Bee There and Bee Inspired!
This past week I have been just a bit busy, as usual! LOL I started trying to make those bowl cozies that have shown quite a trend recently. Well, the first 2 were a flop! But, as I have told several people, I am not a person that sews or a seamstress, but a quilter. They have similarities, yes, but they are also very different. So, even though the first 2 did not go so well, doesn’t mean that I was throwing in the towel just quite yet. At that point, I begin to analyze why did it not go so well? What do I need to change or what exactly part of the process am I not doing correctly? First thing I did was break it down into parts to understand how it exactly works. What I found was that cutting it into a certain measurement with the darts needed to be a bit larger, I needed to be sure I was measuring with the fabric lined up in the exact middle, and I needed a walking foot!!!! Why in the world did I not consider a walking foot with all that bulk? I have no earthly idea. The third time was not perfect, but it is homemade and not by a machine. It truly is something that I can sell. Whew! I am also going to experiment with different size fabric squares. We will see how this all works out. Below is a picture of the first or second one. I will post the best one later, after I gift it to my daughter. The fabric is a surprise, and I do not want her to see it yet.
Bottom line to this story, do not give up. Learning something new always comes with trial and errors.
This past week, I also attended a quilting bee group that I haven’t gone to in several months. I know, I know….you are probably thinking, “Wow! That’s a long time. Why haven’t you attended the group you are part of?” Well, I could tell you that I was extremely busy (which is the truth), and I could tell you that it usually fell on a day that I was either traveling or had plans for already (also the truth). However, the honesty behind it is that I am an extreme introvert. Those of you that are also introverts can probably relate. It isn’t that I don’t like people, I really do. My logic also understands that I need people to survive successfully in every aspect of my life. People that know me socially, and not truly intimately, are very surprised by the idea that I am an introvert. My husband has called me a socially adapted introvert. It is what it is. When I expose myself to people, I always enjoy it. However, I then am so drained and need a day to recuperate. But I went! And I had such a great time. I completely enjoyed the wonderful women that attended.
If you are not aware of what a Quilting Bee is, it is usually a subgroup of a Quilting guild that gets together separately from the guild meetings or a smaller group of quilters. There is some history I found about quilting bees that I am completely intrigued by. It appears that they may have been very popular during the mid-nineteenth century. They would usually last all day and many quilts or projects may have been finished. The fun part of these bees (besides the quilting, of course) is that they would usually also cook a very large meal where the men would arrive in time to enjoy also. Then, after dinner, they would sing and dance together. It was a party! You might have also found experienced quilters and beginners together. This gave an opportunity for the experienced to educate and assist the beginner in making her quilts. An example I found of this concept was on the “Womenfolk.com” website that stated that a bride-to-be needed guidance and help to finish her quilts before she married, and the bee would be there for her. Another concept I read about is related to the pioneer women. I hadn’t thought about it, until I read it. However, those women were left at home for long periods of time in a house that may sit on a large area of land. The quilting bee was a way for these women to get together for some socializing and avoid the loneliness that these women could be experiencing. You might have found these bees meeting at churches, a hall, or different members’ homes.
Quilting has always been a way to bring people together and a very social event. That hasn’t and will not change. Even as an introvert, it one of the many reasons why I love quilting. Although, I think I need to throw an old-fashion type quilting bee meeting with a large meal at the end, family and friends to enjoy it with, and a party to finish it all off. Now doesn’t that sound like fun? I’ve added this to my bucket list.
Today, at quilting bees, we still quilt together. We may help someone with a technique, with finishing a quilt, or even with a new machine. There may even be food and drinks. You may find they also meet at churches, County halls or Rec Centers, or members’ homes. One of the other things that has not changed is it is definitely a social gathering. It is a place for : gossip (I personally don’t like that part-but it is a reality when people get together), sharing stories of grandchildren, children, husbands, wives, or friends, sharing recipes, showing pictures of their proud finishes, sharing life events, or even asking for advice from your quilting friends (quilting or otherwise). Because the groups are smaller, it allows you the opportunity to build close friendships. I highly encourage and endorse finding, or even starting, a local quilting bee.
So, where do you find them? I would start at a local guild or a local quilt shop (LQS). The LQS is huge resource for you, as a quilter. It is amazing to me how much of a social gathering place the LQS really is. They usually have various information of local guilds, and some of them also host classes or open sews where you can meet other wonderful quilters. If you are new to quilting, do not be afraid to get to know those LQS’s.
You can also google for information about local/state guilds. The information is free and pretty easy to find. Just a quick note. The difference between a guild and a bee is a guild has official bylaws and membership (with annual dues) is usually required. You will find guild officers with their terms, duties, and the voting procedures will be included in the bylaws. If your guild is large enough, there are usually committees with chairpersons. If you decide to take one of these positions, you may find that you can enhance leadership skills, writing skills, or your planning/organizing skills (just to name a few). Although they also can provide friendship, they may also provide guest speakers, educators or classes, and some sponsor/host quilt shows. Being a member of a quilting guild can be a wonderful experience that you may find completely enjoyable.
Whether you attend a quilting bee or a local guild or visit a LQS, all these places can also be places of inspiration. Between show and tells, looking at beautiful fabric, hearing stories from others, or finding patterns, there are sooooo many ways these places can inspire you to help you spread beauty and joy.
Until next time, may you continue to be inspired, productive, and joyful! And never stop making your dreams in quilting come true!
-Angel
Sign up with your email address to receive News, Updates, and Inspirations.