Gosh, quilts are everywhere in the media this week thanks to the V&A Quilts 1700-2010 exhibition. It's one of the V&A's most prebooked exhibitions according to the London Evening Standard last night - go quilters!I loved quilts even before I had ever made one. I loved the idea of them, a labour of love, the skill and patience, a personal history through little pieces of fabric.
But it's really daunting the thought of making one before you start isn't it? Quilt shops are few and far between here in the UK, and not always ever so modern if you like that kind of look. Books are great, but not always aimed at the TOTAL ABSOLUTE beginner I was!
If you go to the V&A and get inspired, or if you have always wanted to make a quilt but never quite reached the tipping point of actually DOING it - now is the time!
Book a class, buy a book, buy a kit, have a go. Despite the reams of quite bossy quilty do's and don'ts that lots of books are packed with, you really can't go wrong making a quilt, just have a go!
I started designing Make Do & Mend Quilt Kits because so many people said to me that they would love to make a quilt but had no idea where to start. If you can buy a tapestry kit, or a pin cushion kit, or every other sort of kit, why can't you get a quilt in a box? A totally low commitment way to test out if you'd like it. Most people who make one of my kits go on to make and design their own quilts and I'm proud to say that they usually jump in with both feet and have the confidence to go on and make whatever is in their heads. I love that.
People - go and make a quilt - you'll love it! xx
Your post has got me going, I am sketching now for a quilt for one of the boys. It's going to be great to do something new!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the inspiration :)
What a great post! I've always had an obsession with bedding and fabric and quilts... I never really put two and two together until I was 20. Two years later and I've learned so much. No one in my life sews let alone quilts so it has been a journey from figuring out how to thread a bobbin to perfecting mitered corners. Blogs like yours are incredibly helpful for someone like me who has to rely on tutorials and youtube videos to figure everything out! And you're very right, if theres one thing I've learned, its that you can't go wrong making a quilt. Especially as a beginner there are always little tricks to hide "flaws" and "imperfections". But I think those flaws and imperfections are what makes every quilt special. I'm so jealous about the V&A exhibit! I'm across the pond and theres no way I can go to see it. My cousin is studying abroad in London right now and I told her she HAS to go and tell me EVERY detail!!!
ReplyDeleteYour kits are such a great idea especially for those who have never tried quilting before. Great designs and great fabric!
ReplyDelete@ TheLinenCat, i think your quilt will be fab! I just ordered some of your 'mouse' linen to make a quilt too, so shared inspiration!
ReplyDelete@Harsh Tude, Thanks for your comment, it's quite a novelty here in the uk to have first dips on something quilty! Although I am also v jealous of the Liberty at Target stuff you have on at the moment! I think I need an overseas cousin too!
ReplyDelete@Lindsey, Thankyou, I'm glad you like the quilts, I love getting people to try making a quilt, they always make a second!
ReplyDeleteI have just been to the quilt exhibition at the V & A , its fantastic!
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