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I decided to take up quilting in the fall of 2001. In January 2002, after trying to completely teach myself from books, I decided that I needed some human instruction and took 3 classes at a local quilt shop, "Beginning Hand Applique", "Beginning Machine Quilting" and "Binding" in February and March. I then began a couple of wallhanging quilt projects that at this time are still UFOs.

In April 2002 I discovered Quilt University online and decided to give it a try. After taking their free class "Border Crossings", I enrolled in the "Quilt As You Go" class. I highly recommend this class for beginning quilters or anyone else. The classes at Quilt University work very well for me since hubby and I spend so much time traveling and staying in motels with our work.

Along the way I purchased a Singer Featherweight sewing machine (born on date - January 7, 1941) to accompany us on our travels. This little 60 year old sewing machine sews better than the 3-4 year old full-size Singer that I have at home.

My first quilt was completed on May 12, 2002. It was my "Quilt As You Go" class project.

My First Quilt (front view)
This quilt was pieced and quilted on my 1941 Singer Featherweight sewing machine. The little bit of applique on it was done by hand.

My First Quilt (back view)

Second Quilt(front view) - Froggy Rag
This was the second quilt that I actually completed. It is a flannel rag quilt and also was done completely on the FW. I made this one to give away. It will be going to a long-time friends first grandchild. These flannel rag quilts are so easy, fast and snuggly soft. I saw one of these in a quilt shop but found the instructions for making them online here

Second Quilt(back view) - Froggy Rag

Third Quilt(front view) - Celestial Rag

Third Quilt(back view) - Celestial Rag

Fourth Quilt(in use) - Cats' Flannel Rag
This quilt was a doll quilt that I made in the "Block by Block Flannel" workshop at the Lansing, MI quilt show on August 9, 2002. But I don't have any dolls so the cats decided I made it for them and literally laid claim to it. Guess I need to make another one so they don't have to share.

Adam's Stars and Stripes Forever (front)
This queen-size quilt was paper-pieced and quilted "Quilt As You Go" in motel rooms in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Missouri on my little 1941 Singer Featherweight. I gave this quilt to my now ex-son-in-law on November 8, 2002

Adam's Stars and Stripes Forever (back)

Adam's Stars and Stripes Forever label

Randi's Baby Quilt (front)
I designed this quilt in Electric Quilt 5. The Lil Wranglers and ponies in the center of the blocks were machine embroidered. This quilt was embroidered, pieced and quilted on my Bernina 180E. The quilt top is flannel but I made the back from regular cotton fabric so it could be spread on the ground without leaves and such sticking to it. Randi's mother can simply pick up the quilt and give it a shake and leave nature where it belongs. It was also assembled using the Quilt As You Go method.

Randi's Baby Quilt (back)

Randi's Baby Quilt Label

King-size Denim Rag Quilt
I made this quilt for my daughter and gave it to her as a bridal shower gift. Adam and Stannye are standing in the back of a 1-ton, dually pick-up holding this quilt for the photo. The truck is completely hidden and Adam is 6'8" tall and Stannye is 5'11" tall. The two dogs on the ground are the reason that this is a denim rag quilt instead of something nicer. The brindle mastiff sleeps with my daughter.