What? You didn’t know quilters had their very own day? Yep, it is March 21st. Conveniently, it always falls on a Saturday, so don’t worry about hounding your boss for another paid holiday. Here are your answers to some FAQs regarding this fabulous holiday:
1. What is the origin of National Quilting Day?
Who cares? It is a day to give you a perfect excuse to put all other chores and commitments aside and QUILT! Just kidding, The National Quilting Association started National Quilting Day in 1991.
2. How should you celebrate National Quilting Day?
Start a quilt, work on a quilt, finish a quilt, host a special Quilt Day event, go on a “shop hop”, sign up for a class or learn a new technique. When you are done quilting, grab a deck of Ricky Tims’ Playing Cards and start a game, while eating Quilter’s Chocolates.
This year the National Quilting Association is dedicating National Quilt Day to “The Home”. They are also offering a free downloadable project.
3. What is C&T Publishing doing to celebrate National Quilting Day?
Great Question! I’m so glad you asked. We are doing a giveaway to celebrate you and your love of quilting! All you have to do is leave a comment telling us how quilting has changed or impacted your life. We will randomly pick a comment to win one ebook of your choice. Comments have to be made by Sunday March 22nd. Winner will be announced Monday March 23rd. Have fun and Happy National Quilting Day!
186 Comments
I attended a ‘quilt retreat day’ one year for the Nation Quilting Day and had so much fun meeting with other quilters from surrounding towns….had to get hubby to agree to watch the kids and I had a great time! Quilting has been a wonderful learning experience and process, I don’t get much accomplished it seems, but I so enjoy the reading about and viewing other works that it doesn’t matter to me…I love the eye candy…and when I do turn out a quilt for a wedding or baby (mostly babies …babies galore more like), I feel a sense of accomplishment in that very effort. I read like a madman and take in new ideas and techniques quite well so I’m not too intimidated to try new things. I love color, and fabrics are easyly available to fill that craving! LOL.
We get credit for what quilters do. I love quilting and it is such a stress reliver especialy in these times.
I am disabled so quilting is a definite challenge. I love to try new things. I have never recieved an e-book before so this will be a first. -Cindy–
I started quilting in earnest about 5 years ago. I can’t believe the # of people I now know that I never would have met if I didn’t quilt. It’s wonderful have such a great group of friends.
The quilts I make seem to end up given as gifts. The four I made that will always mean the most to me, were given to the widow of a dear friend of my husband. The quilts were made primarily from his dress shirts. One quilt for each of her children. I quilted each child’s name into “their” quilt. It was a labor of love. I cried many tears while stitching those quilts…….He was a man who was taken from this world far to early.
Quilting has always been my sanity saver. As an added bonus, I always have something wonderful to share with others.
Quilting has changed my life. I started sewing when I was 8 for 4-H and mostly did clothing. I thought I’d never sew again when I went to college, but for graduation I got a sewing machine and I took off from there. Five years later I can’t imagine not sewing everyday. The internet is a dream come true for quilters and I’m going to meet my internet friends at a quilt retreat in April! I can’t wait!
I love seeing my children and grandchildren sleep under quilts I have made! A lot of my children and grandkids live out of state. when I make a quilt for them, I always tell them there are hugs quilted into every inch of this quilt. I am always hugging them when they use a quilt from grandma. there is nothing better than sleeping under a handmade quilt. it is comforting. quilting to me soothes my soul. if my heart is heavy, or a lot on my mind, or stress from work – I quilt or do my embroidery blocks. it quiets me. I have done a lot of crafts in my life, but quilting is the BEST!!!!
thanks for the chance…
lorene
Quilting has made me braver. I started with a smallish project, went to a huge, complicated (for me) project, and am now working on creating a dress pattern for myself. And somewhere along the line, I started getting pretty close to measuring, cutting and sewing straight! It’s been a fun outlet and has helped me to think of other people. I haven’t made anything for myself yet – everything I have made has gone to someone else.
Everyday is national quilt day.
It’s great to have a special day. I joined a quilt group and never looked back. We meet weekly and donate the quilts to different places. It’s good tohave places that will take the quilts, otherwise we’d all be buried in quilts.
quilting ???!!! a sane persuit in an insane world …. it gives me a reason to mindlessly collect huge amount of fabrics and actually have an excuse …. ” i NEED that for the next quilt ” . do i really ??? NOT !!!
but it sounds good !
quilters keep the economy stimulated !! think of all the fabric stores that would close , if we all quit buying fabric !
now i need that E-book !!!!!!! i have to find a new pattern so i can use that fabric thats stashed over there <———– !!
I, plain and simple, just love to quilt. I enjoy it. Its a great stress reliever for me. Quilting keeps my hands occupied so that I can concentrate on loosing a few extra pounds that have tried to have a home on my body. Downsizing is the name of the game these days for us “older folk”, so an e-book would definately be better for me than a take up space in the quilt room book. Thanks for the contest…
on another note …. THANK YOU for this nice “contest ” !!!
i wish everyone and all a GREAT national quiltday !! may your sewing maschines work , your thread never break , your seamripper rust from lack of usage … and may all your Y-seams meet and be perfect .
after 20+ years of quilting, I’m still head-over-heals in love.
A Day Spent Quilting….Is a Good Day.
Quilting has brought me life long friendships that I would have never had!
Quilting is my stress relief and one of the ways I give others comfort. My “hobby” is making baby quilts and giving them away! I love quilting, and the friendships I have made are incredible.
I sure would love to have this book to help me with learning how to quilt since I basically am teaching myself
quilting is, for me, an opportunity to fulfill the urge to play with color and pattern. the by products of my experimentation are the quilts which, for the most part, go to charity. i get satisfaction both ways — from the creation and from the giving.
Quilting re-newed my love of sewing. It is such a fun process from beginning to the completion of a project. I just can’t seem to get enough!
Quilters are the best friends….I love the friendship in my guild, the knowledge that we are sharing with one another…the shopping trips we take..
When one of my kids needs a hug from me and I am not home, they just wrap up in one of the quilts that I made them.
I feel that quilting is cheaper than therapy.
A quilt is the only thing that’s really “one-size-fits-all”.
And it doesn’t have to match anything else.
