I have been quilting since 1990, long before You Tube came along (which is now my favorite learning tool). In fact, I learned how to machine quilt by reading a book, Harriet Hargrave's Heirloom Machine Quilting. Machine quilting was considered by many quilters to be cheating at the time. I read this book, and because of it I fell in love with machine quilting. So much so that I purchased a longarm machine in 2002. I love each step of making a quilt but I must say my favorite part is machine quilting. Because I took the time to read and re-read that book from cover to cover I learned how to machine quilt and I have Harriet to thank for that.
While You Tube is a great learning tool I still go back to some of my favorite books for reference. The nice thing about these books is you can still find them but now they are a fraction of the original cost they once were. The information in them is priceless. These are some of my favorites that I continue to use:
Judy Martin - The Block Book & The Ultimate Book of Quilt Block Patterns
I like to design my quilts and these two books are a wealth of information. I have made most of the blocks at least once.
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Trudie Hughs - Quilts & Borders
I have never been great at math but Trudie's books taught me how to resize a block, a border and an entire quilt. She made it understandable and rather easy. I still use this book as a reference.
Nancy John Screbo - Rotary Magic
The book is filled with all of the information you need to start quilting. I came upon it several years after I started. I wish I had read it when I first started. It would have been a great help. It is a great reference book.
Kaffe Fasset - Passionate Patchwork
This book introduced me to color. Real color. I learned that it doesn't matter if the pattern is intricate but color placement, done well, can make an exquisite quilt even if you use a simple pattern. I loved it so much, I have made every quilt in this book.
My book library is large but these books are the ones that I still visit frequently. If you get a chance you might want to check them out.
Recently I became interested in thread painting. Here is a picture of the finished quilt In The Beginning, I designed for my granddaughter. Another amazing technique that was so satisfying I can't wait to start my next project. Stay tuned.
Being a seasoned quilter doesn't mean you stop learning. I still get excited about a new technique. I can't wait till the next class, book, lecture or retreat. I have learned there is more out there but once in awhile it's nice to visit the past.
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I give you my Irish goodbye.
Rita
Recipe Of The Week
Sweet & Sour Chick Wings
These marinate overnight but really worth the wait
1/3 c. soy sauce 1/2 tsp ginger
3 T. vinegar 1/2 tsp garlic salt
3 T. sugar 3 lbs. frozen chicken wings
3 T. brown sugar
Mix first six ingredients. Pour over chicken wings and marinate overnight. Bake in sauce 1 1/2 hours at 350° uncovered until the marinade becomes sticky.
You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream.
C.S. Louis