It’s celebration month! 10 years ago this month I decided to learn how to quilt. I walked into the local quilt store, bought a book about log cabins by Eleanor Burns, read it cover to cover 6 times, and made 12 log cabin quilts in a row amidst a busy life as business owner, with two little busy boys, and not a whole lot of sleep.
There aren’t any pictures of the quilts I made in my first few years as a quilter as I would give them away just as fast as I finished them. When I finally get a picture of one of those quilts the quality is not that great but, hey, it helps me retrace my steps and see how much I have learned. Here is a short trip down memory lane:
This is another reason why I am so glad I started this blog three years ago because I get to take pictures of what I make and share them with you. I realize I have a very eclectic taste, which allows me to learn and try very different techniques. I have since begun to design my own patterns and a whole new way of enjoying this craft has flourished (click here and here for the published ones, and here for the Etsy Store. More patterns to be added soon to the store).
This year I am having a lot of fun designing the blocks for the City Girl Sew Along. More new projects and tutorials are lined up for the next few months.
To celebrate my love of quilting I will have giveaways this month. The first one starts today with a $25 gift certificate donated by Fat Quarter Shop to a random reader who answers this question: For how long have you been quilting?
[Giveaway Closed]
Scrapatches says
Happy Quiltiversary!
I made my first baby quilt 32 years ago. I am a first generation self-taught quilter. While raising my children did not have time to quilt on a regular basis. Now that I am an empty nester, I am padding my nest with lots of fabric, making quilts and sending them out to make the world a warmer place, one quilt at a time. Thanks for the chance to win … 🙂 Pat
Jo says
Congratulations on 10 years! It's always great to see how people started out and the early quilts they made!
giddy99 says
Congrats! I began quilting less than 3 years ago (and I'm SO addicted).
Calicojoan says
Congrats on your big 10! All all the years of inspiration you have shared with all of us! Here's to the next 10! 😉
Kathy E. says
My first quilt I made was when I was a sophomore in college…waaay back in 1981! It was a simple block quilt in shades of purple and covered my full size bed. I still have it and use it on picnics, ball games, the beach or snuggling under when in the hammock. I've just recently gotten back into quilting and want to learn more techniques and blocks.
Kathy E. says
I am a Pieced Brain follower on Bloglovin!
Susan L. says
Congrats on the Big 1-0! I've been quilting for most of my adult life, but only seriously for the past 16 years.
Lixie says
Congratulations! I'm 11 days off 11 years with my husband so we're celebrating together this month!
Sarah says
I started sewing in 4-H 34 years ago but I didn't really begin quilting until about 9 or 10 years ago. Happy anniversary.
Lixie says
I follow with bloglovin.
Laura says
I've been quilting 20 years and what fun it's been.
Laura says
I follow your blog by email. Congrats on your anniversary.
Cynthia Knapp says
Congratulations on your 10 year quilting anniversary! I have been quilting 5 years. [email protected]
Jane S. says
I've been quilting off and on for the past 29 years. Wow that seems like a long time when I see it written down. Congratulations on your 10 year anniversary! 🙂
Hildy says
Congrats to 10 years of quilting! My mom hooked me on the quilting train when I was a teenager about 13 or 14 I think. Ironically while I'm still driving with this train my mom now get most of the quilts I'm making but I still wait for the one she started to make for me shortly after she started quilting (about 20 years ago).
Hildy says
I follow you by email.
Heidi [Banks of Frog Creek] says
My first quilts were for dolls and 4-H projects, but I never quilted my own until three years ago – I had always tied my quilts before that.
Sowing Stitches says
I've been quilting since 1980!
Vicki H says
Congrats. I have been quilting on and off for about 20 years. My first quilt was a log cabin also.
Vicki H says
I have been following with GFC.
Lori says
I have been quilting for approx. 5 yrs now.
quilting dash lady at Comcast dot net
Lori says
I follow you through email.
congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!
quilting dash lady at Comcast dot net
Andrea York says
Just started last year with a class at my local quilt shop!
Andrea York says
I follow on Bloglovin.