I would not be sewing today if it weren’t for quilting.
I’ve sewn all my life. Quilting and belonging to a guild has helped me meet people when we have made numerous moves. I have made friends that have stayed in my life long after I left the area.
Quilting will always have a place in my life. It has been a stress-reducer, artistic outlet and given me much happiness over the years. It allows me to play with color even during the dullest, coldest winters. Quilting is part of who I am.
Quilting has made me aware of all the quilts, and related projects around me and the trmendous amount of energy that goes into them. A great awareness!
A day without quilting is like a day without breathing!
Quilting has helped me to appreciate the amazing things one can do with fabric. While my quilts are very simple, it is a wonder to see what is created with some fabric and thread.
Thanks for the chance to win!
This a cool give away and quilting brings me peace. Not only from when I plan it to when I finish it and pass it one to somebody or keep it for myself. (not often)
Thanks again.
I am not an avid quilter, I have only made 2 now and they were both baby quilts, but I am amazed at the amount of love I feel giving a handmade quilt to someone.
I do sew every day and hope as my children get older I will have more time to quilt.
Sisters, Oregon has an amazing quilt show every year, when I lived there I would visit every year.
There is something special about the beauty and love in each and every piece. Like a work of art you never get tired of, always seeing new things.
~Pinky~
It’s a happy coincidence that I’m planning on working on quilt projects all day on National Quilting Day.
Quilting satisfies my need for color and texture in my life. Now I don’t need to wear unflattering neon colors because I can fondle and enjoy them all I want while making quilts.
Quilting is a form of therapy I think. I started quilting at a time when both my parents were very ill (dreaded C word)…I would carry my quilting down to the house or the hospital as I sat with them, Mom would always make sure any visitor oohheed and aahhhed over my project. Unfortunately neither of them lived to see me finish that first project…that first quilt (mistakes and all) always sits at the foot of my bed. Memories are precious!
What a great idea! Downloadable books! Keeps my space free for fabric!
I failed sewing at school, and yet here i am making these beautiful quilting creations….i have met and chatted to so many fellow quilters from all over the world…it is truly an amazing hobby….lolol…make that amazing obsession !!!!
I have made so many friends through quilting, both in this country and abroad. It has given me brilliant opportunities to travel and there’s always something new to learn!
It’s been my therapy for almost 10 years now. I would be crazy and on lots of drugs if it wasn’t such a wonderful outlet.
i just love quilting. i didn’t think that i’d be able to get into quilting because i used to just sew clothing, but i fell in love with it!
quilting has been such a wonderful way for me to express my love of colour and in trying to be creative, and the quilts are so wonderful to sleep and lounge under, they are tactile, and visual and can create a sense of accomplishment and calm
Quilting! I love it! To celebrate National Quilting Day, our small group is taking a road trip. We are leaving on Friday, and working our way around the west side of the state visiting various shops that we picked out. On Saturday, we start an “official” shop hop, with 8 more shops, working our way back home! We can’t wait!
What a wonderful day to celebrate quilting!
Thank you for all that you do for us in the quilting part of life. It enables all of us to share our love and passion with each other.
Quilting is my sanity, and I always try to do something especially quilty on Natl Quilting Day, will probably gather with some other quilting friends that day, and perhaps work on a charity quilt.
I plan on spending National Quilting Day with my quilting group – The Silver Thimbles. We will sew from 10 to 3. I’m hoping to begin a new project. It’s a black and white quilt made from half square triangles. It’s been on my to-make list for a couple of years.
Happy Quilting Day to all!
Being a mother of four young kids was quite an adjustment for me. My oldest (now 7) has an autism spectrum disorder, and when he was two, I finished my first quilt. I was inspired to try quilting by my aunt who made baby quilts for all of my kids. I quickly discovered that quilting gave me a sense of accomplishment. I had felt so isolated being at home with the kids, and it was extremely difficult to leave the house with all of them in tow. During the times when I became extremely discouraged with my mothering skills, quilting gave me something tangible to hold, and I could say, “Look what I made!”
quilting has given me the most wonderful group of friends — they are my support system for both the good and bad things of life. it has also given me a way to work at home (part-time) and contribute to the family funds in a fun, creative way.
I started quilting about 4 years ago and joined the quilting ministry at church to make quilts for those in need.
Quilting is a hobby that leaves you with something tangible that is warm and cuddly to wrap up in! In our present economic situation, I like knowing that I can create something of value with scraps, castoffs, etc. for little cost. Quilters have always done so! Okay, so I’ve also spent a fortune on fabric, books, patterns, etc! :)
spring equinox… how fun that natl quilting day is also a great pagan holiday LOL… I love the creative outlet of quilting and the social contacts too!… Plus there’s something really visceral about just the entire tactile process – the feel of the fabric, the hum of the machine, the repetitive in and out of the needle when hand sewing. There’s a really strong connection to generational memories of our mostly anonymous ancestors who sewed, quilted, embroidered, or just did ANYthing with textiles…
I have found something that I am good at. Choosing color and putting it together in a new and/or exciting way. People know me as a quilter! That has changed my life. I feel respected, valued.
I could really do with a new book for new ideas to use up my stash so fingers crossed I win!
Louisa Lawson
Quilting is a creative expression, a tie with women past, a tie with women current (all my quilty friends), and a tie with women of the future. What could be better? Love it!
I’m an artist! I always wished I could draw, and never was good at it, but with quilting, I can put colors together successfully, and create! I LOVE picking colors out for a project!
I love being able to create a special gift quilt for family and friends: a handmade gift that reminds the recipient of my caring for years to come.
I think that it should be a real national holiday where everyone stays home to sew. Seriously, quilting is our heritage that should be celebrated. Many positive things come from quilting and not just the beautiful finished products.
Quilting has almost become an obsession! If I didn’t have to go to work, I would be working on one quilt or another most of the time. I love to read new quilting books and magazines, and yet know I will never have enough time to sew up all the quilts that speak to me. Thanks for the giveaway!
I love quilting – I started 34 years ago when my son was born and have never stopped. I can’t imagine my life without this wonderful obsession. My DH will be glad to tell you exactly how many boxes in our move last year were marked “sewing room”! I block that out!
doni @ Oregon coast
Hip hip, hurray. Quilters have their own day. I’m going to try to finish my block party quilt.
