Want to see my progress on my quilt?
I basted it according to the basting method found on this video (and the next one), although I modified it a bit.
Mainly by going ahead and putting the batting (in this case an old fleece blanket) with the bottom layer, rather than having them separate.
If you watch the videos, you will understand these pictures!
Do you have some handwork that you love to do, or some other creative outlet?
I've been quilting for about twenty-five years. I actually don't have many quilts to show in that time, because of course I was learning when my kids were really little, and kept having to take breaks because I was too pregnant to cut material out on the floor, or had a nursing baby in my arms all the time, or just couldn't get to it.
But you know, it's very fulfilling to be making something — to do something loving and creative even when you feel like you are too busy. I have found that scheduling the time necessary to set myself up with a project yields major dividends in finding myself prepared later, at unexpected moments, when I can reach for my quilt bag and pull out my handwork. It's the setting up that's difficult. But with some thought, it can be done.
We need to learn to enjoy our days, to take satisfaction in small acts of beauty, however humble.
I believe that the recovery of this sense of satisfaction will lead us to be better to the people around us: more patient, kinder, and more affirming.
I say “recovery”, because I think that before the feminist revolution, the great majority of women, simply and without much fanfare, led quite satisfied lives, in no small part thanks to the little touches they gave their homes, without too much regard to the high fashions of the day.
I know that my own grandmother, who raised seven children herself (but without indoor plumbing for a good deal of the time), made lovely objects that were part of daily life at home. No biggie: they all did!
I think this is why I'm drawn to crafts and styles from her day. I love the idea that women put so much creativity into their homes, with so little to work with. Quilting does have the advantage that thrifted materials are not difficult to come by.
The problem with us moms is that many of the things we do each day are ephemeral. Worthwhile, but quickly undone!
The exact same dishes get dirty again, sometimes within minutes. A clean room seems to attract little people with crayons, clay, and grand visions of sofa-cushion-fort-architecture. Even a lovely meal doesn't have a long half-life.
If you have been sort of drowning in the riptides of your life — and it does seem like that, doesn't it, sometimes? — I encourage you to ask yourself what makes you feel really happy in a homemaking kind of way.
When you get the knitting needles in your hands? Making a bag? Crewel embroidery?
I have a friend who tells me how energized she feels walking into her sewing studio, and I concur. It's a wonderful feeling.
If it's something like working with furniture, pottery, or sculpting, you may also want to take up needlepoint, because it's hard to throw a pot while watching a baseball game or sitting outside of dance class! And you know, you can get a lot done in those hours here and there, just… sitting and waiting.
I like to talk to other moms — I think most of us are starved for conversation, aren't we? But I don't like to just sit there.
Remember the Middletons in Sense and Sensibility? “He hunted and shot, and she humoured her children; and these were their only resources.” At least Sir Middleton had the advantage of a warm personality; Lady Middleton was… cold.
In contrast, the women in this book, The Quilters: Women and Domestic Art, which I posted about a while back, give an inspiring example of women who create in the midst of astonishing activity, with days of back-breaking work that put our soft situations to shame! And they made the things because they needed them! No whining about “my busy day, boo hoo.”
I got it out of the library and enjoyed every moment of reading about these lovely women and their clever melding of their social and work lives into a beautiful and productive unity.
Thanks to Hooked on Houses for the link!
Keri says
Good words. I think this quilt will be my project. It would be cozy over the back of the couch in the family room for cold evenings. And as for me, it's usually "What do you mean you don't have any clean jeans in your drawer! I just put a pile in there!" Sigh.
sue says
Hey Leila,I recognize some of that fabric. I am so glad it is being used. It's such a pretty quilt. My grandmothers did so many creative things too. My grandmother crocheted and taught me to. Maybe that's why it's my first love. Now-a-day grandmothers aren't around to teach their grandchildren things so much any more. I hope we can break that cycle. 😉
Anne R Triolo says
Two things:I like the first picture in this post. Pretty thimble.I have tried this type of basting a couple of times now and I don't think I like it. I haven't found that it holds very securely. The layers still slip. Am I doing it wrong? Or expecting too much of my basting?
Leila says
QUILT ALERT: This patchwork did NOT come out for me the way it is supposed to in the directions. I think I am a bad cutter. But I patched the strips together starting at the same side each time, and then just hacked the other side to make it even.Also, Because it's all strips, the long edges of the finished top sort of fan. I've never had the issue of my top not being more or less square before.Sue: yes, I was very glad to have that fabric you gave me for the backing! I couldn't come up with anything else, and I really like the effect! Thanks!Annie: That's odd — I find it much more secure. We'll have to do it together to see how it works.I wish I could sit and chat and do handwork with all of you dear readers!