Sandra says
I have been quilting since 1994. I took a beginner's class just to learn about the basics of quilting and practicing a lot before I decided to make a black, white and gray cat quilt. I took a lst place ribbon at our Fairgrounds and cried when I saw the ribbon on my quilt. Anyways, congrats to you and bless your little heart for being so generous with all of us. I have enjoyed your blog and have been looking forward each month for the City Girl Sew Along.
Sandi Timmons
[email protected]
Dee says
Happy 10th Anniversary to you! I have been quilting since 1987, which I make my son a quilt and handquilted it while pregnant with my second child – 14 years difference between the two:).
Cheryl says
My first quilt project was when I was just 13. I have gotten away from it for years now and would love to begin again.
A Nudge says
I made my first quilt project in 1986 – 29 years ago, but didn't get serious about it until 1991. My first project were floor pillows quilt as you go – kissing dinosaurs I think. Don't know that I can ever stop. Congrats on your 10th year!
Cheryl says
I follow your blog on Bloglovin' and Pinterest.
Cecilia says
Happy Anniversary! I've been quilting for 6 1/2 years. I decided to take a quilting class at the local community college the year out youngest daughter graduated from our homeschool. I learned to make a quilt completely by hand and the next year I learned how to make a quilt with a sewing machine. I haven't looked back and I can't wait to see what I will learn in the next 6 years.
Terry says
I started quilting 5-6 years ago. I have a lot of fun with it and would sure enjoy winning your give away. Congrats to you Denise
annmarie says
Congratulations on 10 years of quilting. We should be giving you presents for all the good things you do.
annmarie says
I follow Pieced Brain with Bloglovin. Great blog.
Allison C says
seven awesome years!
Jen says
Congrats!
Jen says
Congrats!
Allison C says
i follow you by email updates
Irina says
I follow your blog via email. Thanks for the chance!
Irina says
I've been quilting for 5 years. A newbie…
usagypsy says
I've been quilting off and on for about 13 years. Congrats on your anniversary!
usagypsy says
I follow by email!
Greta Honeycutt says
Congrats! II just started quilting this year. Thanks for a chance to win.
Mom C says
I've been piecing for about 4 years. I've always sewed and made lots of whole cloth quilts which I tied. I love piecing and machine quilting. Congrats on your anniversary and thanks.
Mom C says
I follow with email. Thanks.
Lisa says
Happy Anniversary!
KaHolly says
Congratulations! I have been quilting for about 30 years!
MoeWest says
I started quilting in 2008, just making small stuff at first to build up my skills. Congratulations on 10 years of quilting!
MoeWest says
I follow you with bloglovin
Kris says
Congrats on the 10th year of quilting!! 🙂
Amy's Crafty Shenanigans says
Hey congrats – 10 years is a long time!! I am an email follower 🙂 amycav at hotmail dot com
Quilting Tangent says
Congratulations on 10 years. I'm little more then that.
Quilting Tangent says
Following on bloglovin'. [email protected]
Gill says
Congratulations!!
I've been quilting for around 12 years
Gill says
Email follower
Diann says
I started my first two quilts about 35 years ago, and didn't finish either one. They had such dated colors and prints! The first finished quilt was about 25 years ago.
Anonymous says
I made my nephew a quilt in 1999 (when I was 20)- then didn't make another until a friend was having twins just last year! Now I have 2 done and a few in progress! Congrats on 10 years! Sarah: crjandsbj(at)netzero(dot)com
DebraKay Neiman says
Wow 10 years goes by so fast. Congratulations. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com
DebraKay Neiman says
I follow you on Bloglovin and e-mail newsletter. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com
Lou says
Happy Anniversary of quilting!!!! I think I have been quilting about 25 + years. I watched Georgia Bonesteel on tv and just had to make one so did:) Of course I started with a kit that had all the techniques in one… ugh!!! Still have it in the bottom of a trunk somewhere. Always smile when I come across it:) Oh what I have learned since then!!!!
Jeanie says
Congratulations on your quiltaversary! I've been quilting for 45 years or so….but not consistently. Years on…..years off….but have been steadily quilting this past 10 years. Thanks for the giveaway!
Jeanie says
I happily follow you on Bloglovin!
