Such beautiful quilts. Thanks for sharing!

Janet said...

I love your scrappy look. Like you I've learn a lot about fabrics, cutting and piecing but I still like to figure out how to use what's in my stash. Found you in the Parade list. This has been fun looking at all the first and latest.

Chase said...

I really like your first quilt! It reminds me spring garden.

Katie B said...

Your quilts are gorgeous! I love the purple first quilt. Very lovely.

dotti white said...

Your quilts are incredibly lovely! Thank you so much for sharing with us!

Anonymous said...

I am very impressed with your first quilt, and your last is awesome as well.

MamaT said...

Both are very nice. I love English paper piecing. I got married in 1975, too! My husband is taking me to see Paul McCartney in a couple of weeks for our 34th anniversary. Very exciting!