Today is my annual visit to the local elementary school to give a quilting talk/show-and-tell to the second graders for their Colonial Days celebrations. These are the quilts that I've packed up in my van to show. What's scary is that I have almost as many still in my house that are not going with me and I'm sure I've also given away a pile just as big!I've done this for the last 4-5 years and they keep inviting me back, so I guess they enjoy the show. Technically, of course, I should have all hand-quilted items with me for Colonial Days. When the teachers first asked me to do this, I warned them that I'm not a hand quilter, so 99 percent of what I show is done on machine...they didn't care.
I do show them a hand-quilted WIP (well it's really a permanent UFO) in a hoop that I started at least 8 or 9 years ago. (Don't look too closely at the stitches, please). I never really liked the fabric, hate the batting and have no more interest in finishing this. But it's perfect to use for Colonial Days since I can show the students what a quilt sandwich looks like and what (imperfect) hand quilting is. If I finished it, it wouldn't serve its purpose. Great excuse, huh?
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6 comments:
What fun!! I love to do talks with the kids. And to be honest with you, I don't think they mind that your quilts are not hand quilted. They are gorgeous and serve the purpose they have been made for. And better yet, kids have the best imaginations ever!
I long ago decided that it's ok not to finish something if you find you really don't like it. Why waste your precious time and energy on it? Eventually I just always get rid of them. Colonial Days sounds like fun.
As a hand quilter I see nothing wrong with your stitch work, the size of the stitches look consistent and that is what counts! As for the color we all change our likes and dislikes over the years don't we - what we like one year we might hate 3 years later. Have fun at the school I bet the kids will love the quilts.
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/
Permanent UFO,huh? I usually trash those. Late at night. When the coast is clear. Deep in the can. Or if there is any redeeming value whatsoever, it gets tossed in the Goodwill donation bag.
Oh, how I love your logic on the permanent UFO!!!! You are so right. Good for you for sharing your passion and interest of quilting with the "younger generation". Very lucky second graders.
Thank you for sharing your love for quilt making with the students! Colonial Days what a great idea, perfect having your UFO as a way of showing hand quilting and the layering! The students don't know that you no longer love it, and they see a great example! Have a relaxing rest of the week!
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