Michele T says
It's always interesting to discover how people started quilting!! For me it was a trip to the east coast (NS, NB, PEI)! Thanks for the chance!!
Michele T says
I follow you via Bloglovin!!
Beth says
I made my first quilt 30 years ago, but really started quilting in earnest about six years ago as part of my "retirement"
Veronika says
I started "quilting" aka buying/hoarding fabric a year and a half ago. I quilted my first pillow case 6 months ago and am almost now done with my third baby quilt! 😀
Veronika says
I follow by email
Claire says
Cheers for anniversaries. I started quilting in the 70s but took a 20 year break in there somewhere.
Claire says
and I do follow your blog. I think the google ID gets to my addy, but just in cse . . .
clairealex at gmail dot com
Nancy says
Congratulations on 10 years, Denise. It's a great milestone. Here's wishing you many more decades of great quilting.
I made my first quilts when I was in my early 20s (about 40 years ago) — a 9-patch corduroy lap quilt for my grandfather who was in a nursing home, and a large wool quilt with a blanket sandwiched between the top and bottom layers for our queen-sized bed. The next time I quilted was the autumn my mother died. Christmas was near but it was different. So my daughters and I made about 10 baby quilts and took them to our local children's hospital. That was 1997. Then, we had a service project at church in 2002 or 2003 and I made some quilts for that and then just kept going. (But I'm not a prolific quilter.)
Thanks so much for inviting us to celebrate with you and generously giving the gifts.
Nancy says
I follow your blog on feedly.
Katy M says
I've been sewing for about 8/9 years but still a fledgling quilter – haven't done what I would call a "proper" quilt yet (as in batting, quilting and binding) but I'm working on my first one 🙂 Congratulations on your anniversary!
x
StanleyBeagle says
i've been quilting for a couple of years
Carrie P. says
Congrats! Isn't quilting and blogging fun!
I have been quilting since 1999 and blogging since 2008.
Carrie P. says
I am a follower via email.
Dawn says
I follow via e-mail 🙂
Donna Hollingsworth says
I started quilting 31 years ago! I follow your blog and enjoy it!
Joy says
I began quilting in September 2011. You won't believe this, but the first quilting tool I got was a midarm quilting machine. I just kind of fell into my lap, and presto I became a quilter.
[email protected] says
Thank you so much for sharing and congrats!
Alexis Borsboom says
I made my first two quilts last year!
t_ktl at yahoo.com
Alexis Borsboom says
I follow you by email.
t_ktl at yahoo.com
[email protected] says
I follow by email!
Karen in Breezy Point says
Ten years!?! That's amazing–congratulations!!!!
Karen in Breezy Point says
I follow by email.
Anonymous says
Congrats to you! My hubby bought my sewing machine about three years ago because I wanted to start quilting and I am just now getting it out and starting to put it all together. So I have been quilting for just a few months.
determineddebby at gmail dot com
Dorian says
Happy quiltaversary! I'm a self-taught quilter of 21 yrs. At the time I was pg with my first baby, and had a lot of time on my hands. And my baby needed a quilt. I so wish I had learned at my Grandma's knee. She quilted till she was well into her 80s 🙂 Thanks for the great giveaway.
Dorian says
I'm a follower 🙂
Sally says
I've been quilting for about 15 years and now I get to sew with Eleanor Burns once a month! She's the reason I quilt as I watched Quilt in a Day every week and finally gave it a go.
OhioLori says
Happy 10th Year Quiltyversary!!! giggle It is such a Fun time isn't it! Yay!
I probably actually started to quilt long time ago…tho not seriously until past few years….so am learning with my two Daughter's pretty much. Definitely consider myself a Beginner..tho has been close to 3 years…lol
Sally says
I follow you via email. thanks for the City Girl blocks!
OhioLori says
I Follow you thru Email, Bloglovin & Pinterest 🙂
Friendship Crossing says
I follow you thru email and bloglovin too.
Thanks Denise.
