A Year for Firsts

     I have wanted to start a blog for a very long time but was always afraid to put myself out there. I also have a lot of trouble with electronics, namely my camera; how to take the right picture, get it from the camera to the computer and finally how to find it on said computer and get it onto a blog. Also I want to have a diary or journal to keep track of all the lovely things I make this year. Usually I have more than one project on the go and my sewing room is in chaos most of the time and I loose track of what I am doing.

This is where I found the title for my first blog entry. Its a year of firsts. First blog of the new year, first post, first project etc. No more being afraid to start something new.

I have been knitting for over thirty years which includes mostly baby sweaters and blankets. Its strange that every time I make something it is usually for someone else. I very rarely make something for myself. I love making baby clothes because the amount of yarn you need is small so not so expensive and its a great way to learn a new stitch or pattern without worrying about how much you spent  on the yarn and therefore if said project takes a wrong turn and ends up in the I'll get to it later pile, it's not such a big deal.

I have done a bit of clothes sewing over the years but don't find that to be as interesting or fun as making a new tote bag, coin purse, wristlet, placemats, pillowcases, etc., I think you get the picture lol. I have overcome my fear of zippers, magnetic snaps and other purse hardware and now enjoy the challenge of trying something new. It has just been the last few years that I have got in to making quilts. I really, really, really, like everything about quilting. There are so many beautiful quilting fabrics out there that a person can have a hard time trying to buy just what you need and not what you would love to bring home.

I spend a lot of time searching out tutorials and quilt patterns on-line. I come across a lot of helpful tips on just about everything and would like to share with everyone who might not have the time to do as much searching as I do. If you are looking for something specific please let me know in a comment or you can e-mail any question you might have. I find a lot of projects, patterns, tips and tutorials on pinterest which is becoming my new addiction. You can find almost anything on there, especially free patterns, tutorials and ideas. When you are thinking about a specific kind of quilt pattern you can search and see what others have done with colour, placement, and block patterns. I still get amazed at how a quilt can look totally different with just a colour change. There is lots of inspiration out there.

My first finished project of the new year is a beautiful pink tote bag that I think I will keep for myself. It was made with 12 charm squares and some pink toned batik for the bottom. I quilted the outer focus fabric with some batting and then made a lining that is not quilted inside. I have pockets 5 pockets inside that are all a nice size. The bottom has boxed corners so it sits up nicely by itself. I found the instructions on how to make this in a video tutorial by the Missouri Quilt Co. They have a lot of easy fun tutorials using pre-cut fabric which are fast and easy to work with. Its worth you while to go have a look.

I can't believe I actually was able to get pictures posted on my first try. I am just learning how to make posts and use blogger so please forgive any mistakes I might make. This will be a work in progress as I get used to how to do things. Thanks so much for visiting!