You are fabulous to offer this and provide many quilters with updated information. Thanks. With my love of quilting, I’ve collected, shared, given many projects and wonderful times throughout the years. Some of my best friends have happened because of my love of needle and thread. Also, I’m happy to claim a 5 generational line of quilters on my maternal side, so am happy to pass that along to my grandchildren now too. They are young, but I just know they’ll be quilters too.
Quilting has been a creative outlet for me as well as a meditative activity.
Quilting is my basket weaving therapy! If I didnt have my quilting, I would probaly be hanging in the bars, lord knows what I would be doing…….
(mauh) Liz
Quilting is my therapy, my creative outlet, my challenge and my favorite way to spend a day. Booyah!
I started quilting two year ago to quit smoking. It seemed like a great idea to keep both hands busy and off the cigarettes while creating something beautiful. I’ve come to love quilting. There have been some sticking points on triangles, curves, mitres and ohhh the neat ending binding. The binding made me smoke more! !! I beat the binding and have smooth endings now. Triangles have their days too. I never know if I should clip those dogears or not. All in all, I’ve made lots of progress and quilt more than smoke. I haven’t given up on quitting or quilting. The rewards are beautiful and it has made it fun to keep trying. I know one day I will quit and have quilting to thank for it and rewards too for the very, very tough journey.
My district here in central KY is gearing up for Quilter’s Day Out on Saturday. Usually have 100-200 quilters, a dozen or more local vendors, lots of show and tell, a small Fashion Show for wearables, and, of course, food. A super way to meet new people and renew acquaintances. And Quilter’s Day Out was started by a fellow Kentuckian, Phyllis Miller who, by the way, appeared on ‘Simply Quilts.’ What could be better?
Quilting has given me an outlet for creativity, given my children warm blankets that they love, and colored my world (well, at least my house, but it’s a start). It’s enabled me to meet so many people and given me the gift of friendship all over the world through the internet with all it’s quilting groups, blogs, and websites.
Quilting is my Mental Health Therapy . All of my Children and Grand childred live far away. When my last child moved 1200 miles away I went to my quilting room and cried and quilted. I have been at it ever since (the Quilting). It is my total Comfort Zone.
I’ve been quilting only for about 10 years, but during that time I have made quilts for most of my children and grandchildren. I’ve just gotten a mid-arm quilter so I can do some of my own machine quilting as well as piecing. I am obsessed. I look forward to the end of my work day so I can spend time in my sewing room. My friend and I do hand work while drinking coffee and watching TV. My favorite quilts are the ones I made for family reunions.
I started quilting a couple of months after I retired and feel like it is the one thing that has kept me involved with other people. I’d found I was spending too much time alone before I was bitten by the quilt bug. After that, I met with the first class every week for 2 years. Since then I’ve been involved in a couple of groups and I think without that involvement I would be too solitary. Thanks for asking such a great question.
What a wonderful way to celebrate National Quilting Day! Here is to all the ladies and gentlemen (and there are several!) who are willing to share and explore the world of quilting! There isn’t a nicer group of people around. Ah, if only the entire world were quilters! Peace and lots global warming (but the good kind)–quilts!
My guild has our quilt show on even numbered years on National Quilting Day.
I try to celebrate National Quilting Day every year and have made it every year since it started! :-) I either attend a quilt show or start a quilt or teach a class. I, personally, make New Year’s Day a day of quilting also by starting a new quilt the first day of every year. I have a lot of quilts started! I would love to win your ebook. :-)
Our local guild hosts a National Quilting Day Friday/Saturday sewcial in leu of a meeting for that month. Pizza, munchines, and sewing for all! It is great fun and we work on our own stuff, or charity, depending on the year. People love leaving their machines overnight and being able to sew the second day to make toting all that equipment worthwhile. People are free to come and go, eat and socialize.
I will be attending a local quilt show this weekend and hopefully getting “my inspiration on” and quilting some too for National Quilting Day!!!
I love to quilt which has been my salvation since my husband’s death. I know that quilters are the best people ever since these were the friends that were there for me. I want to leave behind a heritage of quilts so that my children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews have something to remember me. In many ways this is a time honored tradition of women, as one of my prized possessions is a quilt made about 1885 by my great-grandmother before she was married.
I first learned to quilt after I had my first child. I wanted to make a special blanket for him. Today he still has it, even though tattered. I took up quilting again before the birth of my first grandson and have been designing and making quilts for all those in my family. One great thing for me was to get the wool batting from my grandmother’s torn quilts and make new quilts for my family to keep warm as they sleep. I belong to a guild and enjoy all the women who have the same interest as I. I find that I can give back to our community through the guild and all its functions. It is great to see hands go up by fellow quilters when there is a need. This year I am responsible to block of the month and Australian block exchange. We meet great friends around the world this way.
Hi!
I love that I can create something where there was nothing before: I have a vision, I look for materials, I execute, and I have something that hasn’t existed in exactly that way ever before.
What opportunities there are in quilting!
Deb
Quilting has been a complete enjoyment for me. My Mom was a seamstress and my Dad a taylor, so, I grew up sewing, but not quilting. Now, I make Quilts, Wallhangings, Pillows for my self and friends. I have fixed many an old quilt for older ladies that have wanted to keep their treasures going. I have taken muslin squares and handed them out to children getting ready to make their First Communion, and let them decorate the fabric, then I make it into a Quilted Banner for the whole congregation to see on the actual First Communion Day. I have found the simplist pattern turn out totally wonderful and the most intricate pattern the opposite. I just love that I can really show my creativity with Quilting!
I plan to celebrate National Quilt Day with an in-home retreat! I will pick back up a mystery quilt project begun a few months ago and interupted to finish a wedding gift.
Quilting has provided me with the perfect creative outlet for my talents and wonderful inspiration from everyone’s quilts. I just love how each creator–using the same pattern–makes an entirely new masterpiece by changing the colors, or setting blocks on point, or adding sashing and cornerstones.
It is endlessly entertaining.
Quilting has given me a creative outlet that has helped me through some stressful times. It has also given me a hobby that I share with my mother. It has helped to keep my family warm and beautify my home and allowed me to meet many wonderful new friends. But isn’t that what quilting has done for women through many generations?
