Tuesday, September 4, 2018

My Quilty Journey

Welcome to my spot on the Quilters Meet and Greet. I want to thank Benita for this meet and greet, quilters social on the web.



It is a big party and ther are big prizes to be won!!! The best part - you don't even have to get dressed or comb your hair. Ready? Here I go...

The quilt for my MIL (Paul's mom)
How did I begin this quilty journey?
I watched a documentary on quilts/quilting when a friend invited me to her guild meeting.  She also taught me to thread my machine. We made a grocery bag from a t-shirt, one afternoon. That was 2012. The rest is history.

Vera - my first quilting teacher

What was my first quilt?
It was like a mini trip around the world with three fabrics - yellow, green and a floral print.  I quilted it on my very basic Brother machine. It was so wonky - about 1.5" difference in sides.

My first Quilt

How many quilts have I made?
Just over 100, but who is counting :-D

What is my most memorable quilt?
So many quilts, so many memories. The quilt I made for my mom - The Queen's Necklace - is very special.  I wanted to impress her which is a tall order because she is an accomplished sewist herself. The fact that she took pride in my work made it the most memorable quilt.

For my mom

The Queen's Necklace

My Twitter Feed is a close second. This was so much fun to make. I wanted to make the next bird and then another one.  I received so many comments on that post and it was well-loved at the quilt show too.
My Twitter Feed

Birds of all Colors


What do I like best about quilting?
It is heartening and life-affirming to see that total strangers come together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by tragedy and misfortune.
Sue (MSQC member) started a Stillborn Bereavement Comfort Quilts group so that parents of stillborn babies have a small memento to hold and cherish.


Earlier this year, Ventura Modern Quilt Guild led the effort to make relief quilts for those affected by the Thomas Fire in California. The suggested quilt block was designed by one of the guild members.

Perkiomen Valley Quilt Block
Finished Quilt - Savanna

I participated and when the quilt reached its destination, Annie found it, posed with it and posted it on her blog.


Alycia is another quilter/blogger who regularly makes quilts for veterans while inspiring others to do the same.
When Montreal Modern Quilt Guild requested house blocks so that they could be made into quilts for the victims of the Quebec City mosque shooting, many of us responded. These are the house blocks I made for the effort.

My contribution for those affected by the Quebec City Mosque shooting

My friend Sandra donates to a seniors' residence inner town and to the Windsor Sexual Assault Centre in Canada.
Sandra and me from our recent trip to NY and Canada
Sarah Craig coordinates the Hands2Help charity quilts with many quilters and bloggers supporting the effort.

After hurricane Harvey, KaHolly sent out a request. She wanted Doggone Cute blocks (free tutorial by Lorna of Sew FreshQuilts) so that they could be made into a wall hanging for auction to help the pets/pet-owners affected by Harvey. Of course, I responded.

Doggone Cute blocks sent to KaHolly

Bernie brought our attention to A Doll Like Me. I too made a few doll quilts.

Doll quilts for A Doll Like Me
The response was so overwhelming that it exceeded all expectations. Read about it here.

When Amy Gerlich requested for support for her superhero boy Axel, I reached out to Bonnie Hunter.
Bonnie Hunter, the superstar
What happened next is nothing short of a miracle. Thanks to Bonnie's shoutout, the quilting community responded with such an outpouring of love and support that the goal was met and exceeded in just one day. March 27, 2018 was the best day ever!!!

But it is not just about charities and worthy causes.  It is also about inspiration and guidance. I have learned so much from other quilters and bloggers. My friend Jennifer taught me how to bury knots and even got me some cheater needles. It is a small thing but I had no idea. I think of her every time I bury knots.

Mari of Academic Quilter shares these Block of the Month tutorials - all free.  And she made me the cutest mini quilt.
Mari and me - at the Lancaster Quilt Show


from Mari for me

I love Jayne of Twiggy and Opal. Her work is so refreshing. I am always inspired by her. This personalized trapunto quilt was her gift to me. Lucky me :-)

Personalized (for me) Trapunto by Jayne of Twiggy & Opal

When Kelly of My Quilt Infatuation asked me if I'd like to participate in the bloghop to promote her new book (Stash Statement Quilts) I was thrilled to bits, because I already loved her quilts and her tutorials.

