
.
In college, my professor, Dr. Jacobson asked the class,
“What is something that you have taught yourself how to do?” We went around the room and answered his
question. While the others were
answering, I racked my brain to think of something, anything. My turn arrived, and I half answered, “I know that I would like to teach myself to
play the guitar, but I haven’t taught myself anything-yet.”
This question of his has stayed with me for 18 years. Sure, once I borrowed my Aunt’s guitar, and
tried to teach myself how to play. I
really did try. I just didn’t get anywhere.
Even after signing up for lessons-I got nowhere even faster. Bored, calloused fingers, guitar sounding
really bad, I decided maybe this instrument wasn’t for me.
Quilting. Another
thing I have always wanted was to learn. My Grandmother was a quilter, she made
the quilt top my daughter sleeps under every night. She also had a quilt on every bed in her
home. Something about quilts reminds me
of her and my childhood. Quilts seem to
symbolize comfort, coziness, connections and love. My Mother-in-law is an amazing quilter who
can create anything she sets her mind to.
A few years ago, I mentioned to her that I was interested in
learning. For Christmas she gave me
every quilting tool you need to get started.
My gift contained: a strange pizza cutter type object; a nice really
long, wide, clear grid ruler thingy; a very large, green flexible mat; and a
book filled with plastic templates.
I didn’t dive in right away.
The gadgets really were a bit intimidating. While trying to use the pizza cutter on
something I learned that it was sharp. VERY sharp. Unsure on how to proceed, I went to the
sewing store deciding that a lesson might be in order. Unfortunately, the next beginner quilting
class was 3 months away and it already had a waiting list. A bit discouraged, I
ended up putting the supplies away.
Last month our family went on a get-away weekend and I
happened upon two fabric stores and a quilt show. The spark was re-ignited! I bought a charm pack. I discovered that meant the squares are
already cut for you! 5 inch squares. ( I figured that meant I wouldn’t have to
use my dangerous pizza cutter!!! ) I
played with my new fabric squares as if I were a child rearranging puzzle
pieces. My own children were under the
table w/ blocks playing a game they called “let’s make quilts.” It was magical!
So I just did it…like the old Nike commercial. JUST DO IT.
I borrowed a few magazines, let
myself play and I created this quilt. I
did have to ask the Home Ec teacher at the school where I work, how to cut
straight. She thought I was joking at
first, after realizing it was a serious
question she showed me how to use the rotary cutter. The rest…I taught myself! Dr. Jacobson would be proud. I am proud.
Now, it is your turn. Teach yourself something!

sashing between the fabric is May Arts ribbon: HA-02 in
Champagne.
Blog Posted By: Leah Farrar-White
Continue reading »