Learning how to use a longarm quilting machine is challenging. I’ve been machine quilting for several years and, although I am good at it, using my machine is hard on my neck and shoulders – even with the suspension set up I have. So, I decided to give longarming a try.
Do you know what hug quilts are? Maybe you know them by another name, comfort quilts? Hug quilts or comfort quilts are quilts made for people who are going through a tough time. They may be undergoing chemotherapy, recovering from a serious accident, or mourning the loss of a loved one. Whatever their problems, a hug quilt is meant for them to feel loved and treasured.
Quilting can be so much fun because there are a multitude of ways you can express yourself. You can try different styles and techniques and if you don’t like the process or result, you just don’t do it again. Some might say that you’ve lost time and fabric, but I don’t agree. With every new technique you try, you learn some new skills. You also learn what you like and don’t like, and that’s never a waste of time or effort.
A couple of years ago, I had the pleasure of attending a Ricky Tims Luminarium workshop. Over the two days, Ricky talked, taught, demonstrated, and even sang for us. When I first drove down to Burlington, VT, for the two-day session, I thought, what on earth is he going to talk about for two days? My only experience with workshops were, at the most, a day long. With my fibromyalgia-fatigue, I thought there was no way I’d get through two days of talking without falling asleep right in front of him. I needn’t have worried.