I not only enjoyed making making Fire Pit but also learned a lot about improvisation.

Fire Pit (designed by Kelly Young)

Julie of QuiltDivaJulie is another prolific quilter and teacher. I recently discovered her Free Pieced Barn Project. I just got the book and I am looking forward to explore it. Do check out her work, you will be impressed.

There are so many other quilters/bloggers who inspire me that this list could go on for ever. But when my work inspires someone, oh my goodness, that is such an intoxicating feeling. I can almost jump with joy.

partial seams (Paulitiks tutorial)

Recently I received an email from Gill Fraser who followed the tutorial for Paulitiks (a quilt I made for Paul) and made this quilt. She hand quilted this beauty. Love the quilt!!!

By Gill Fraser

My readers celebrated with me when I bought a new machine.
My new Elna

When my mom underwent surgery, I was a mess of emotions, but I received an overwhelming outpouring of support, with many readers' experiences echoing my own. When I share funny conversations with Paul, it amuses so many.

With Paul

When I shared a personal story of love and longing, I could feel the love and warmth in the many comments that followed. Being aware of this common thread - that whatever affects me, affects someone else too, that we are so inextricably connected with each other through our varied experiences - is the essence of the community. And that is what I love the most,

Any disappointments?
Yes. There have been times when I have made articles to sell at a craft show. They don't sell well enough, even the small and inexpensive items. Last year, I teamed up with my friend, Cynthia, who makes jewelry. We jointly paid for a spot at the local high school craft show.
Pouches and Baskets at the Sterling Fest

Baby blankets and quilts for sale

It took us a couple of hours to set up shop. We had lots of interests but not many sales. I am just glad that we made the cost of the table and a small profit. It took us over an hour to dismantle everything, pack and bring everything back.

Pencil Cases & peapods

It was an exhausting day and not very fulfilling. Now I make things to give and if/when someone wants to pay for them, it is a pleasant surprise.

The second source of disappointment is folks who do not appreciate quilts. This does not happen often but there have been times when I gave a quilt as a gift at a baby shower or a birthday, and heard nothing. Absolutely nothing. Forget a thank you note or an email, not even an acknowledgement. That indifference is most disappointing. I know I should give with complete detachment, but I am not there yet.


Where do I see myself in 20 years?
I have often joked that my day job gets in the way of quilting.  In 20 years, I expect to be retired and be quilting full time. I hope to share my love of quilting with others, maybe through teaching.

Why do I quilt?
I made a quilt to celebrate our new house.
Homeful

When Paul and I had a fight, I was distraught, and I made a quilt.

Side Effects

I made a quilt to deal with feelings of jealousy.
How I conquered the green-eyed monster

I made a quilt to honor a friend.
Midnight Garden for Angel

I made a quilt to thank a co-worker.
To Greener Pastures

I made a quilt as a retirement gift for a boss.
Respectfully Yours

But mostly, I make a quilt because I am inspired.
Shadow of Light

And right now I am making a quilt to gift to a co-worker as her wedding gift.
A work in progress

Enough about me. What is your most loved quilt? What do you like about quilting?

Did you enter for the grand prize yet?



I'd love to hear from you.
I will be linking with all my favorite linky parties.  See full list on the sidebar.

67 comments:

  1. What a lovely post Preeti! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Preeti your posts are always a joy to read. I always wonder how folks do at craft shows. I think it is hit and miss, depending on the crowd. Sorry you didn't do so well, but it is there loss. I too get hurt feelings when you give a quilt to someone and never here a thing. I'm not past hoping for a kind word about the gift, but I hope to get there one day. In the meantime, I'll keep giving to quilts/blocks to charities. Keep up the work Preeti and thanks for sharing with us.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh, Preeti, ofcourse your post is about everyone else! You are so kind and giving that you couldn't make it all about you. Have a great day, friend!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I so enjoyed reading this post and getting to know you a bit better. Your quilts are lovely and the heart behind them is even lovelier.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Always fun to learn a bit more about you. I totally get your desire to hear from people after you gift them a quilt. I have had a few experiences with no thank you's or one quilt even ended up in the cat bed-really!!!!!!!!!! That really hurt.

