Today I thought it might be fun, Dear Reader, to look back and see where Vine Lines Quilting began and how I got to this point.
I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t interested in some sort of craft. Over the years I have dabbled in tapestry, knitting, crochet, scrapbooking and cross stitch as well as dressmaking and of course quilting. My earliest memory of craft is of my mother teaching me tapestry when I was very young. Then there was Miss Forbes in Year Two teaching us cross stitch with the purple gingham table runner. I still have that table runner and treasure it greatly.
The quilting bug took hold nearly twenty years ago when my sister was expecting twins. I knew nothing about quilting but decided my new nieces or nephews would need quilts so I sat down and with the arrogance of a complete beginner designed a quilt from scratch. I then went off to my local Spotlight and bought some delightful polycotton and hideously thick polyester wadding and made two quilts for my beautiful now 17½-year-old nieces. These quilts are technically terrible but they are treasured and have withstood all that 17 years has thrown at them. They’re currently sitting in my studio, waiting for me to write the pattern and release it early this year. Stay Tuned, Dear Reader….
Quite some years ago I met a Young Man. We’re celebrating our tenth wedding anniversary this month in fact. As we got to know each other, I discovered that the Young Man’s mother (now my very dear MIL) was also very interested in quilting. I am hugely blessed to have a MIL with whom I can share such a passion. Over the years we’ve done many workshops together and built up our skills and had many laughs (and a few frustrations and tears).
Around two years ago a group of friends and I started meeting together to sit and sew once a week and it was during this time that I decided I would love to spend more time quilting. I didn’t know what form that would take but I spent a lot more time sewing and improving my skills and becoming more active in blog land and social media. Through this I’ve ‘met’ some great people, some of whom are becoming lovely friends. Over the last few weeks opportunities have started to present themselves so that 2015 is going to be my Best. Year. Ever.
What about you? What’s your first memory of craft? I’d love you to tell us about it below in the comments.
Until then, happy quilting 🙂
I’m always interested in learning more about the people I follow on IG – thanks! And what a blessing to have a MIL interested in quilting!