I grew up thinking of quilting as "something my grandmothers did." But then a co-worker gently coerced me into taking a piecing class. I got hooked hard and fast.
I started the quilting journey in March of 2008. The class was on foundation paper piecing. When I went to the class, I didn't have a clue. She told me that I would need an acrylic ruler with a quarter inch mark. So I took a clear school ruler that -yep sure enough had a quarter inch mark on it. Ha ha. Fortunately she loaned me a ruler for the class. We made one simple block in that class- a square in a square.
In the next class we made a table runner. I knew that in May my niece would be graduating and going off to college. So, she needed a quilt. I made her a quilt, but was unable to actually quilt it - it was too large to drag through my tiny sewing machine, So I tied it.
Here is a picture of my first finished quilt.
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| One of my paintings with the pillowcases I made to "go with" it. |
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| Kindle pouch |
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| Table runner |
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| Purse - check out that free motion quilting! |
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| Purse with fabric birds |
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| Table Runner |
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| Purse and eyeglass holders. |
Of course, as you may have guessed from the blog title, I am from Alabama and still live in my home state. I have gone to college in Ohio. I have traveled as a repertory actor and actually got paid to be on stage. Interestingly, I have worked many jobs from cook to janitor to asssembly to acting to secretary, but I have never waited tables. (What an actor who doesn't wait tables? ha ha - yes true!)
I have visited England and Mexico. I like a lot of diversity in my life. I love music. I enjoy singing in a choir and I play penny whistle, piano and guitar (with varying levels of success.)
I also love comments and new followers. So if you are visiting from Pigtales and Quilts, or if you just wandered in, I hope you have enjoyed the visit and will follow me.
30 comments:
I stop by on a regular basis because I enjoy reading your blog. Loved this post. Happy quilting!
loved this post...
Further confirmation that you are, truly, a renaissance man! Great post!
Loved this post and seeing some of your past projects! You're a real artist!
Wow. You are very creative. I love how you expresss yourself, very freeing. Don't ever stop.
Welcome to the quilt show Gene! If you don't mind, add a link directly to the quilt show and mention it so your readers will go over and vote for their favorite quilt and also have the chance to visit the other quilters. :)
Good luck in the contest!
Creativity is a good thing and you are very creative. great post!
I enjoyed hearing and seeing the history or your quilting process...
Hi Gene, I wandered in awhile ago and followed you. Nice to see all the things you have made.
Hey Gene! Loved the post...it was great seeing all of the quilts and other sewing projects...and let me tell you, I am mighty envious of those nice, crisp points on those quilts! :o)
Sorry I haven't been around in a while...lots of nasty drama has been going on with my blog, which is now gone! :o( Hope you're doing well, and good luck to Alabama today as they play the Gators!
XOXO,
Cyndi
Wonderful post. I follow your blog and enjoy it a lot. It was fun to see so many of your quilts all in one post.
Great blog - I'm glad I stopped over from Men Who Quilt!
I like this post, Gene.
Plus, I learned more about you.
hugs
Gerry
Nice to meet you, Gene. I love your story!
Loved hearing about your journey and also love that photo of you painting at the end of your post!
Boy Gene, you really do have lots of finishes. Me not so many, but it comes down to the quilting. I finished 2 3/4 machine quilts, 1 hand quilt, and a couple of bags. I want to do it myself and really haven't gotten the hang of it yet. So I still have lots of tops to quiilt. Someday.
Enjoyed your post.
Amazing body of work!
Hugs,
Kerry
Just as I thought - an ordinary guy who is amazing! That's why we all love you, Gene. :)
Wonderful to see all your quilts, and good luck in the Quilt Show contest.
You have quite the diverse selection of quilts. What a great show. Thanks for sharing.
You have so much talent, but I think you should try waiting tables, even if for only a day - then you could say you did it :) I am your newest follower and would love it if you followed me back!
Thoroughly enjoyed seeing your sewing and reading about you. One thought was In my head though, I'm sorta glad my husband doesn't quilt, we'd fight about whose turn to use the machine and cutting table, I'm pretty possessive! Thanks.
I loved seeing all these projects in one post. You have so much creative talent!
I always love to hear how people get started with quilting and other forms of art. What a beautifully creative quilt gallery you have. Enjoyed learning about the many steps to where you are today.
Gene...you have been so busy....geez you put me to shame! Loved the show...thanks so much :)
Smiles,
Kelly
Wonderful shot of quilts Gene! It was neat to hear how you got started and I always enjoy your posts!
Lovely work, I am happy to have found your blog through the Men Quilt Too! show.
I'm so happy to see you sharing your talent and inspiration in the Men Quilt Too! show. Love all your creations and inspiration.
If your travels ever bring you to So. Cal. please let me know. I'd love to show you around the area and have time to visit with you.
SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com
Congratulations on being part of the Men Quilt Too show. Sorry I found out about it to late to vote.
Anita
http://anitas-bedofroses.blogspot.com
Gene-Love your quilts. I am trying to get a former male colleague, also a painter, to learn to quilt. I'm making him a sampler quilt for Christmas. He's an Art Teacher and I know would enjoy learning to sew. Any tips or suggestions you can give me to convince him would be appreciated. From California, thanks for sharing.
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