Sometimes I have a lot of self confidence.
Other times, not so much.
One of those times is when I go to quilt group.
I feel like a complete outsider.
Something to do with the fact that I am not independently wealthy, going to be independently wealthy, or related to anyone that is independently wealthy.
So instead of wallowing in self pity, I'm going to glory in my differences.
Here's my stickin'-it-to-the-man quilt.
The quilt that I made where 99% of the fabric is from an estate/garage sale, free, or from Joann Fabric. Those women 'don't go to Joann's'.
The quilt that I made is completely random and I didn't pick out a pre coordinated fabric kit from a local quilt store and it will not be backed with Minky.
I made this quilt, not in a sewing room, but on a table in my sun room while the girls fought over toys, Meg did play dough or colored and Spencer played on the floor.
This quilt was ironed with an iron that is over 8 years old.
I will not be paying some one to quilt this quilt for me.
It was sewn using a needle that was too big because I had broken all of my other needles while attempting my first machine quilted project, Spencer's baby blanket.
And my machine is not a Bernina.
When I showed the 'ladies' the quilt....?....."That's actually cute."
Um, thanks?
Katie
I LOVE it!.....I only own a Bernina because it was a hand-me-down. I was ready to give it away because of the amount quoted to me when I went to get it serviced--I could've gotten a new machine with that! I think Joann's is just fine. and I'm glad they thought it was "actually cute". ha! yay for disappearing nine patch :)
ReplyDeleteKatie, don't let those dream squashers get you down. You have more talent in your pinky finger than they and their fancy overpriced fabrics and prepackaged quilt sets. You show 'em how real quilting is done!
ReplyDeleteAlso, if it makes you feel better, my disappearing 9 patch has been abandoned. I really need one of those color kits because I can't pick colors to save my life, especially without you to go to *gasp* JoAnn's with me.
They don't know how good they have it! And I've been to that quilt group so I know exactly what you're talking about. Man, I wish I could go with you every time...
ReplyDeleteOn another note - in possibly the only moment I've had this thought - it's a good thing you don't live around the corner from me anymore. Why? That quilt top would have mysteriously disappeared by now!
as if they questioned your sweet skills? they obviously don't know you at all... that is a killer quilt, i love it!
ReplyDeleteYou should have stared them strait in their big independently wealthy eyes and said--"OF COURSE IT'S CUTE--It was touched by an angel!! (Angel being you of course)
ReplyDeleteOh I thought you should read this--
ReplyDelete"I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails.
I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp.
I want to be there with grass stains on my shoes from mowing my Sister Schenk's lawn.
I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbor's children.
I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden.
I want to be there with the children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder.
I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived."
Marjorie Pay Hinckley
That quilt does look fabuloso and phooey on people who can't be bothered to shop at Joann's. Reminds me of a guy I once heard compare JCPenney to the dollar store... He only registered there for his wedding for his poor friends.
ReplyDeleteI bet snobby people don't have 79 followers on their blocking either... Just sayin.
By the way... I just had a real word to post my comment. Carting.
ReplyDeleteYour children are so precious, Katie. Your quilt is just perfect and you will have fond memories of how you rounded up all of the fabric. Back in the days when I did more quilting, I remember seeing "scrap" quilts that were so perfect, I think maybe only one or two of the pieces of fabric were actually from scraps. On another note, I do love the selection some quilting stores have (although I "slum it" at JoAnns all the time) and would love to have a Bernina! :) Hugs, girl--family's where it's at.
ReplyDeletehee, hee
ReplyDeleteYou are REAL. You know, like the Velveteen Rabbit REAL? Can't buy that at any store.
ReplyDelete