A couple weeks ago, I had the opportunity to do something different – I was teaching quilting to my mom.
My mom learned to sew in the day of home economics for all girls, and made a substantial part of her wardrobe (probably from high school through her 20’s), so she is not new to sewing. Teaching someone how to piece quilt blocks is a lot easier when the person already understands what a 1/4 inch seam is and why consistency matters.
Three generations of quilters in action!
My mom and grandma did make a quilt at some point before I existed. They used 4 inch squares of fabric leftover from clothes my mom made – a mix of fabric types. They cut it out using electric scissors, sewed it together, and tied it. My mom still uses it on the bed when my parents go camping.
There are differences between quilt piecing and clothing sewing (or how she sewed when she did it a lot): seam size, using a rotary cutter, using 100% cotton fabric, pressing instead of ironing, etc. Either way, she was a fast learner.
For her first block, I chose a block based on 9 patches. Straight lines in squares are always a good place to start. I did selfishly choose colors that would work with my “Real World Red & White Sampler”. We did the 9 patch block from Sewn By Leila’s We Can Do It! Skill Builder Sampler.
For her second block, I introduced half square triangles. We did the Pinwheel block from the same sampler, which was really just adding some tips to the Pinwheel Parade Block by V&Co.
My mom’s visit was great, and went too fast as always, but I’m glad we got to spend some time together doing something we both really enjoy.Linking up to Whoop Whoop Fridays @ Confessions of a Quilt Addict, Fabric Frenzy Friday @ Ft. Worth Fabric, Sewjo Saturday at My Go-Goo Life, Anything Goes Monday, Fabric Tuesday @ Quilt Story, WiP Wednesday @ Freshly Pieced, and Let’s Bee Social Wednesday @ SewFreshQuilts.
Sounds like a great project you have done with your Mum – special days.
It was wonderful to sew with her. Our last project was a little more stressful – making a baptism dress two days before my daughter’s baptism! This one was much more relaxing.
You taught your Mum well and she’s a fast learner; she has perfect points in her pinwheels!
I was lucky to have a very good student!
I love the pinwheel block! I remember when my mom bought us some of those electric scissors “back in the day” … they were great!
I have to admit that I am very grateful for rotary cutters, and I am not 100% sure I would be a quilter if I had to use templates or an electric scissor! My mom said they burned up two making that quilt.
What a great picture on inter-generational sewing. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thank you, it’s always fun when my mom and I get to work on a project together. And my daughter loves to “help” me sew when it’s just the two of us.
My mom and I love quilting together as well! Isn’t it great to share that time together and create memories! Your blocks turned out beautiful and I adore the red and white combo! 🙂
Thank you for linking up to Fabric Frenzy Friday!
-Lindsey
Fabric Frenzy Friday
What a great way to spend time with your mom. It’s nice that she wanted and was willing to learn from your experiences, too. My question is this…. Is she hooked?
How lovely to share such a special gift and time together! just wonderful! and thanks for linking up! Great to have you play along!