As I was enjoying dim sum on a Saturday morning, I was kinda surprised when the phrase “I think I want to learn how to quilt” came out of my mouth as I was talking to my friend Erin. Sure, the idea had been rolling around in my mind for a bit, but I’d had ideas like this before. The sewing machine sitting in my closet for 4 years? Afraid to use it. I didn’t even know I could sew a straight line, let alone put a whole quilt together. I’d watched my mom sew, and spent plenty of time in fabric stores with her (mostly in search of the newest Snoopy fabric – she makes me an apron or pajamas out of all new releases!) but hadn’t quite picked up too much of how to actually make anything.
So what did Erin and I do? The most logical thing ever – we headed into the depths of the LA fabric district in search of fabric to make a quilt. Focus on the word “fabric” – I didn’t even know what kind of fabric I needed! We ventured into one of Erin’s favorite stores for buying fabrics for making clothes, and the owner took pity on me. She explained that I needed to start with a decent weight cotton. We trudged on, finally found some fabrics that I didn’t think were heinous, and picked up 10 yards for $20.
Then I ventured to JoAnn’s, found a quilting book, cutting mat and rotary cutter and various other things. Would I actually use this stuff? Who knew?
And that’s how it all began, one sunny Saturday in October.