When I was young I made most of my own clothes and I loved making things from scratch (for quilters that is probably a familiar tale). I left home at the age of 18 years to train as an Occupational Therapist (OT), and when people found out what I did they would always make a joke about it being ‘basket and bunny making. OTs do use activity in their work but it is much more science based than that and out of frustration I gave up all sewing and crafting at home so I wouldn’t be seen to perpetuate the myth.
It was about fifteen years ago that I got back into crafting when a friend and I went to a jewelry making class at the Bead & Button Bazaar. I loved it and ended up teaching stitched and knotted jewelry techniques for many years. Five years ago one of our students offered to run a quilting class and I never looked back! Beverly Potter was a great teacher and mentor and enthused all of us. When I left Birmingham three years ago I attended a few classes locally, a range of workshops near and far and now I am coming to the end of a 10 month eCourse on Quilt Design run by the lovely Karen Platt. From mixing and matching my learning I have become so much more confident. I don’t know about you but life long learning is very important to me and I can’t see a time when I wouldn’t want to learn something new.
So why did I volunteer to ‘Sew a Row’? When Sylvia Priest mentioned it I thought it was a great idea! Working in collaboration with other people is just up my street (and I miss it since retiring). I find collaborative projects exciting, satisfying, educational and you get to meet lovely and like minded people. Who could ask for anything more?
When the theme was chosen I discovered that Fire was actually a challenge in terms of identifying the colours that make up flames. You would think it was easy to find the right reds, oranges and golds to go together but I had to search near and far for the final selection. Of course, your idea of fire colours and your partners ideas are two different things so this adds an extra complication for the partner who puts it all together (thankfully that wasn’t me and sorry Carol).
I also chose to make my block using Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) which I haven’t done much of and haven’t much enjoyed in the past. It was a good choice as I enjoyed all aspects of pattern drafting and assembling (and hope you will do to if you make the Fire Quilt).
A great project and one I hope you will enjoy making if you take up the challenge.
You can find mine and all the other blocks over in our Block of the Month section
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