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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