Do you remember the first time you heard the word "quilt," or the very first piece of fabric in your stash? I don't either. But I witnessed it with some newbies.Yesterday I started teaching quilting at a clubhouse where people with mental illnesses come to socialize, have lunch, etc. We hand-sewed pretty 6" squares together to make small quilts. When they started to get some pieces sewn together, the questions began: "What exactly do you call this?" (quilter's cotton fabric), and "How do you buy it?" and "How much does it cost?" "It's so nice and soft." "Do you have any more bright colored ones?" "Look, this one has birds." "Can you buy these already cut?" Everybody got a zip-lock bag with needles, thread, scissors and a pile of fabric squares that they chose. Next week I'll bring more bright ones. There were four students, but we'll have more next time I bet. How can you resist having that much fun sewing and chatting? One quilt will be for a new grandchild and another for the quilter's mother. Sweet.
The illustration is called "Summer Flowers" by John William Godward from Painting Here.
13 comments:
Oh how great it is to hear those questions!
It really put a big smile on my face!
How very sweet. Karen do you need more fabric squares? I know I can dig up something if you will need more.
Touching and seeing the pretty fabrics and hand sewing in a peaceful setting is surely to bring great joy.
It must be very pleasant, to teach quilting to people, who are in trouble. I guess, some patchwork lessons together with you, and they will fell much better, soon!
Hugs from Martina
Now that sounds like a great teaching effort......how wonderful for the students to have this time with you. It certainly will get their minds thinking of quilty things! Nice job Karen.
Happy sewing
How wonderful that you are turning others onto quilting. I've recently become addicted to quilting and it is very therapeutic for me (although I use a machine).
I am sure you are going to have a bigger group of followers the next time you go! I'm sure the experience excited them and brightened their day!
What a lovely offering to these people! I think the tactile nature of quilt making is very soothing and great for mental stability. Then there's that sense of accomplishment.
They are very fortunate to have you come into their lives in this way!
That's wonderful! It's the reason why I volunteer at the local middle school.
It is so nice of you to do that. If you need more fabric squares, I would be pleased to send you some, all the way from California.
This painting is beautiful! Your comments about teaching in this special situation are beautiful as well. :)
beyond sweet...
Actually I can tell you where I was when I first saw the word quilt. I was working at a JC Penny store in Dover, OHio in the mid 70's. We had gotten in some quilting magazines and I was hooked. I think still have the very first magazine I bought with the very first large quilt I attempted - a scrappy thousand pyramides. I can't wait to hear more beautiful stories about teaching this eager to learn group!
What a wonderful group to be working with. You are truly amazing.
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