Quilting has done so many things for me. It gives me a creative outlet, making beautiful things for others gives me great pleasure and comfort. It has also lead me to some wonderful friends. Many of whom I would not have known any other way. I learned to sew from my mother and 4-H, so quilting was an automatic option. I love it.
I get such enjoyment when I vist my family’s homes and see all the quilts I have made and given to them and they are using them.
i’ve been quilting for 45 years, the introduction of rotary cutters made my quilting blossom. gini
Quilting is my love, my release, my sanity. It is what makes me happy. As my family says if MaMa’s happy everybody is happy. My greatest joy is giving. And to make a gift is to give a gift of love. I usually make about 20 quilts a year for my family alone not counting the ones that I make for friends and charity. I belong to a quilt guild. I am always going thru the many patterns that I own and going to the library for new patterns. I am on the internet almost every day looking for new ideas also. I am also a short arm quilter.
When I quilt I feel connected to all the women back through the generations who stole a bit of their day to make practical and often beautiful creations that would be used and cherished by loved ones. Quilt on!
Quilting is a necessary part of my life, it takes my mind away from the mundane
Quilting is my therapy and my friend. I have made some wonderful friendships meeting quilters from all over. Thanks for all that you do to make it even better! Plan on meeting with my quilt group on the 21st to work on a quilting project!
Quilting fills my hours, while my husband drives the highways in the 18 wheeler, to support us and my quilting habits.
Thank you,
Gladys
Quilting was one of the first hobbies I remembering learning from and sharing with my grandmother and mother. I often think of them as I continue quilting.
For me everyday is Quilting day. I have only been quilting about 3 years now. I thought I was getting bored with quilting and have tried my hand at making handbags, totes & wallets, well since I really havent been very good at that craft, I’m going back to quilting.
I started off this week in a rush to get the other end of the week and now that I am nearly there I just want to be back at the beginning of the week again so that i can get some quilting done! I love that quilting opens up a whole new world of colour, fabric, design and friends, as well as the fact that there is something to show for the time spent quilting and enjoying life. There is always something to look forward to, the next quilt, the next quilt meeting, the next time you can see the pleasure on someones face as they receive a special quilted gift. Quilting is so delicious!
Love the Quilting Day block. The best Quilting tip I got was to actually read the quilt books and the magazines, not just look at the pictures. After all, someone got paid to write the text, someone paid to publish it, you bought it, might as well get the benefit of the printed stuff next to the pretty pictures.
I tripped over a joann’s BOM while shopping for fabric to make for my then toddler son (he’s 13 now) a shirt, jeans, or some such thing ..
I had issues with it but never gave up trying to get it right and it did get right .. I’ve found that quilting has helped me balance myself and gives me an outlet for excess energy and a place for my muse to run around with reckless abandon! Which is always seems to need in fabric colour, quilt design or precise work.
Quilting keeps me sane, it’s a perfect way of relaxing after a tiring and stressful day. Working with textures and colours, meeting new people. And the positive comments I get when working on a project give me an extra boost to make things. My sons really love that, they always have a new request for me to make cushions, a bag for tennis stuff, and a different one for athletics and a different one for gym at school, etc.,etc.
I’m 50 now, and I’ve been sewing since I was three years old, and doing patchwork for 32 years. People ask “Are you STILL quilting?”, as if I should have grown out of it by now. I can confidently say that will never happen. I have a longarm business , but quilting is more a way of life; when I stop work at the end of the day I start on my own quilts.
Well quilting has certainly filled my house with fabric and UFO’s. But I have managed to make a few, about 100 so far I think. I make them for family and friends, for babies, for graduation, for weddings, and also for charities. Even after all these years, every time I finish a quilt I lay it out and take a look at it and am just amazed I did that. I love all the fabric out there and the patterns that others design and I will never be able to make all the ones I would love. I’ve also made some bombs along with the good ones but it is a learning experience and don’t regret any one of them. I am now trying to use up some of this fabric I have before even thinking of buying new, which is so very difficult with all these beautiful fabrics being made.
Quilting is my relaxation and my escape for when life gets in the way. I love the feel of the fabric and seeing something complete from little bits.
Quilting has changed my life considerably, but it has also changed my husbands life. One of the things we do together is visit every quilt shop we can find when we travel. We have met so many nice people in quilt shops! The fabric that I buy is a permanent reminder of where we have been. Finding the quilt shops is kind of like a treasure hunt and takes us to places we could miss otherwise.
My honey is my number one fan and supporter. He is a retired carpenter and is my “go to guy” also for repairs to my longarm quilting machine. I love quilting and I love him!
I used to be scared of quilting, then I decided to make a baby quilt for a friend. It came together SO fast (ok, so it was just squares, but still!) and I loved it so much. Quilting for me is completely a marriage of practicality and beauty. I typically don’t sew anything that doesn’t have a purpose, and I love that quilts can stay around for years keeping people warm.
Quilters are the most loving and caring people I know. Quilting is a true form of art. Thank you for the chance for an e-book.
Quilting for me is a way to express myself. I’ve always done crafting of some sort or other since I was a child, but I get such a sense of peace and satisfaction from quilting. When I’m quilting, all the stress that I’ve been working with just seems to disappear, it truly is my happy place!
quilting has given me a hobby that makes me feel as though my time can be productive. It is something of myself that I love to do and share with others.
I’ve been sewing or trying to sew a long time… doll clothes started it. I remember making patched aprons in the 60’s. Log cabins in the early 80’s. Lots of bed quilts in the 90’s which morphed into baby quilts for co-workers. Now in the 00’s I’m making more charity quilts. Quilting has been an introduction to new people, an opportunity to play with color, fabric, texture, design. As many other people have said, quilting keeps me sane and happy!
I was first drawn to quilting when my husband and I began visiting the Amish in Holmes County Ohio. I was able watch them work at their craft and noticed how happy and relaxed they were but put it off as “to difficult”.
Several visits latter my husband noticed how much I enjoyed watching the women work and encouraged me to give it a try. He has been very supportive and even goes into the fabric shops with me without rushing. Quilting has given me a focus that I haven’t had for a long time. It is a way to unwind and see possibilities that I can make happen with a little patience. I am glad I listened to him and gave it a try.