Friendship Crossing says
My other comment disappeared, so I'll try again. I have dabbled in quilting for over 23 yrs. when our oldest son turned one.
lalaluu says
Wow, 10 years of quilting – a great milestone! I count my quilting start from the time I joined a bee – since I figured out what I was doing wrong and how to do it right with the help of some patient and caring women! That was about 7 years ago. It took me many years to finish my first quilt, but I have come a long way and have finished several just last year. Hopefully, this year will be even better!
Anonymous says
Congratulations on 10 years! I have been quilting for about 7 years now – and still learning. Thanks!
Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.
Anonymous says
I follow you on Bloglovin. Thanks!
Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.
Stephanie says
I started in 2012
Stephanie says
I follow on bloglovin and email
Olivia Simpson says
I started my first quilt when I was six. Thank you for the chance to win! [email protected]
Martina says
I started quilting 12 years ago. Yay!
Martina says
I am a follower with bloglovin'. Congrats to your milestone and many more to come!
Daryl @ Patchouli Moon Studio says
Since the mid 1970's is when I first stated quilting. Everything was done by hand then! Happy Anniversary Denise.
Daryl @ Patchouli Moon Studio says
I have been a follower of yours for a long time now.
Coser Tejer Crear says
Congrats on reaching this milestone!!!!
Coser Tejer Crear says
I get your posts via email! Thank you!!!
Lee says
Happy 10 years! wow! thank you!
Lee says
I get your posts by email! thank you again!
Anonymous says
Congratulations on your 10th anniversary!
wlinda_ca at yahoo dot com
Anonymous says
I follow you by email.
wlinda_ca at yahoo dot com
tpott says
I follow you through Bloglovin.
Karen says
I first took a class in 1982 that was all hand quilting. 33 years later I am quilting more than ever.
Karen says
I follow you through GFC.
karenadd(at)gmail(dot)com
tpott says
Congratulations on 10 years! I've been quilting for half my life, 25 years.
Hilachas says
Pretty quilts you made! Congratulations on your 10 years of blogging and sewing.
Hilachas says
I follow you by email. Thanks for the opportunity to win your giveaway.
Needled Mom says
I wish I had photographed my early quilts, but without a blog I never thought about it!!!! I started quilting in the late 60s!!!! Yikes.
Chiska says
Congrats on 10 years! I've been quilting for a couple of years.
Chiska says
I follow you by e-mail.
HeatherK @ A Reformed Heath'n says
Congratulations! I've only been quilting for 3 years. I probably never would've taken the plunge except for the great online tutorials and online quilting community. Thanks!
Julie Fukuda says
Congratulations on ten years of creativity. I started quilting at age four for my dolls but the first bed cover was made fifty three years ago out of necessity for life in an unheated apartment. I didn't start taking pictures and keeping a quilt diary until about 30 years ago.(even then, sometimes I gave them away before I remembered to take a picture) Blogging? That was my son's doing… he scanned my paper diary. Isn't it great to meet other quilters this way and share all kinds of stuff ? Inspiration and friendship re at the top of the list.
As to no-reply … sometimes I am and sometimes not … I think Mr. Google messes with my settings when I am asleep (He must live in the states so I am asleep while he is awake)
JoyceLM says
I started quilting 8 years ago & love it. Thanks.
Lauren says
Happy 10 years!!! I've been quilting for 2 1/2 yrs!! Thank you!!!
Deb says
Congratulations! i love quilting…but now it's gardening season, so my latest project will have to wait til a rainy day!
Deb says
I follow your blog via your email newsletter.
Marjorie's Busy Corner says
Congratulations Denise!!!!
Marjorie's Busy Corner says
I am a follower!!! I am getting busy with yard work now, but the quilting never stops!!!
Jo says
I follow you by email.
Cathy says
I`ve been quilting about 3 years. It`s nice you describe yourself as an eclectic quilter. I like that!
Cathy says
I am an email Follower.
Lisa Marie says
I'm not sure exactly how long I've been quilting, but it's over 15 years. It's fun to look back on how our personal styles and even styles in general have changed over the years.
Lisa Marie says
I follow by email.
Jusmom1 says
I have been REALLY quilting since 2011. I had dipped my toes into quilting years earlier, but didn't really have to time until I retired. Thanks for the chance to win!
B Greene says
I made two quilts back in the 90s, but rediscovered the fun four years ago.
