Sew I have a new hobby...

On my first day of MOPS I had to fill out a little questionnaire and one of the questions was "What is something you would like to learn how to do?" and I answered "sew". My sewing experience is limited to a pair of shorts in 7th grade home-ec (the only sewing project to date for which I used a sewing machine), stockings for me, Josh, and Gatsby, a couple of felt dog toys, and some appliqued burp cloths and tea towels. I've always wanted to sew- I've managed to make several home improvement projects without sewing like throw pillows and curtains, but I've always felt the possibilities would be endless if only I were sewing proficient.

So it began last week with me making a stocking for Frazier to match ours (picture to follow soon-it still lacks a lining). It went so well I decided to conquer my sewing inability head on. I began a quilt. I literally had to youtube tutorials on quilt making, but I found it wasn't near as difficult as I'd thought and I really enjoyed it. Sewing is a nice alternative to painting but not as messy and it's something I could put down at a moments notice. No paint palette drying up- that kind of thing. I didn't have to have a paint shirt on- I can sew in anything. I could sew anywhere- not just at the table. It's the perfect hobby for me now.

So the quilt started out much smaller and the more comfortable I got with sewing, the bigger it grew until this is what I ended up with.

Here's the backing:

And since I wasn't sure how to finish the edges...I folded and ironed a hem and then blanket stitched all around the edge.

I also wasn't sure I could swing hand quilting the whole thing after sewing all those squares together so it's just tied. Each corner is tied with a different color embroidery floss. :)

And this is the one square I embroidered...so Frazier will always remember I made it for him...since it's probably the only quilt I'll ever hand sew. :)