My Great Grandmother started my love for quilts when I was a little girl playing under her 2 quilt frames she always had set up with a quilt in it for hand quilting. Today, for me, quilting is an outlet for stress and to make me think I CAN be creative. I think today my Great Grandmother would be proud looking down on me, seeing me carry on what she so loved to do.
I have participated in several Quilting Day bees. I still have UFO’s from most of them… hahaha. But lots of fun to be with quilters.
Everyday is National Quilting Day in my house. I am so fortunate that I can spend time working on something that has such meaning to me and my family. I come from a long line of quilters who probably started quilting from necessity but turned that much needed item into a work of art. It warms my heart to work on a quilt in the same manner that my grandmothers did.
Quilting and machine embroidery has changed my life. I find the creative thoughts and projects are great for helping keep sad thoughts and days behind me.
Quilting, especially art quilting, has given me a creative outlet that never existed before. Even just going into my quilting room to sit and touch my fabrics brightens up my day!
Quilting has been my relaxation since I retired 10 years ago. It has been a source of creativity, learning , friendships, travel and many other things. If you ever are in a place which is unknown to you and want a good meal ask at the Local Quilt Shop.
quilting is one of the few things I can continue to do as my MS continues to take away so many of the things I used to enjoy – quilting has given me a way to help others by giving them comfort in their time of need – it also give comfort to the maker & it has been around so long – I think of it as a gift from God & it surrounds all with love
I started quilting back in the late 1970’s when we scrounged the cupboards for every bit of cardboard to trace a template for each piece of block. It took so long I had to give it up when my son came along. Wow! What a difference the rotary cutter and rulers made. In the early ’90s I attended a demo of Eleanor Burns’ methods and got back into quilting almost immediately and have not stopped. Quilting and Q-classes helped me keep my sanity when I lost my DH in 1998. Most of my quilts have been gifts or donations for raffles. If I am lucky enough to be selected, my choice of E-Books would be the “Magical 4 Patch and 9 Patch” by Yvonne Porcella. I like to use simple blocks and let the fabric do the ‘talking’.
Thank you for the opportunity to participate.
Barbara
What has quilting done for me? It’s turned me into a crazy person! (But I love every minute of it!)
Twenty years ago I walked into a quilt shop and fell in love with quilting. I only made 3 quilts; one for each of my 2 children and one for a friend who was having a baby. I put quilting aside when I went back to work, but I always knew I would go back to it one day. Four years ago I retired and the first thing I did was to resume quilting. I’ve taken classes and bought a lot of books and gadgets. With the help of the internet I’ve learned so much about quilting and gathered many, many friends world wide. Quilters are the friendliest, most giving people.
Quilting, particularly art quilting, fabric art, and playing with fabric gives me a creative outlet; I am not trained or schooled in “art” though I have always been creative. After years of teaching myself, experimenting, playing with fabric, fiber, paint and color, I believe quilting in all its forms is what I have been looking for! I may find another outlet or plaything next week but, for now, quilting – fabrics – are my favorite toys.
Suzanne G in NC
How quilting has changed my life, wow, that is hard since it has changed so many aspects of my life. It has brought me peace and sanity on stessfull days. It has brought me closer to my teenage daughter, since she has followed moms lead and love quilting also, we now quilt together and have wonderful mom and daughter time that we would not have shared otherwise. Quilting has brought me friends, both live through my quilting group and online, I have had the wonderful opportunity to meet so many wonderful quilters through my blog. Quilting has given me a purpose, I have made so many donation quilts that I have lost count, and I love the fact that I know I have put a smile on so many little faces. Quilting has brought me income, I make and sell quilted purses. But most of all quilting has brought me piece, Opps I mean peace. Inner peace and contentment that I had never felt before. Thank you.
Quilting has been the greatest stress relief with helping me get through these times. I also love to be able to do my quilting and then being able to help in my community with my simple quilts.
Quilting relaxes the mind, body and soul. And then you have something to show for it.
I have only been quilting for one year but managed to finish one quilt for my husband, two tops, three (or more) that need the blocks pieced. This has changed my life SO much because I now have a meaning for all those left overs I get from garment construction. I have also joined a quilt guild and found so many other friends.
I have just started quilting my first baby quilt for a cousin. My mom does beautiful quilting and I just love how they turn out. All the quilts are so special and unique I just wanted to try and keep up the legacy if mom gets to the point of not being able to do it anymore…she has an awesome fabric closet!
Wow, how has quilting changed my life… It’s helped me reduce some stress and is a constant challenge. I’m always thinking of a new project or of learning a new technique. It has brought me a lot of joy.
I’ve been sewing and quilting for a while now. My grandmother taught me and she recently passed away. After hear death, I’ve had a renewed interest and it really has helped me deal with her passing.
Thanks for the giveaway!
There is nothing better than more books on quilting. I love quilting and giving away the quilts I make. When asked how much, I tell them the price of the material only. Holidays gets people excited because they know they will get a new quilt. If nothing else, I know I will be remembered for the quilts I make. Thanks for the opportunity to enlarge my quilting knowledge.
In northern Indiana, we have an annual Gathering on National Quilting Day. Different guilds take turns hosting it. This year it’s in Ft. Wayne and the speaker is Kaye England. Our local guild, the Marie Webster Quilt Guild, which is associated with The Quilters’ Hall of Fame here in Marion, Indiana used to sponser an event for NQD but so many wanted to attend the Gathering that we now do an event in April. This year we’re having Ami Simms, which should be a lot of fun!
I used to make most of my kids’ clothing, but after they grew up, I had much less sewing to do. Quilting filled the need for fabric and became my new passion. Well, piecing did, anyway. I really need to get some of those tops sandwiched. ;-)
I watched my grandmother make quilts when I was a child. She saved every scrap of fabric! And she taught me a bit. Now as an adult I am in love with quilting. It’s a way to treasure the past. I just can’t help it.
How has quilting affected me? It has given me a creative outlet. Many of my friends and family have wondered how I can do my creations with fabric, and the simple answer is: just try! (of course really good patterns help too!!)
Thank you for all of your wonderful patterns.