B Greene says
I follow by e-mail.
Cheri, the Quilting Nanny says
Love your quilts in the blog. Those points can be a bear sometimes!
Tamie says
I started my first quilt in 1990 so I guess it is my 25th anniversary!
Tamie says
I follow you on BL.
Pauline Perry says
Congratulations on your anniversary! Glad to hear you are still enjoying your blogging – I am!
Pauline
perry94022 at hotmail dot com
Pauline Perry says
I get your newsletter and follow your blog.
Pauline
perry94022 at hotmail dot com
SewDoUQuilt says
Congratulations! I started a couple of years ago and am hooked!
jarvenpa1ne(at)gmail(dot)com
SewDoUQuilt says
I follow on Pinterest.
jarvenpa1ne(at)gmail(dot)com
Anonymous says
I've been quilting for about 25 years!
nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com
Anonymous says
Google+ and bloglovin follower: Nicole Sender!
nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com
PK Sews says
Happy anniversary! Your quilts are lovely! I've been quilting for about 30 years.
PK Sews says
I follow your lovely blog via Bloglovin! Thanks for the anniversary fun!
GranChris says
Happy Anniversary. I have been quilting well over 50 years. That is a very long time. Oh the changes I have seen.
GranChris says
I follow on BL.
Mystica says
Congratulations and a happy anniversary
Cassandra says
Happy anniversary! I've been quilting for… four? years now. But I am such an intermittent quilter. Someday we'll have a big enough house that I can actually set up my sewing machine and leave it set up instead of having to put it away after using it. 🙂
Cassandra says
And I am following you on Feedly!
Suze says
Congrats on your wonderful journey. I took my first quilting class about 28 years ago. That quilt is not finished and probably never will be. I started machine piecing in 2003 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Six weeks later I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. The loss of arm strength due to the cancer and the exhaustion due to the fibromyalgia certainly limit my quilting and I enjoy every minute I am able to piece. Thanks for the month of giveaways.
Nancy says
I made my first quilt 16 years ago, but took a few years off until about 2 years ago
jeifner says
I really started focusing on quilts about 5 years ago. But technically I learned to quilt when I was about 11 or so. Hand quilting 🙂
jeifner says
I do also follow by email
Anonymous says
I've been quilting for about 18 years. Happy 10th anniversary!
explabgirl(at)yahoo(dot)com
Anonymous says
I follow by email.
explabgirl(at)yahoo(dot)com
Emily C says
I have been quilting for the last 3-4 years. I love the complicated and hand sew, so I have only finished 2 quilts. I have 2 WIPs and a few I want to start.
Emily C says
I get your newsletter.
Angie says
I have been quilting for 10 years too…doesn't seem like I am old enough to say that…
Carol says
Congratulations! You have really gone places in your 10 years. I have been quilting for about 13 years now. Trying to put a lot more time into it since I retired. Keep up the good work!
Carol says
P.S. I am a follower of your blog.
Michelle says
happy quilt-a-versary 😀 i've been quilting for about 5 years now! gooberific @ yahoo.com
Michelle says
i also follow your blog! gooberific @ yahoo.com
Stitchin At Home says
Congrats on 10 years of quilting. I don't have pictures of my first quilts either.
Stitchin At Home says
I follow via bloglovin.
Mary Ann says
About 12 years now! Can't believe it has been so long! I should have more done.
Mary Ann says
I follow on feedly
Mary Ann says
About 12 years now! Can't believe it has been so long! I should have more done.
tink's mom says
Congratulations on these milestones. Love your mini review.
tink's mom says
I have been following your growth right here on your blog. Thanks for the opportunity for participating in your giveaway.
DeborahGun says
wow, congratulations 🙂 I have been quilting for 3 years.
DeborahGun says
I follow on Bloglovin!
sisylyn2 says
Congratulations on 10 years quilting. I love all your quilts and hope to eventually be able to show mine. Nancy
[email protected]
sisylyn2 says
I follow on blogovin and email
Nanbon44 says
My first quilt was when I was 23 years old… I had cut up my husbands old work shirts which were Burgandy, blues and whites… I just cut 5" squares, laid them out in a nice pattern and sewed them together.. hand tied…. now that I look back it was just awful… I have no clue where that quilt ended up and I didn't make another for many years.. thirty years later I am now making many quilts for my charity group, family and friends… and loving every minute.. shame my first one was such a flop but so glad I found my quilting love in later years.
