Submitted by Liz M.
I was raised to be a lifelong learner. Our dinner time conversations often led to “let’s look it up”. We had a set of Britannica Encyclopedias, an atlas and many reference books on our bookshelves. I became a nurse partly due to the fact that there were many specialties to choose from and always new research and therapies being developed.
One of the reasons I love quilting is because there is always something new to learn! Many different ways to do the same block, binding or quilting technique. Quilters are very generous with their time and skills, sharing what they know. There are many books available on anything you would like to learn. The internet has blogs with tutorials and quilt-alongs to help develop our skills.
In the past three months, our quilting community has shifted from in-person learning and sharing to online, virtual formats. We have developed our technology skills by learning to do Zoom meetings and FaceTime calls. These are not a replacement for our previous way of meeting and learning from each other, but they do allow us to continue our social interactions and inspirations.
Our stay-at-home time has been challenging on many levels. Many sewed masks and scrub caps. Many finished their works in progress while others found it difficult to focus and be creative. Lately, I am finding a bit more energy to finish up some projects and start a few others. I have spent lots of time reading quilt blogs and FaceBook online and I have found a few ongoing classes to learn from. Quilt teachers are posting information and live videos online to share their content with quilters virtually until we are able to meet face to face again.
I purchased a set of quilting rulers for my domestic machine awhile ago (a few years!) and have found a couple of sites with good instruction so I am dusting them off and practicing! Daily 15 minute sessions seem to make a lot of difference. I plan to quilt at least one smaller quilt with rulers and Free Motion Quilting by the end of summer. Click below for the links to who I am following and watch their videos. Amanda Murphy Design or CindyNeedham.com. (you can also find her on Facebook)
What have you learned in the past few months? Do you have a favorite book, site or blog? Who is your favorite quilting instructor? Have you started to follow a quilt-along?
Thanks for the links Liz. I just finished watching Cindy Needham’s video on pin bastng and picked up a couple of good tips. Old quilters can learn new tricks…Kathy
Thank you, Liz, for sharing. I loved your article.
We had World Book Encyclopedias at our house when we were growing up. Then, after I was married and the time was right, I bought a set for my household. As the kids got older, we also often pulled out one of the World Books for reference. It became my daughter-in-law’s favorite part of our family dinners. I’m with you, learning is the fun part of quilting and is probably part of the reason I have so much trouble finishing things.
Liz, Inspiring article! Quilters in generally are always on the lookout for a new technique or tool. Having quilted for decades, I appreciate all the ‘new’ tools but also note that I have forgotten all the math formulas for calculating measurements. I have become depend on the tool for the math. Recently, I have returned to hand piecing, applique and quilting and was surprised it took me a little time to return to the old skills. Slowing down the entire quilting process has been wonderful! It’s not new but a return to skills of the past.