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a terrific post -- so much goodness and light. Thank you for being who you are and sharing yourself with us through your blog!!!!! You are awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  7. It was very interesting to read your post today. It is so wonderful that you are involved in helping so many charities. I agree, it's so very disappointing when you gift a quilt to someone who doesn't appreciate it. It happened to me with the second quilt that I ever made that was designed especially for my mother. She thanked me but never, ever used the quilt or even put it on her bed once. I do really love your Twitter Feed quilt and put it on my Pinterest board awhile ago. I have also stopped doing craft shows, as I never did well no matter how much of a selection of items I had or how low my prices were. I always look forward to your Finish It Up Friday posts at Crazy Mom quilts.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Holy cow, you get the prize for the most comprehensive blog today. I feel intimidated. Thanks for sharing all this work in context. My favorite quilt is always the next one.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I was drawn in by your photo...it's a little crazy, something like I would do! LOL!! Then I captivated with your post. You hit the nail on the head as to why so many of us quilt. Wonderful post! You've got a new follower! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Preeti, most every blog I've visited today, you've been there ahead of me, and your comments are always so positive and encouraging -- I was really pleased that your blog participated in the M&G and I was able to spend some time getting to know you and about your quilting journey through your post. It's truly nice to meet you! :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. LOVE your blog! So many interesting things to look at (and thank you for the tutorial for the birds quilt - its going to be one of my next quilts), and I also love Kelly Youngs book "Stash Statement"...in fact I was very blessed to have won the giveaway she sponsored for that wonderful book. What a lovely blog you have! Deb E / Oregon mdenders@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Nice collection, the Queens necklace is my favorite.

    ReplyDelete
  13. You have spoken to the heart of every quilter I know. Especially the part about wanting to retire and make quilts. Thanks for sharing and it is very nice to meet you in the meet and greet.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Extraordinary post, Preeti! Well done!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thanks for sharing. Love your bird quilt and it's on my list. Selling items is hard, never knowing what people will buy. Some venues seem to cater to looky-loos. Our guild does a christmas show and sale every year. This can be relatively successful as it's well advertised and before Christmas. The advertising brings people out that don't sew and often appreciate. All of the projects are displayed together and one has to work one shift (under 100 items) or 2 shifts over 100 items. Of course many people work more shifts and many who don't sell also cover shifts. Guild gets enough to cover rental and make some profit and the sellers get the rest.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Oh Preeti, well done, well said! What a beautiful photo of you, my friend! Fun to see other quilters I know too! I think perhaps Queen's Necklace is the favorite of mine in this post. There is nothing more meaningful than having the support of family, and I'm sure your mom is delighted with this quilt!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Pretti, I LOVE these kinds of posts. I truly enjoyed seeing your artwork! I love the bright happy colors you often choose for your quilts. YUM!!!! It sounds like we follow a lot of the same people and you are so right about quilters generosity. It's truly amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Oh Preeti! You have such a gift for words. It is always a pleasure to read your posts. Also your talent and eye for picking out fabrics to enhance a pattern - to really bring it to life is also a gift. Some people just cannot do it - you've seen some. I share your disappointments - I gave someone a baby quilt. I spent hours on it, picked the design and fabrics especially for them. I did receive a thank you card that said only that, thank you. Oh yes, it bothered me but then I remembered that I was making it for the baby. To be wrapped in my love - what other gift could do that?! Thank you for sharing your post today. You and Paul are so cute together! ~smile~ Roseanne

    ReplyDelete
  19. I always love reading your blog. Such a sweet glimpse into your quick journey. One of my favorite parts about quilting is wrapping up those I love with quilty kisses and hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Well said Preeti ! I can relate to so much in your post. You are always an inspiration... thankyou

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thanks for telling us more about you!

