Saturday, July 28, 2012

QUILTING 101 - FOUR NEW STUDENTS

I had the pleasure of meeting four great ladies today at Jo-Ann.  They were all new to quilting, although some had sewn before.  We had a great time learning how to use a rotary cutter, mat and ruler, how to make perfect 1/4" seams, how to piece patches together and how to interlock seams.  The block they made is called "Hole in the Barn Door."  Here are (left to right) Becca, Barb, Lisa and Marie, proudly holding up their finished blocks, and looking forward to their next project:

Monday, July 16, 2012

MY FIRST DAY WORKING THE CUTTING COUNTER AT JO-ANN FABRIC





I worked four hours today, cutting fabric and batting for customers.  The first part of the day was orientation, getting my uniform, etc., and then learning how to do my new job.  At first, I was pretty overwhelmed and asked a lot of questions, but I started getting into the swing of things pretty quickly.

I'm looking forward to working again on Friday.

Saturday, July 14, 2012

FUN TEACHING QUILTING AT JO-ANN FABRIC

I recently got to teach a new student at Jo-Ann Fabric in Orland Park.  Her name is Sherry, and she took my Quilting 101 class a few weeks ago and then learned how to make my "Little Trip Around the World" wall hanging during classes last week and this week.

Although we did not have time to finish in class, here is a photo of her quilt mostly done, and she promises that she will send me a photo update when she finishes the machine quilting and binding, which she learned how to do in class.  She taught herself how to quilt, and now is taking classes to learn how to put into practice all the little tips and tricks that make quilting more enjoyable and more precise.  It's been a pleasure quilting with Sherry, and I hope we'll get to get together again real soon!  She really enjoys quilting and is a natural. 





This is a closeup of Sherry's quilt.  The tiny light blue border is actually a little flange and gives the quilt dimension and just a spark of adorableness!
The same color will be used for the binding.  I helped Sherry choose the colors for her quilt, and we are both very happy with the way it came out.  Sherry tells me that she is keeping this one for herself!