The regular meeting of the BMQG is this Saturday, April 21st, 2:00 - 4:00, at Strawberry Patches. We will be learning how to add piping to your quilts to give them that extra little pop of color! You will need to bring your basic quilting and cutting tools, one fat quarter of solid fabric, and your sewing machine with a zipper foot. You will also need to purchase the Piping Hot Binding tool kit, available at Bolts to Binding. Jeri ordered extras for our group. If you have any questions, post them here, or e-mail the BMQG at bakersfieldmodernquiltguild.gmail.com
One of the things associated with modern quilting, is the making of handmade gifts. I used to sew all the time when my boys were little, and I was very involved in tole painting. I gave a lot of handmade gifts, and I enjoyed the process of choosing a project, gathering the tools, and constructing something special for the recipient. I participated in a Secret Pal group at church, and I made something on a monthly basis for my partner. I would wonder if these gifts were "good enough", as I was the only one in the group that didn't give store bought gifts. When the secret pals were revealed at the end of the year, my partner announced to the group that she'd never enjoyed a secret swap as much as she had this one. She did a little show 'n tell of everything I'd made, except for the cookie mixes, and talked about how much she appreciated the time and effort I'd put into things I'd made. As my kids got older and I got busier, I quit making gifts. The kids are now on their own, I have a little more time, and I'd like to get back to the joy of making things for my friends and family.
Where do we go for hand-made inspiration? The internet, of course! There are so many books on the market which focus on small, easy-to-make gifts, that I'm totally baffled about which book(s) to start with.
Do you make gifts for friends and family? What is/are your favorite book(s) or resources to go to for handmade inspiration?