    ReplyDelete
  22. What a great trip down memory lane looking at all your quilts. You've done a lot of charity quilts. I love that first photo of you.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Lovely blog post - honest and heartwarming!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Preeti thank you for such an inspiring post.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hi Pretty, I really enjoyed reading this post. I visited a friend once and saw the quilt I made for her baby was being used as a dog bed. People don't always appreciate quilts. I haven't had much luck at craft shows either. I guess it's not the best venue for our soft wares. You are so generous with your quilts and your time. Thank you for this post.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Fantastic post Preeti - you have expressed so much of what is important about quilting for so many of us - it was really fun to see these quilts of yours again. I remember so many of them. Finally, I LOVE that picture of you in front of the quilt made for your MIL. You are adorable. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  27. Such a heartfelt and beautiful post, Preeti! So lovely to meet you!
    You set an amazing and inspiring example with all your participation in aiding others.
    Then there's your beautiful quilts to admire! I am smitten with the Queen's Necklace - the colours and placement within the design are just stunning. I am going to have to scroll back up and admire it some more. ;o)

    ReplyDelete
  28. I have seen the Twitter Feed quilt aound the internet, but didn't realize it was yours! Its my favorite! Your quilts are wonderful! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Lovely to meet you and your blog. Love your projects.

    ReplyDelete
  30. You are a gifted storyteller. I love your blog and I love your quilts!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Wonderful post, great to read, love your Twitter Feed quilt..well all of your quilts!!! :-) so many things you say about quilting are important to me as well. Thanks for your inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  32. I loved reading your post, right thru' to the end! And you have a great selecion of quilts here, so inspiring!

    ReplyDelete
  33. I really like how you use your emotions in your quilting and share with us all so freely. I habe great admiration for your patience in making the Queens Necklace - beautiful quilt. And I love the brids!

    ReplyDelete
  34. A 100 quilts in 6 years? Wow you have some awesome finishing skills there. A very fun post. You've made some gorgeous quilts and some very fun ones. It's always fun to come check out your newest project. Happy stitching this weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  35. I'm so in love with your quilts, and your blog. It's always a pleasure to read about your conversations with Paul (so fun!), and about your projects.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Very colorful quilts! love them all.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Your quilts are always so happy and filled with Love. Thanks for being an inspiration to so many of us and sharing your lovely work with Oh Scrap!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Wow, Preeti, I didn't reize just how many donation projects you have done. And the Queen's necklace is one of my favorites. I remember that blog post about your Mom, because I could relate to it so well. You do great work and your conversations with Paul are delightful.
    Pat

    ReplyDelete
  39. So many pretty quilt inspirations. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Wow, over 100 quilts?! That is amazing for anyone, but especially for you because I can see that so much thought is going into the design of each and every one of your quilts -- you're not just slapping fabric together willy-nilly! What I love most about your quilts is that they are so JOYFUL. I hope Paul realizes that he won the Wifey Lottery -- you are such a treasure!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Dear Preeti, I admire all your quilts but especially the emotion you pour into them and the sharing of your heart and soul with the world. I so appreciated the Thomas Fire quilt you made because of your caring, and was thrilled to have a chance to hold and acknowledge it. Thanks for the shoutout for my little blog. May your quilts always feed and fuel your heart!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Such an awesome post! I think you nailed it with why so many love to quilt! adn your quilts are truly amazing!! I love all the color you use and the unique ways you put them together!! So lovely to know you!

    ReplyDelete
  43. As always, your post is an explosion of gorgeous color and positive thoughts. I am so impressed with how much you accomplish, and how much of yourself you give through your quilts. I haven't met you in person but I'm sure you are as wonderful as your quilts.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Hi Preeli, I really admire all the charity work that you do. You are so generous with your quilts. They are truly lovely. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.

    ReplyDelete
  45. How lovely to read about your journey and see your beautiful quilts again, a lovely trip for us all!

    ReplyDelete
  46. What a wonderful array of charity events, quilters are such special people. I did several quilts for the fire victims too, with reader submitted blocks. So nice to meet you, visiting from the Meet and Greet. Adding you to my Bloglovin list!

    ReplyDelete
  47. I enjoyed reading your journey and seeing your beautiful quilts, Preeti! You have such a giving heart. I believe that generosity is exactly what makes quilters a special breed - I don't believe I've ever met a selfish quilter! Great job on all your beautiful quilts.

