Pass It On: Learning to Quilt

Welcome to the first post from my 'Pass It On!' series. I'm really excited to teach others the skills I've learned and to try to get them as addicted to crafting as I am! But I'll also be learning new skills from others because I still have so much to learn! And lucky you -you get to read about those experiences here.

At Christmas time, my friend Kelechi (aka my little sister), was home from Ontario where she goes to school. One day, Kelechi casually mentioned she wanted to learn how to quilt. One thing led to another and before too long, we were on our way to the quilt shop to buy supplies!

The ladies at the quilt shop were super helpful (as per usual), which is why they are my favourite quilting shop in Edmonton. They helped us decide on a simple block pattern, select some gorgeous fabrics, and calculate the amount of fabric needed with very little waste!

We set out to do in one week what many people do in months. Kelechi is one determined girl! She was able to get all the squares cut out and pieced together, attach the backing, and complete about 1/3 of the machine quilting before heading back to Ontario. Just 2 weeks later she finished the rest of the machine quilting and attached the binding. You go girl!

I thoroughly enjoyed teaching Kelechi how to quilt! Being a witness to the beginning of a new passion for her was an absolute honour. It's easy to teach people who are really excited to learn!

The most challenging part for me was making sure to teach her the really important things about quilting, without projecting my own perfectionistic sewing habits onto her. I wanted her to learn to do things right, but to make sure she had fun while doing it. It's a delicate balance.

I could continue to babble on about it, but you should hear what Kelechi has to say. I did a little Q&A with her. It's pretty magical!

What made you want to make your very first quilt?

"The desire to make a quilt was something that's been building for the last couple of years as I've been discovering my own personal style. I've been having trouble finding affordable stuff that fits exactly the way I want it to, especially when it comes to bedding. But because I didn't even know how to use a sewing machine, I just thought I would not be able to do it."

What did you enjoy most?

"I loved picking out the pattern and colours. I enjoyed hanging out with you and getting a free quilting education. But I definitely think I enjoyed seeing the finished product the best. There is just something about seeing the completed project on my bed - it's pretty awesome!"

What did you enjoy least?

"The pressing...OMG! I hate ironing of any kind!"

What was the easiest part?

"The sewing was the easiest part. It's fast, but also the kind of task you can easily lose yourself in."

What was the hardest part?

"Cutting my fabric squares almost killed me. It was really frustrating when my hand would slip with the ruler. It made sewing them together difficult when my squares were not exactly the same size. Thank God you were there because I would probably have given up if it were just me doing it alone."

Any other comments on the whole experience?

"This experience was so good for me! I not have a new passion and I'm already sharing it with other people. I'm showing my friend how you taught me, and we are making a baby blanket. So I'm already paying forward what you taught me. This was an amazing gift you gave me. Thank you for taking the time and energy to teach me, and for letting me stay at your house for hours and hours!"

Don't you just LOVE her?