Margo says
When you first posted pics of this quilt top, I said THAT'S IT. This the quilt I'm making next! I love that it uses scraps for the color, but it's not same old same old patchwork. This will only be my second quilt, so I have a few questions :)And I think I'm a bad cutter too – my first quilt is a nine patch and some of the blocks/patches just don't line up! I'm being easy on myself because it's my first and I want to finish it, not get bogged down in perfection. I think I will always choose quilt patterns that are forgiving :)I'm planning to use a synthetic blanket as the batting – in the spirit of why quilts were first made. I'm sure it will be harder to quilt – thicker, etc. Any hints about that?I was also interested to see how you're quilting the bricks. I couldn't quite picture what I was going to do.LOVE handwork! Fortunately I have a friend who does too, and we get together weekly to work together. We're odd among our other friends (we're in our 30s), but so glad we have someone to chat with while we work!
Camille says
I just finished knitting a bright, pretty, pink dish cloth and I absolutely love the way it brightens up my sink! It is the FIRST project I have kept for myself in five years of knitting. I agree that I love talking, but I hate idle hands! I often wonder if I am rude to have my hands going while chatting. :-)And I love, love, love that you used "ephemeral"… 🙂 A good word that is rarely used anymore.
Anonymous says
I crochet. I even treat myself, now that the baby is older (5 months adjusted)and I have built in babysitting, to a once a month meeting with other ladies where we "sit and stitch". It is fun and at 42 I think I'm the baby of the group. I find that just hilarious. I tried to get a similar group together at church but everyone was too busy.ArdenLynn
Julia @ Hooked on Ho says
I used to embroider things with my mother when I was growing up. Every Saturday we'd watch old black and white movies on TV and work on our projects. I've still got all the pillow cases and tablecloths I made back then and they still make me happy to look at. I've been thinking that I'd like to start the same (or similar) tradition with my own daughter now that she's getting older.I love a post that finds a way to mention "Sense & Sensibility." I love Jane Austen! :-)Thanks for joining my party. I really enjoyed this post. You have such a lovely blog. Have a great weekend!
The Summer Kitchen I says
We love decorating with quilts. Our grandmother was a big quilter, so we understand the patience and satisfaction of putting one together and getting it done! Quilts add such great personality to a room – we wonder why more people don't use them!!Thanks for the lovely post!Karla & Karrie
Erika says
Wow Leila, you sure do hit the nail on the head! I think this has been a real problem in my life lately. Producing clean laundry and good meals is very important, but working on things that last a bit longer does feed one's soul in a different way. I think this quilt is fantastic–such a gorgeous way of bringing together so many different fabrics.
Michelle says
I think your quilt is beautiful…I love that you used an old blanket for the batting. I've been keeping my eye out for one that I can use as well. I've never made a quilt but have been tucking away fabrics because I am determined to make one…soon. A SIMPLE one. Like giant squares for a patchwork…but you've got to start somewhere, right? I so agree with you about the feminist movement…I'm not pro wonmen's lib…not at all. I think we've been brainwashed..and then when some of us DO want to stay home and keep house and make our homes beautiful and make sure our children are looked after and cared for and fed well we're looked at like we have three heads! But that's OK…being home is worth ALL of the negative press!Have a great day…and keep on quilting! I may have to stop by the thrift store on my way out today…maybe there's a blanket waiting there for me!
Decadent Housewife says
So enjoy seeing the progress on your quilt. It looks like one a man would enjoy having. The first christening gown I made was completely embroidered while traveling to and from church on Sundays. There is always something ready to be stitched in my tote. Great post!
Andi says
great quilt! it's one of a few crafts I have not tried, yet! I love your blog, too. Mine started as a way for my mom and sister to keep up on my projecs 🙂
Amy says
I have so enjoyed your blog! It seems when I come to read you are talking directly to me!! I too am the mother of 7 and have been feeling a little burn out lately. I love cooking but it lasts 10 minutes when every kid can eat their weight in food. I love to have the house clean but someone is usually walking behind me getting things out as I put them away. It seems whatever I have spent my day doing is wiped away as though I did nothing by the time I drop into bed. My husband works out of town a lot and I feel I always have to explain my day to him when he comes home because everything is back to chaos when the day ends. I NEED to schedule time to do something else for a change. Maybe to avoid that burnout feeling and that in turn will show itself as more patience with the kids. Thanks for this reminder!
Barb says
I agree so much with the ephermal quality of homekeeping! Some days I feel like I'm scrambling to keep up!I don't quilt, but I do sew, knit and work on decorative craft projects for the seasons and holidays. I firmly believe in doing this daily, even if it's only a few rows of knitting before I fall asleep at night. It does feed my soul. Most of my handwork has been for my family simply because I have so little time to craft right now, but I have done some small projects for friends.
