In my family quilts are both heirlooms and meant to be used. They are wedding and graduation gifts made together in a traditional quilting bee or by a single aunt. I'm not sure how I didn't learn to quilt while growing up, but I enjoy using these beautiful quilts and didn't want the family legacy of quilting to end with me. That's why I was so excited to participate in an introduction to English paper piecing class at my local quilt shop Crimson Tate this past weekend. It was AMAZING!


We were given a kit with all of the necessary tools, a helpful book for beginners, and allowed to select a few fat quarters. I can't say enough about how much I love these prints by Rifle Paper Co. and they are accented perfectly with this solid turquoise by Free Spirit Fabric.


In addition to learning a few basics like how to make a quilter's knot, basting techniques, and stitches I also learned that I am a "fussy cutter" with a clear sense of my personal style. I'm working on completing my first grandma's garden and am excited to see how my quilt grows. I might buy a few more matching fat quarters now just in case it takes me a while!