Quilt Show

I went to a quilt show in Lake Charles today. It’s sponsored by a quilt guild in town called the Calcasieu Cut-Ups. You can read more about this event here.

I’ve been a quilter since 1986. I doubt many of my friends in Louisiana know that about me. I’ve only made one quilt since moving here, and that was four years ago, when my nephew was born. I’m not sure why I got out of the habit. It likely has something to do with my eyesight and the fact that I can no longer see up close without reading glasses. But after viewing the fabulous quilts on display today at the show, I’m motivated to get started again. This was one of my favorites. I love the bright colors! And the polka dots are fun.

In 1986, my sister was pregnant with my first niece, Loren. I asked my best friend Beth, who is an amazing quilter, to help me make a baby quilt for the pending birth. I thought I’d only make that one quilt. I hadn’t planned on becoming a quilter. But after the process of making that first quilt, I was hooked. Indeed, quilting is a process, and I think that’s what I love about it. There are so many steps, each one unique. The many steps keep me from getting bored. After formulating an idea, you shop for fabric. I love this step. I love browsing through fabric shops. So many colors, patterns, and textures! I especially love the batik prints. They’re like beautiful watercolor paintings.

Then you choose a design or pattern. You trace, cut, and sew (I sew the pieces together and quilt by hand. It takes an average of about three months working diligently to complete a quilt; longer if the quilt is larger). Once the top is complete, you sandwich the quilt back, batting, and top, and begin quilting. Finally, you sew on the binding for the finished work of art.

Yes . . . art. And that’s something else I love about quilting. For someone like me who can’t draw or paint, quilting is a satisfying artistic outlet. Who can say this isn’t art?

 

 

 

If my friend Melissa quilted, she’d make this one. 

Over the years, I’ve made numerous quilts. I honestly have no idea how many. Most of them I gave away as gifts. Here’s a collage of a few quilts I’ve made.

 

My favorite quilt is this one my mom made for me. See my boys?

Mom wrote this on the back of the quilt.

In addition to quilts, there were several vendors at the show. I bought some fabric and came home with lots of ideas. I have two projects planned, but I can’t say what they are right now. It’s a surprise!