Thinking about Quilting

Years ago my interest in quilting was piqued ... but not enough to actually DO anything about it. I gathered a bunch of fabric over the years and as I came across it (invariably when I was looking for something else in the closet where it was stashed) I would look at it wistfully and think "someday I am going to do it". Well, time marched on and I never did anything ... I did get rid of most of it in a Salvation Army giveaway bag of clothes and kept only one beautiful sunflower print ... SO, now "someday" is here. I am finally going to do it and I have been scouring the 'net to find the perfect first time project that will both challenge and not frustrate me. I used to sew but was never really into it, mostly as a means to an end, placemats, napkins, even a quilted fabric coat, but my interest and attention to it was sporadic.

So, the sewing machine has been dusted off, the space in the upstairs guest room (actually the cats have commandeered it for their room up until now) is getting cleaned out and my darling has washed and measured the walls for shelving prior to starting on his contribution, a sewing/cutting/quilting table. I am going to paint the wall facing the machine a bright, inspirational color and I think I found the pattern I want ... simple blocks or blocks and rails. The very first quilt I ever remember was at a lake house in New Hampshire where we used to go every summer as a family. All of the beds were covered in what I remember as simple block quilts that were backed with wool (like old Army blankets) and I found them whimsical as well as practical. I found a few quilt blogs to follow for tips and I think the few books and magazine articles/patterns I have devoured will be enough to get me started.

Now, if I can only figure out how to post pictures here, I can show my progress. Hmmm, looks like I will be surfing around a bit online for that too. Later ... going to the gym first.

Well, the first coat of pretty yellow paint is on and the brackets for the shelves attached to the wall ... the cleaning up part is in progress but for now, it's all cluttered in one side of the room. I did clean out the cabinet that I will use for quilting supplies and that needs paint too but at least I can start putting supplies inside. Lulu and Sox keep running in and out, trying to figure out why we are spending so much time in "their" room.