I have sewn since I was about 8, but for me quilting is a connection to my Grandmother and aunts who sewed and quilted for their families. Now, as a grandmother passing the tradition on to my granddaughter.
Quilt guilds have been the biggest help to me since I started quilting in 1992. I have learned from members giving programs, special classes and most of all just seeing quilts from members at show and share. They all keep me wanting to learn new techniques . And I think that’s why I love quilting so much! Join a quilt guild!!
My first National quilting day was almost 20 years ago. I went to an area quilters meeting in Kentucky with a friend. We had a wonderful time and I’ve been hooked ever since! I have gotten about 13 ladies at my church quilting and we quilt together at least once a month. I use quilting as a stress relief and way to clear my mind when it gets to boggled! Thanks for all you do to keep quilting fresh and new. Keep stitchin’.
First of all I can thank my Grandmother for giving me a quilt she made many years ago. I knew right then, that I wanted to learn to quilt someday. I only wish I was able to quilt with her. Quilting has impacted my life in so many ways. It has given me a creative outlet. It’s given me inumerable opportunities to “give back”. There are so many worthy causes, and I’m involved in making quilts for several of them. Quilting has also brought me so many wonderful generous friends….both locally in my guilds and groups, and online. I love all aspects of quilting and am anxious to learn more every day. Therfore, have acquired quite a library of quilting books (thank you)……and take classes whenever I can. Quilting is also “therapy” for those days when I need a little extra peace (piece) in your life.
I love quilting!! It’s my creative outlet, my quiet times and stress reliever!
i played with quilting for years and finally took my first class. Later that year i was juried in to a local artisan center and today rec. my first big commission. i sure am busier now than ever before.
National Quilters Day!
A perfect time to remember your quilting friends with a fat quarter and some chocolate.
I think I will spend mine finishing a baby quilt that needs to be finished before the child’s first birthday.
How has quilting changed my life – I have a great escape but less money! My grandmother was an avid crafter and I always have treasured the things that she made. I hope my children, neices & nephews use and enjoy the things I make them. Happy quilting!
Quilting has always held a special place in my heart!! Starting with my Great gramdmother, it is a traditon that is now being paced on to my own daughter & granddaughter. It has enriched all our lives so much.
Quilting is great!
I am a stay at home mom due with #3 in May… Quilting has given me a way to spend time with women – a much needed social oulet, and it actually, honestly has kept my blood pressure down! (vital for my pregnancy) – I praise quilting for these two major life changes of course, it’s fun to have finished products and smiles on those you gift quilts to and more…
*HUGS*
Jackie
I would love to win a book from E Quilt. Please enter my name in your drawing and then don’t forget to draw it out as the winner! LOL. Thanks for sponsoring this.
Quilting is the relaxation I need at the end of a busy day. Between work and Mom with alzheimers it can get pretty hectic. Getting mom involved with the squares, colors and placement is a great distraction for her, and creates a little quiet time for me. Quilting can be like Zen meditation.
Quilting keeps me sane and provides my creative outlet. Thank you for providing inspiration.
Quilting is my escape from life. When things go bad, I always turn to quilting to get by. Waiting at the hospital, when my mother was very ill, I completed all the flower rounds for a king size “Grandmothers Flower Garden”. Quilting keeps me sane.
We are attending a Quilt Council Convention with Jan Krentz as speaker. What a perfect way to spend the day with 100’s of other quilters and Jan Krentz.
By the way whwn I took her workshop yesterday I asked to to tell you that I love the DVD’s, please keep them coming. They are so full of information and you can play them over and over.
Love the e-books too. Thanks C&T
I have been quilting for 26 years—it has given me a means of self-expression and a hooby which enables me to grow all the time
my wife and I do a lot of quiltsing projects. We’re going to a shop grand re-opening on National Quilting Day, the next weekend is her birthday and the greater Kansas City shop hop to help support the Kansas City Zoo. What a way to celebrate a birthday! We’re even taking a quilting class together, which is nice as we are always commenting on our class block designs. but getting back to NQD, The quilt that I plan on finishing tomorrow to celebrate National Quilting Day, will be donated to our local domestic violence shelter, as some of the people who enter only have the clothes on their backs. And its always nice o have a warm quilt to sleep safely under at night.
Quilting has become not only a love, but an addiction. vbg I’ve always loved fabric, but going into a quilt shop with such gorgeous choices, and incredible patterns just makes me swoon! I’m a beginner, but I’m blessed to be a beginner in a time when there is such a large pool of talented, and generous, quilters who freely share their love for the addiction. It’s the people – the quilters themselves – that have made me feel welcome into the hobby, and who have given me confidence through their abundant encouragement, and wisdom. (It’s great too because they’ve told me to not worry about the quilting police – they’re all a myth!!! lol lol)
How could I not get hooked on thiscozy, and soothing, artistic, vibrant, and very personal hobby? vbg
Happy Quilting Day to everyone. Quilting has always been a part of my life, unfortunately I have never quilted…would love to try. Now that I have kids I want to leave them with the same gifts I have been left with.
Our guild is having a community outreach day tomorrow – quite apt. I’m going if I can get out of bed!
Sara is an absolute delight. I would love to meet her sometime. Quilting has given me the opportunity to meet many new people and find extremely talented youngsters like Sara and my LQS owners son, who at age almost 16 used the money he has been saving for a car to buy a new SEWING MACHINE!!! Anothe Ricky in the making??? Hard to tell.
Quilting has enriched my life. I learned not to sweat the small stuff like housework. It will get done when it needs to.
I get quality time with my kitties who test almost every single quilt before it’s done.
I learned that quilting goes back several generations in my family and have been sharing my hobby with my nieces and nephew. They are all learning our craft and hopefully will carry it forward through generations to come. There is always something new to learn when quilting is your hobby.
Quilting with the kids challenges me because I can’t ever say that I don’t know how to do that.
I cannot imagine life without quilting. Sewing is such a stress reliever for me, I am a social worker and listen to other people’s troubles, it is such a blessing to be able to come home and create something that is either beautiful or useable. The world of quilters are some of the nicest people I have ever met. When I worked PT in a quilt shop, I learned how very honest quilters are. We NEVER had anything missing from our inventory!–how many “regular” stores can boast of that without having a loss prevention team?