    ReplyDelete
  48. I loved your post. It sure hit home when you said it hurts when you don't get a thank you. When my daughter was pregnant with her first child, she knew that he was going to be a preemie. She was put on complete bed rest and meds to try to strengthen his lungs. She was sad because she could not go shopping and she didn't think she'd have any clothes for him. I made her a new maternity top, shopped to fill a lingerie chest she requested from my house full of preemie clothes and blankets. I spent a fortune to ship the chest from OK to NM. It's been 12 1/2 years and she has never thanked me for doing that for her. She never let me know that it had arrived. One of her friends went to visit her and took a picture of it, so that I would know that it had arrived. She does not appreciate any of the quilts that I have made for either of the boys. She just does not have an appreciation for homemade things. I have been to her house a few times and it's usually when they go out of town and her MIL can't take care of them. I see her one or two days on each end of the trip and that's it. Her husband does not like me for some reason. Take heart - you never know what the other person has on his/her plate at the time. I've had to learn that the gift is given with no expectation. Your quilts are just fabulous and very inspirational and the back stories are wonderful. Thanks for taking lots of time for a great post and participating the Meet and Greet.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Your work is amazing. Keep it going and give when you want to. It is worth it..

    ReplyDelete
  50. What a wonderful quilt story and show. You inspire me with all that you do. Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Great post! I did a few craft shows a number of years ago and the first year we did well, second year not so well and the third year was absolutely dismal. That made me decide that craft shows are not for me. You've done some wonderful charity work - bless you!

    ReplyDelete
  52. I really enjoyed your Blog and about the quilts you've made. You're right, quilters are very giving people. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  53. You've come a long way in just a few years Preeti, and with such pretty quilts to show of your journey. Thank you for sharing with us!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Goodness, what a lot of fabulous quilts; I especially like the house quilt. Thank you for sharing your time and talents with all the quilting you do for charities.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Wow, Preeti, and to think it all started with a video and a T-shirt grocery bag! Well that, and a relationship!! Whey a wonderful journey you are having. I loved reviewing what you’ve made, your influences, the connections you’ve made and the joy your quilts—and posts—bring. This is the quilting community I a nutshell. Your disappointment with the booths at the sales resonates with me. I also tried that without much success. I don’t know that I have a favorite quilt. I get close to each one I make, and then let it go and get involved with the next one. ( By the way, do you still use the grocery bag? I’m intrigued by that idea.)

    ReplyDelete
  56. One of my favorite posts, Preeti! I've followed your blog for quite some time and feel connected through our shared interests, but I discovered we share even more. Surely you were writing this for me. Thanks so much!

    ReplyDelete
  57. Such a pleasure to meet you. I am a beginner quilter and you have inspired me!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Thanks Preeti for sharing your quilts and inspirations - I enjoyed it very much!
    Thanks, too, for being part of the Quilters Meet & Greet! <3

    ReplyDelete
  59. I love reading your posts and thank you for sharing your quilting journey

    ReplyDelete
  60. Such warm fuzzy quilt stories going on here, Preeti! You could write an inspirational book on quilts and quilting.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Your experience at the craft shows is why I don't "sell" most of my quilts. I do give many away and if someone wants something like a T-shirt quilt, I'll sell that. But, I love quilting and I don't want to become bitter.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Craft stalls, a lot of work there. My favourite, would be one of the bags I have made and given as a gift.applique owls, special ones that have flown overseas, one for our daughter's father-in-law to cram things in on every visit to hospital, and then the rest home stays, and one for her m-in-law, giving a hand made item is such a joy.You give from your hands and heart so much.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Wonderful Post!! You are a Super Hero!! Know you have Blessed so many people... Your quilts are ALL Amazing! Thank you for sharing your quilty journey..here's to lots more to share! :)

    ReplyDelete
  64. I totally relate to what you said in your blog about why you quilt. I fel like i have found a kindred spirit!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Wow! You are a prolific quilter indeed! And for so many reasons, I love you mentioned the good and love that comes from the quilting community, these great causes feed our addiction very well! :) I've followed you for a while, but it's lovely to see so many beautiful pieces all in one place x

    ReplyDelete
  66. Thanks for sharing your quilting story, Preeti -- and for the shout out to charity quilters. Lovely photos. (Queen's Necklace caught my eye.)

    ReplyDelete
  67. Hi Preeti-you are programmed to be a giver! You took your unique gift and gave it to others. How beautiful. The quilt you made for your mom is a stunner!

    ReplyDelete