And too soon....it ended.

Every Tuesday in February.

When I signed up for the class at Rossville Quilts, I wasn't sure whether I would like it, if I would feel comfortable and accepted there, or if I would regret my decision and wish I had saved my money for other things.

Well, my fears were unfounded.

I loved the class.

No one in the class was from Rossville, and even though they knew each other from other quilting adventures, they were friendly and included me in their conversations.

I never felt like Tuesday was a dreaded trip to Rossville and that the hours would just drag along.  I was always ready to go, excited about the next steps of the projects, and amazed when it was 2:00 and time to pack up.  The hours flew by!

I also felt very comfortable wandering the shop, asking questions, and picking up things that looked interesting and chatting about the possibilities.

Plus I learned SO much about quilt patterns, fabrics, batting, thread, materials to use and not to use, and tricks of the trade.  It was just fun.

My project which was a sampler quilt using 9 different quilt blocks was really nice.  I loved it.

 

The next steps are to have it quilted then add the binding.  It was strongly suggested that we tackle the quilting part of it ourselves, but that is not my area of expertise.  I am too worried about puckers on the back of the quilt or uneven stitching.  Even though there is a cost to have it done professionally, I would rather take it to Betty for the stipple stitching to be done.

What I really liked was that all three of us used the same instructions with different fabrics and selected our own placements of the squares on the final quilt top---and they all look so different and unique!

 
Deb and her quilt top


Gretchen and her quilt top

Before I left the shop today, three of us exchanged FB information so we can remain in touch.  Then I roamed the shop---again.  I picked up a packet of labels and a fabric pen so I can add my own personal touch to each project I complete.  I also picked up two books. One is  Easy Quilts from Precut Fabrics which gives directions for making quilts using Layer Cakes, Jelly Rolls, or Charm Packs.  The other is Easy Layer-Cake Quilts which offers directions for 11 quilts that can be started with a layer cake.  I love layer cakes; I used one for Owen's dinosaur quilt. I have one featuring vintage campers to make something for Hilary.  I also have a jelly roll of blue snowflakes that I want to make into a lap quilt for me.  Moda has such cute packages that I need ideas to make several things using those cute prints.

Yes, it ended too soon.  But I am confident that I am starting now on a new journey, one that will be full of creativity and fun.  Plus I made some new friends along the way!