I am spending this special day at the Hands Across the Valley Quilt Show- how perfect!! I love seeing all the quilts on display and meeting new quilter’s.
I love quilting! There are MANY reasons but this is the greatest. Through quilting, I am connected to my grandmothers several generations back and now stand as the “granny quilter” for the generations of granddaughters (and sons) to come. We’re a piece of beautiful thread that binds our family in caring, love and tradition then is woven into the universal fabric of all quilters everywhere.
For National Quilting Day I am helping quilting newbies make quilts for terminally ill people and their families.
Any day quilting is a great day indeed!
Quilting has impacted my life by helping me to recover and rehabilitate following a stroke this past summer. The stroke affected my balance and the fine motor skills of my right hand/arm along. I had to use a cane and strengthen/retrain my right arm/hand.
Getting back to the sewing machine felt so good and “normal” and helped me to feel I was OK and going to be able to do some of what I did before. I was 49 when it occurred and just wanted my life back! Quilting put some normalcy back into my life where I felt things would never be the same.
My special on-line quilting friends (Quilting Forum at About.com) were so encouraging as they urged me to sew simple designs for a Row Robin project I was committed to and to participate in sewn block on-line swaps. They just wanted to get me back sewing and participating as they (wisely) knew how good it would be for me.
Quilting has been a great thing to help me realize I can work and “get back” many parts of my life that I thought I’d lost. The best part is the genuine care, love and acceptance from quilters.
How quilting has changed my life…well…
My grandmother is an incredible quilter (my mother is a master seamstress, I’m becoming a master embroiderer) and one of my goals has been to spend more time with her. Quilting has given us an excuse to ’slack off’ and sit around trading craft ideas, go to quilting group, learn paper piecing, and teach each other our respective skills. It’s also taught me about my heritage (my family quilts) and the history of quilts and quilting, which are fascinating to me as a textile junkie. Most importantly of all though, it’s given me the time I wanted to really get to know my grandmother and I consider that invaluable.
humm, how quilting has impacted my life…first thought is I’m broke cause I spend so much to feed my addiction to quilting…lol…I love helping others come to love quilting like I do and the look on peoples face when you give them an awesome quilt.
Thanks for the chance!
I love quilting, every aspect of it. There are not enough days for me to try and accomplish all the patterns and techniques that I’ve earmarked in my beloved quilting books, magazines, and internet sites. Quilting keeps me sane, it allows me to work with color and texture; and the end product is a piece of my heart and soul to share with another. I have meet and made lifelong friends thru quilting. I’m always amazed of the instant, deep, connection you can have with a person as soon as you find common ground thru quilting… it is a universal language. I will never be alone, and will always be able to express myself so long as there is a needle, thread, and some fabric available!
Quilting is like a breath of fresh air. It has brought joy back into my life. Bringing precious gifts, my new sisters that share the same love of color and fabric. Most of all teaching me to give of myself, by helping others. I thank the Lord for bringing me such a loving group and husband that supports my efforts.
It keeps me off the streets and out of bars. Plus, when working on quilts it reminds me of my grandmother.
Quilting has been with me through the highs and lows of my life since 1991. I started when we had 9 teenagers at home, and kept going through recovery from surgery, the birth of grandchildren, the stress of work, and the demands of a family. My husband swears that I’ll find a way to carry some fabric and thread into heaven to make a quilt for God. :-) I hope he’s right!
Quilting has given me an outlet for my creativity, my love of color and texture. It has given me a way to give a piece of myself to the people I love, a fabric hug. It has also given me a very satisfying way to give back, making quilts for Project Linus.
Quilting gives me another outlet for creativity. I used to make pictures just with pencils and paint..but now I make them with fiber too! Hand quilting is also a major therapy – it’s soothing and calming.
Quilting greatly impacted my life when my husband & I moved to Maine in 2001. I knew nobody here, and was bored stupid, living in a hotel while our house was built. I decided to attempt quilting, and registered for a beginner’s class at our local high school. Little did I know that this class would ignite a passion in me that I didn’t know I had! I continued with classes after the initial one, and within a year I was teaching at a local quilt shop. I have now been teaching for 7 years, and am so happy to pass my knowledge on to others. I have been a volunteer quilting instructor at our local senior center for almost 7 years, and I love giving back to a community that has made me feel so welcome over these years! Quilting greatly changed my life – quilters are the most awesome people to know, and every day is a new adventure..even for an old dog like me (I’m 55)!!
I have been doing needlework, almost, all my life. Since I
retired, I have gotten more into quilting. It is such a nice
hobby, pass time and being able to meet some very
nice people. Thanks for quilting!!!!!
Paulette
It is NAtional Quilting day and I am off to one of our local shops to help support the quilting industry. Not that I only do this on NAtional Quilting Day, but this gives me a better excuse to shop.
Then, I will work on a baby quilt.
Quilting is a tradition in our family. My Grandmother, Great-Grandmother and the hired man at the time, hand quilted my baby quilt.
I saw a quilt in a magazine in 1971 and fell in love! I made one like it for my brother’s wedding gift the following year and have been making quilts ever since. In those days there were very few books or magazines available and I did not know anyone else who made quilts. Now I belong to a group, have many friends who quilt, and several of us travel regularly to the big shows and have the best holidays ever! We will be at Paducah again this year — not bad for a girl from rural Vancouver Island, BC, Canada!
Quilting helped me get through my mom’s death. I was handpiecing a carpenter’s wheel and took it with me to nursing homes, the hospital visits and the 6 months after her passing. I call that quilt “Mom’s Gift to Me”. Don’t believe I would have ever finished all those “Y” seams without my forced quiet time sitting with my mom.
Making landscape quilts helps me to honor nature as I see it. Quilting captures my memories and dreams.
I’m making a table runner…….I want to do a quilted sewing machine cover next for my machine. Then a queen bed quilt. Quilting is helping me relax and I alternate quilting with cross stitching. It’s great to be able to combine both hobbies.
LisaB72
I love the free pattern from NQA! I have saved this one and think I might use it for Christmas presents this year, not like I am going to start this early, just start thinking about it!
It is also National French Bread Day!
