Actually it's a wallhanging. Circa Spring 1993--Yokota Air Base, Japan. The class was taught at the rec center by the pediatrician's wife. Keepsake Quilting was my first introduction to quilting supplies. The fabric selection on base was limited so I decided on an Americana theme. We dabbled in a bit of everything. Notice the appliqued heart? The rail fence was strip pieced and the other 3 blocks were all made using templates--UGH! I didn't know a thing about half square triangles or making squares with a rotary mat and cutter. The teacher gave a brief, and I mean very brief demo of hand quilting before the class was over. She wasn't the best teacher but I did get bitten by the quilting bug. 
Fast forward 15 years. I Heart Kokeshi is a pretty recent quilt. Things I've learned: I've gained the confidence to make projects without using a pattern. I'm so much better at choosing fabrics and working with color. These have allowed me to step outside of my box. I do NOT have to quilt every quilt myself. It's ok to make scrappy backs; as a matter of fact I LOVE them the best. Rotary mats and cutters are a quilter's best friend.
I'm so glad I didn't give up after the first class. I've learned many things about making quilts since 1993 but the most important lesson I have learned is...make what you love and as long as you enjoy it, no one elses opinion matters.s
~Piecefully, Stephanie
29 comments:
Thanks for sharing the journey, I started the same year as you and I think your sentiments ring true for me too. Isn't it amazing to see how far we've come.
It's kind of neat to step back, reflect and retrace the steps from time to time. And thank goodness for that pesky quilting bug...he certainly gets around, doesn't he?
Beautiful!
Your first quilt story sounds so similar to mine! It is so fun to look at all the first quilts out there. I don't own my very first quilt anymore, but I enjoyed making it. I love what you have learned to. I know that I have learned GADS!
You did a great job! I took my first quilting class 2-1/2 years ago to learn to piece. I really like your perspective on what you learned, especially to make what you love!! I've joined in on this too and it's been fun to see what others make. My goal is to be as confident as you in my piecing and make up my own patterns!
I am glad you didn't give up quilting either because you are so creative and I love the things you do. Thanks for sharing you first quilt and your recent quilt.
These are both terrific. But I would never guess that first one was a first one.. it looks perfect to me! Maybe I'll play along too. I already showed my first quilt once, but it would be fun to do again. Thanks Stephanie!
I really love your fabric selections now. :-) Times have changed, haven't they?
How wonderful - I love your I Heart Kokeshi quilt. The fabrics are terrific - the polka dots for the backgrounds - so cute. I really like that doll/girl fabric in some of the blocks. How right you are about making your own self happy. That outlook really opens up a world of creativity.
Oh that was so much fun to see!! Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks for sharing your story...I see we started quilting at about the same time...I can't remember if I made that first double Irish chain in '92 or '93...But anyway I'm so glad you stuck with it since your quilting and your blog are such an inspiration to me! Have a great day!
It's so neat to see the progression from then until now. I love the fabrics in the 'now' quilt! Your 'then' wall hanging is so sweet.
Hi Stephanie ~ An awesome journey, lots of excellent lessons and look where you are! While I love your little sampler quilt, I Heart Kokeshi is fabulous! I think I heart that one too!
Thank you for sharing your quilts, your stories and for playing along. :)
I also showed my first and latest. Its fun to see how your confidence, style, and choices have changed and grown over the years.
Love seeing this!
How fun to see both of these, Stephanie! I still love Keepsake Quilting catalog - they have such great eye candy! Your first quilt is really an insight into the talent you have today - I would never have believed it was your first - it's so well done!
Cheers!
Your first quilt shows talent already, but tastes develop, too, and the newest quilt is really lovely!
I started in 1997 or 1998. Just bought a quilt in a day book and used some cotton/poly blend fabric (didn't know any better!) and made a tied lap quilt. I had the audacity to give that as a wedding gift. Oh how I cringe now! Wish I took a pictue of it...but then again, maybe it's better that I didn't!
Your work is beautiful--first and last! Quilters just have a "knack" and you are a great example of that!
Love your quilt, and loved your quilting memories too!
I am loving everyone's first quilts - thanks for sharing!
Thank you Stephanie for sharing! I am so glad everyone is digging up those first quilt projects. You are so right about the journey and to keep making what makes US happy!
I showed some friends my first quilt recently. The most amazing thing, like yours is the confidence using colours. Thank for sharing Stephanie. Love it!
Thanks for sharing. I love to see your first quilt and the quilting-journey you’ve made!
I think your red, white and blue wall hanging is an outstanding first project. A lot of different quilt patterns and techniques.
I love first quilt - last quilt comparisions. Thanks you!
Such lovely quilts. And what a difference in fabric, after all those years. Love the fabric you used for your most recent quilt!
I love this polka dot quilt! your work with your bags and quilts is inspiring!
Your quilts are beautiful!
I love your quilt. It's so cute. I know, not the best words to describe it, but that's the first thing that came to mind.
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