Connie says
Wow…you hit it right on the head! Everything I've been feeling was just validated in your post. (Ephemeral…worthwhile, but quickly undone.)I feel my best when I'm using my creative juices…crocheting, sewing, decorating, etc. … The feminist movement really hasn't done us any favors…just created a civil unrest among the natives. *snark.
martha says
"I believe that the recovery of this sense of satisfaction will lead us to be better…"Yes! This reminds me of a book I enjoyed a few years back. The author and his wife moved into an Amish community and "unplugged" their own lives. He noticed a deep sense of satisfaction in their lives of shared, simple labor. He also noticed that this community did not suffer from the low level depression of modern society. Thank you for reminding us of the simple importance of creative productivity. When we create, we mirror our Creator!
Lawler Family Stalke says
Hello!Thank you so much for the hug that I received "from you" today! It made me feel very special! Even though I have not been commenting, I promise that I have not missed a post since I started following! Indeed, when I got back from vacation last night, it was a little bit like Christmas to find several posts stacked up! Often I just don't comment because I don't have anything to add… since I have neither "more than three children", nor "boys", I don't register very high on the wisdom scale. Unless we're talking about scrapbooking, I'm still in learning mode. :)I think about your views on decorating while I'm shopping now. It's fun… I'm always thinking "is it practical? Is it well-priced? Will it last? Is it nice to look at?" So you see, even when I'm not commenting, I'm thinking of you!Thank you for passing on your wisdom! Us "younger women" are eating it up voraciously!:)
Leila says
Margo: I'm so impatient that my cutting suffers, but this quilt is even more tricky b/c the pieces are various weights and weaves. Some of the really light pieces were quite wonky.If it scares you to think that the top would come out wonky, you might be better off with blocks for now. Once it was basted, I got this one to behave, but I think there would have been tears a few quilts ago!Usually I do use Warm and Natural cotton batting. This time I found some random fleece blanket floating around the house (after a few kids go to college, there are all manner of such things popping up:) and it is a truly yucky color — the kind of thing that will always look dirty no matter what.So I decided to use it and it is just fine to work with. It's thin and will be warm. The quilting is going fine! A thin worn wool blanket would also work very well, I think.Erika: Thanks for the complement! I get such a sense of well being from making things with my hands.Camille: I don't think it's rude! If I have any doubts, I ask my friend if she minds. But I think people find it soothing, and if anything, are wondering why they didn't think of it! :)Michelle: I hope you make a quilt! And tell us about it!Martha: so true!LFS: I'm glad you are sticking with us. We need our own personal stalker not to become a SLACKER.But — if our voice is in your head, then who's doing the stalking?? 🙂
Leah says
just read your reply on CDW. I'm overwhelmingly impressed your daughter put her dish in the dishwasher. 🙂 You're doing something right!
Vintagesquirrel says
Hello Leila, Thanks so much for visiting my blog and commenting. Did you notice that I live in MA? Yes, in fact, I was just checking out your other blogs, and I saw "The Faithful Departed" blog. My FIL just finished reading that book. Did your husband write this? My husband and I both grew up in Dorchester, and went to 12 years of Catholic school(each, of course:)As for you, I read little from this blog, and I'm so happy I found you. I loved your 'manifesto' and have to agree that, even though I'm not necessarily a 'young' mother, there's so much to learn from those who've been through more.And, I hate when my SIL's try to give me advice on parenting my three sons, as they each have only one child. Really, what do they know about sibling rivalry?I will definately be back to visit your blog, as you have a lot to share and I am an eager learner.xoxo-Michelle
Leila says
Hi Michelle from Mass — yes, my husband wrote The Faithful Departed: The Collapse of Boston's Catholic Culture.I highly recommend it! :)His family is from Dorchester :)I look forward to having more conversations with you!
Sara says
I love your quilt, but this post filled me with fear! I just finished a quilt top for my d's full-sized bed. It's simple, like Michelle said—big 12" blocks interspersed with 9-patch blocks. But I didn't know I had to baste it and I don't want to! I haven't even decided how I'm going to quilt it or if I'm going to tie it.The only other quilting I have done are a crib quilt for my oldest with an applique of Peter Rabbit. I tied it and quilted around Peter. It is cute. And I made a small quilt, not even twin sized, out of dh's pinpoint cotton oxford shirts. Just tied that one too. This will be my biggest project!
Habou says
Dear Leila, I have loved this quilt since you began putting it together. It is very beautiful and doesn't boggle my mind the way some quilts do – you know, thinking about fitting intricate pieces together kind of thing.Also, I have to clarify what I had said about my growing up in a house without indoor plumbing. I do love to dramatize things. Our family lived in New York and New Jersey where we had amenities and lived in very cool places. I was the youngest of seven and when I was nine my father was determined to move out of the city where we younger children could grow up in the fresh air of the country and get away from the wicked influences of urban life. We moved to upstate NY into an old house that needed a lot of work including installing indoor plumbing. Plans for renovations were just not happening, so we moved to an up-to-date house a few years later. So it wasn't as bad for my mother as it sounds albeit those few years were very difficult for her. But my memories of that house and the tiny village we lived in are very happy ones. We had loads of fun running free around the country side.Love,Habou
Laura says
sew lovely. thank you for this post!