Sue
I started quilting because I wanted to participate in a community project when I moved to a small town in Northern California. As career and life events have sent me zig-zagging across the country, quilting continues to be a way for me to connect with other creative women and build community, both in person and in cyberspace.
I have been quilting for quite a few years. About 10 tears ago I heard about a group that donated to local hospitals for sick kids. I have been doing it since then and it is so rewarding to be able to make a quilt to bring a smile to a sick child’s face. This way I can make lots of quilts a year and not run out of room to store them.
Quilting, mostly the non-traditional type, makes me happy! I feel close to my Grandmama and Mama, both of whom were stellar seamstresses. I have their buttons, sewing baskets, heavy old scissors and feel them here with me all the time.
Suzanne G in NC
They have finally realised to make it official, I thought most days were quilt days. That means leaving the cobwebs, dust and vacumning and sewing like crazy. Those UFO’s will be finished on the official (maybe) but something to look forward to next year. Too busy quilting to attempt a challenge like UFO’s today. Will mark my calendar for next year. So little time and people really need to have their meals and washing done, I think I can fit that in between stitching, or maybe not, take-away and permanent press are looking good.
I just finishe Anilee’s Mystery Hunt for National Quilting Day, enjoyed
trying to get all those clues so that I could get the quilt pattern. I also enjoy quilting,it lowers my blood pressure. I think that it is great that you offer a few quilt book.
Change that word few to free. Typing is not my specialty.
Great stuff. A giveaway.
I started quilting a year ago. Had seen Alex on tv years ago and thought that it was “old people” stuff. I now know better even though I am ‘older’ it’s the best hobby I have ever had. it’s addicting.
I am fairly new at quilting. I love the fabrics and what a person can do with them. You aren’t just limited to the traditional quilting. The ideas are rattling around in my noggin. They’ll have to wait until I at least get one UFO done.
I started the day by making an online purchase for a new cutting mat, then went on to cut some blocks for a friendship star quilt that I am making to donate to my local Project Linus chapter.
Wishing myself luck on the giveaway!
: )
Beside the fact that it has renewed my love of sewing, being able to create something that will be used to comfort, for happy times, etc is great.
It was also brought me into a the wonderful world of quilting and quilters. I have many absolutely wonderful friends thru this medium that I never would have met otherwise. A true blessing in my life. Some I’ll never meet in person, as they are ‘internet friends’, but friends just the same.
The quilting ‘gene’ skipped a couple generations…my greatgrandmother quilted (a quilt she made is now with my great niece). My grandmother (dad) sewed (just restored her 1926 Singer treadle), but she taught me embroidery work. When I decided to teach myself to sew at about 10years old, my folks never hesitated to encourage my new passion…one that I still have, 47 years later.
I started quilting 28 years ago to fill the void of an empty nest. It certainly has done that and given me many hours of sheer joy.
The idea of making something that gives pleasure and warmth to others is fulfillment indeed.
On NQD I worked on a quilt I’ll be donating to Project Linus.
: )
All my life I’ve dabbled in the needle arts – embroidery, cross stitch, latch hook, crewel, needlepoint, etc. In 1982, I married a widower, whose wife had purchased and started on 36 stamped cross stitch quilt blocks. I and my friends finished them, and I asked a friend to teach me to use those blocks in 3 quilts, in an alternating, checkerboard fashion. At that point, in the early 90’s, I set aside every other needle art for the sake of quilting. I’ve never wanted to return to the other arts – quilting has satisfied every creative urge, has accompanied me to countless hospital and doctor waiting rooms, has kept me busy when sitting around the campsite. Today I always have a minimum of 3 projects in the works, and have given more than 20 bed quilts away to friends and family, with more in line in the back of my head than I have years left on earth!
Quilting is a thread that has been woven through the lives of many of the women in my family. It ties us together in a peaceful, pleasant way. It is almost as if there is a secret in life that we share. We speak the same language when we talk about quilting. Cares and concerns fall away when we are sharing ideas or just enjoying the color play in a new or potential piece. Despite my mother’s dementia, she still speaks the language of quilting – she can still offer her opinion of color ways or quilting design or borders and sashes. Quilting is one thing we can still enjoy together and it reminds me of the woman she once was.
I spent the day making a wonderful quilted 6 FQ tote bag at my friend’s house while she made a few that she ended up selling today! She ended up with some spare cash but I ended up with a gorgeous oriental tote complete with inside and outside pockets I wouldn’t part with! Whoo hoo!
Quilting is an enjoyable way to share something of yourself with others. It’s exciting to hear, “For me?” and smile. This is now a wonderful passion for me. I started a quilting group 8 years ago meeting in our town hall meeting room. This National Quilting Day was spent with quilting friends at a quilt show, then on to a quilt shop.
I just began quilting this past January, because I purchased a sewing machine for my daughter to learn sewing. Since I needed to refresh my skills (the last time I used a machine was in high school), I needed a project to motivate me to use it. I’ve always admired quilting and this was the right time to start! I have already finished a quilt for my daughter’s bed and pieced a top for my bed (I LOVE it!), as well as two lap quilts. It is completely satisfying to create a work of art from my own hands with beautiful material. Thanks to all the wonderful websites and books that have encouraged me along this path. :)
Quilting is such a fulfilling thing to do. You meet so many nice fellow quilters. The quilts I give to others bring so much joy.
Quilting has given me a wonderful creative outlet. After my grandmother retired, she hand quilted some wonderful quilt tops that my great-grandmother had made and gave one to my mother. This sparked my interest. Soon afterwards, a quilting class was offered at the local library. Each participant made a small wall hanging. We all wanted to keep going, so the teacher started another class in which we made sampler quilts. That was in 1992…the rest is history!
How has P & Q impacted on my life? I have fun, relax and get GREAT enjoyment out of what I do. I have met so many people and made friends all over the world. Quilters share, and I have had so much unselfish help from quilters, in so many ways. I get to buy books and fantastic materials, all in the name of my ‘art’. I get to feel beautiful materials, look at the wonderful colours, which inspire my soul. Best of all I get to cut these materials up to make something of beauty, which expands my skills and encourages me to do more. What more could I want? Not even a bar of chocolate can make me feel this good!!