That’s a wrap for Quilt Camp!

July 12, 2025

For several summers, I’ve volunteered as a mentor at Quilt Camp sponsored by the Southeastern Quilt & Textile Museum. I even have the t-shirt collection to prove it! Charlotte, a rising sixth grader I’ve known since she was a toddler, accompanied me this year. She had a great time, a wonderful mentor (Ms. Joyce) and stated she definitely wants to return next summer. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the ‘tween version of Charlotte on our daily commutes.

We were set-up in the main gallery this year, which gave us so much more space to spread out. The local Quilts of Valor group meets in the main gallery for their sew days, so Education Chair figured why not set the campers up in there, too. Janie, a horse-crazy rising 7th grader was my assigned camper. She was a joy to mentor – personable, focused, accepted feedback well and was able to complete her project with minimal help from me. She was so proud of her finished project – as she should be. Hopefully, our paths will cross again in a future camp.

If you have a young person in your life curious about sewing – encourage that interest. Most sewing classes for kids limit enrollment to upper elementary age students (4th & 5th graders) and up. This is largely due to the fact that 9-10 year olds have developed better hand-eye coordination, more stamina to focus for longer periods of time and the fine motor skills required by sewing (scissor cutting, unpicking, pinning, etc.) The SQTM charges about $100 for 10 hours of one-on-one instruction, including use of a sewing machine and supplies. Kits are furnished for 1st year students as part of the tuition. That’s a deal!

Finding inspiration

July 9, 2025

Last month, my quilt guild presented a program on quilts from the late 1800’s to the 1950’s. This particular 1930’s quilt spoke to me. Not sure if it’s because of the the green background fabric or the prairie point edging, but I now have an idea on how to possibly enlarge the Vintage Windmill quilt to fit a queen size bed.

Speaking of Vintage Windmill, this quilt required more planning and prep work than most throw size quilts I’ve made. However, constructing the half-hexie units has been much easier due to said planning and prep work. I’m about 2/3 of the way done. The half hexies will be arranged in columns and sewn together to make the top. Once the top’s complete, I’ll decide about adding extra borders to increase the quilt’s overall size. Quilting will be simple: a large double loopy meander is the quilting design I keep coming back to, especially if adding borders.

I’ve been combing through my machine quilting design books to look for new no – mark FMQ designs to add to my everyday repertoire. I’ve got several versions of the loopy meander down (plain, double loops, hearts, stars and flowers). Recently, I tried one of the more angular boxy meanders that had previously given me fits. Teen size flannel blankets made for a special collaboration with the local school district provided the perfect opportunity to practice. Bonus: the Military Gold Glide thread used on my niece’s quilt also blended well with the first one. Now, to do a similar, but larger scale, boxy meander on the other flannel blanket!

Where do you find inspiration for your creative pursuits?

Changing shopping habits

July 1, 2025

I’ve always made it a point to shop local businesses whenever possible. However, the brick & mortar retail landscape in my area has really changed in the past 5 years – particularly when it comes to quilt & fabric shops. Where westside Atlanta had 8+ quilt shops prior to 2020, there were only two still in business when I retired in May 2022. Today, one shop has a completely new owner and the other is in the process of onboarding the next generation to run its long-time shop. In April, Stitched opened along the route to my monthly guild meetings and bee group gatherings. I really like the new shop’s vibe – plus Sadie is welcome. Needless to say, I shop here first for fabric and dog treats! 🙂

Some of the shop closures have meant I no longer have a local source of supply for certain notions I prefer to use. Even with three Janome dealers in the greater Atlanta area, I usually resort to buying parts and accessories from online dealers due to availability, convenience and price. Actually, I now apply the same parameters to shopping as I do therapy dog visits. If I can’t get there in under 30 minutes, I’m not going unless it’s a special occasion.

Instead, I’ll simply shop at regional quilt shops online before I head over to Amazon. One of the millennial age instructors in a class I took explained we can still support small & local businesses even when we shop online. She has a valid point. I recently bought fabric online from Stash Fabrics (needed to fix a boo-boo) and picked it up while running errands in that part of town. I needed Superior Threads Titanium Topstitch 90/14 needles and a cone of So Fine 50 wt thread in Straw color. Amazon was the only retailer that had both items available, plus it offered the best pricing overall and 2 day delivery. (It helps we’re Prime members.) I look at it this way: I’m saving time and money while still supporting the local delivery service provider who will deliver the package to my home tomorrow.

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