Creative Learning

I inherited more than some fabric from my mom. I inherited her whole sewing room. Tools, fabrics, patterns and books. There are so many new books with modern patterns and techniques in them. I don't know where to begin, so I thought I would begin at home, and dip into the library I already have. I can decide what to keep and what to toss, and practice writing about what I find and learn while I'm at it. I can't help but think I'll be inspired along the way as well.

The first book I pulled off the shelf is called, The Complete Book of Machine Quilting, by Robbie and Tony Fanning. It's part of the Chilton Needlework series, copyright 1980. The price tag on it is $12.95. 1980, you were so cute!

I've only gotten through the first couple of chapters, so far, but I think they are fairly informative, if basic. I probably need the basics at this point, so that is not a complaint. I think the comments and instructions for sewing still hold true, even if the technology has changed somewhat, and there may be more to know on my newer machine. Actually probably not that much, since my machine is fairly basic, but some of the more advanced machines might help you out more than mine would. Still, gaining some understanding of what issue causes what problem is a good thing. It was reassuring to look through their basic list of tools and realize that I pretty much had them, or at least knew about them. One thing seems to have changed, and that is the current prevalence of rotary cutters for cutting quilt pieces. It was interesting to find terms like "quilt sandwich" in the book that I had thought were more modern. I can tell this book, even with age, will be a good reference to keep in my library.

I just looked, and there is even a second edition available at Amazon for much cheaper than mine originally was. I might have to take a look and see what has been updated.