Lyndsey says
Congratulations on 10 years of quilting. I've been English paper piecing for 40 years but only 3 years for pieced blocks.
Lyndsey says
I follow by GFC. Love your blog and your quilts.
Dresden Quilter says
Congratulations on 10 years. I enjoy reading your blog.
Dresden Quilter says
I am a Google follower.
barbara woods says
learned in highschool but only been quilting for 3 years
barbara woods says
follow on gfc
MissEnota aka Kristin S. says
Congratulations! I've been machine sewing/quilting for 3.5 years. -Ever since my mom gave me a sewing machine that she picked up off the curb!
MissEnota aka Kristin S. says
I follow you through email.
Margaret says
Happy anniversary. I have been quilting for about 25 years and love it.
Margaret says
I follow by email.
aus_chick says
I did my first one about 5 years ago. (Following on Bloglovin)
aus_chick says
Oops, comment two 🙂 – following on bloglovin
Lars Sone says
I would love to win this thanks so much for the giveaway!
[email protected]
Anonymous says
Denise, wow congrats on your anniversary . Do you ever slow down:)
I've been quilting for almost 7 years now. Isn't it cool to look back at those "firsts" and amaze yourself w/how you've developed your skill set.
bluestarof2(at)yahoo(dot)com
Laura Ferdal says
Thanks for the giveaway.
[email protected]
mlhummy says
Thanks for the chance to win. 🙂
mlhummy says
I follow you on bloglovin. 🙂
Sandra Walker says
I have been quilting for 20 years…egad. Thanks for the giveaway!
Sandra Walker says
I follow you by email. 🙂
Michelle Olsen Sasak says
Your quilts are beautiful! Thanks for the chance to win! mto2golsen (at) gmail (dot) com
Michelle Olsen Sasak says
I follow with Feedly.
Sewgirl says
I have been quilting about 20 years now…just after my first child was born! And Congratulations on 10 years…that's a lot of quilting!
Sewgirl says
I follow via email.
Dawn says
Only for about one year. dawnm1993(at)gmail(dot)com
Dawn says
I follow your blog via email. dawnm1993(at)gmail(dot)com
VickiT says
Congratulations on your 10 yrs! I began learning to quilt about 5-6 yrs ago now I think. I learned most of what I know online from blogs and reading lots of books and websites.
vburr at charter dot net
VickiT says
I am already a follower of your blog via email and Bloglovin'.
vburr at charter dot net
Dody says
I follow by email. I've been quilting for one year.
principeta says
Congratulations!!!Lovely giveaway,thank you for the chance to win it.
Jessica says
Congrats on 10 years! I have been "quilting" for 5 years. However, I did it very off and on for the first 4. I really do love it. Thank goodness for Youtube and blogs. Otherwise, I would never have picked up sewing.
Jessica says
I follow you via Bloglovin.
Debby says
Congratulations on your 10 years of quilting and 3 years of blogging. I have been quilting on and off for around 30 years, but have been really involved over the last 10 years
Debby says
i follow your blog by email. Someday I will have time to go back and read it from the start.
Missy Shay says
I have been quilting for about five years, not very long!
missysaprons@ gmail.com
Missy Shay says
I subscribe to your newsletter.
missysaprons @gmail.com
Sarah@123quilt says
Congrats on 10 years! I made my first quilt about 16 years ago and I have loved it ever since. Thanks for the chance to win!
Sarah@123quilt says
I follow you on Bloglovin!
Sbdev says
I follow your blog via email. Sbd0260 (at) aol (dot) com
Sbdev says
I started hand quilting when I was 5 and my grandmother was making a quilt. I really started quilting about 10 years ago.
Mom in Academia says
I am still a novice, but I've been quilting for four years at least.
Anita says
I have been quilting for 17 years. Congratulations! 🙂
Anita says
I am following on Bloglovin.