Yesterday I taught a hand quilting class at a local shop and there were five students there! Seven were signed up but 2 got sick or something. Isn’t it great that so many are still interested in learning the hand work skills in this age of machine quilting? It’s always fun and gratifying to help them get started right or to show them ways to make it easier and better. Of course I found some new fabrics to buy as well!

Since I was already in town with a couple of hours to spare, I decided to do a little Christmas shopping. I cannot believe Christmas is coming so fast! I am nowhere near ready!! Everything was busy and crowded, parking difficult and perhaps Saturday shopping was not the best idea.

Whenever I teach hand quilting I usually take this quilt that I have been “working” on for years as a sample.

I started it for an antique bed that we inherited. It’s all hand applique in the Oakleaf and Acorn block, so it needs to be heavily hand quilted I think. I used to be able to quilt one in three months before I got so busy with the business, so it irks me that this one has laid around for years. It’s because I don’t work on it often so I think I will keep it out where I can see it and try to work on it in the evening when I watch TV like I used to do. I did that last night and added bonus—I was able to stay awake for the ending of the movie!!

Tags: Hand quilting, Oak and Acorn