It's the year of the quilt! That's what I keep telling myself, even though my life is continually invaded by cupcakes and frosting.As you may remember, I mentioned here that I was enrolled in a year-long quilting class at American Quilting. Saturday Sampler, is what they call it and I go with mi madre who, by the way has already mastered the quilt block... years ago. She's the perfect buddy!
Anyway, we've had loads of fun--and though our blocks take us twice as long because we are constantly chatting and giggling, we still make precise cuts and measurements and try to focus on that darn quarter inch seam...it's so much fun.
A word about the class. Amy, the delightful owner of American Quilting designs a themed quilt each year. This year it happens to be an Americana quilt--lucky me! She never reveals what the quilt looks like. Each month you attend a class where Amy reveals the block for the month. Each class member must complete the block and bring it back the next month in order to receive the next block! So fun, right! You bet, enrollment is around 350 members! And perfect for all of us who have a hard time finishing a project.
A highlight of this class for me is the history Amy gives about quilting in general or the specific block for the month. For instance, this month's block is called "Road to the White House" Here's Amy's description: "Designed and named by the Farm Journal in January 1938, the "Road to the White House" quilt block is 70 years old in 2008. Iowa is home to the nation's first caucus, making each presidential candidate's "Road to the White House" begin in the Hawkeye State."
Next quilt block: The Double-Nine Patch!
Be sure to go to American Quilting in Orem. If kits are your thang, than this your store! They have several classes available for all interests and skill levels. And did I mention there is some spooky and delightful Halloween fabric right now?
**Note: I cannot share patterns nor reveal any trade secrets of Amy's quilt block designs registered for "Under the Garden Moon." Patterns will be available to the general public after the entire Saturday Sampler Americana quilt is finished in August 2009.**
9 comments:
I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT GOES ON WITH YOU AND MOM WHILE PUTTING YOUR BLOCKS TOGETHER ...SHE IS THE ONE WHO GAVE US THE PERMANENT GIGGLES YOU KNOW!
What a beautiful quilt block! I love it!
How fun! My mom loves to quilt, and she has been trying to teach me...it takes some patience. I would do well with a year long program like you've got ;)
Okay Becky, I want to quilt so bad but hardly sew. Does she teach you how to do the block or are you expected to just know how to?
She totally teaches and is very thorough. There are quilters in the class of all levels. She is very helpful and would probably even let you do it in the classroom if you needed help.
In another class I took from Amy. She said we could come in and work on them in the store. (The backroom has several machines and ironing boards...she and her staff are so wonderful!)
Becky I love that you are getting into quilting. You should come with me to the Cornwagon Quilt Company. It is a quilters Heaven. They have such fun projects. Let me know if you ever want to go.
Oh geez, you quilt too? I just found your blog and didn't know what in all encompassed. This is going to be right up my alley!! I love to quilt but haven't had the time since I had my now 3 year old boy (I had visions of him sitting and playing quietly in my sewing room while I sewed away, but....no). Anyway, love to cook, love to quilt, wish I was better at home decor (right now it is early toddler) and I KNOW I am going to LOVE this blog a lot!
I just left a comment but I forgot to add that I live near The Stichin' Post in Sisters, OR (an AWESOME quilt store) and it is so hard not to hoard fabric and projects from there. I have actually had to make it a point NOT to go there because I have SO MANY projects backed up! I sometimes wonder if it is the quilting I like or just the purchasing of fabric, hmmmmmmm.
Becky,
Just want to comment on how you've displayed your quilt blocks ....The colors underneath each quilt block are so complimentary to the quilt block fabrics! They coordinate beautifully! Love it!
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