CHAPTER 2 - SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING TRIANGLES (cont'd)

[clhdabb]

Just a tease. You know us girls like to tease. The sorting is coming very soon!
Just to prep all the quilters. We will make mistakes. Period. We are going to do our best, but it will happen. Before anyone gets upset about any of this process take a moment and breathe and think... If I had to sort a bazillion HSTs could I honestly do any better. If you can, please get on the forum and start a new one. I will sign up and enjoy the ride from the other side.

We are going to have fun, and sort like mad. We promise to do our best and enjoy the experience. Simple. the Sorting Queen

What a task ahead of you. There will be gliches. After all you are human and 'stuff' happens, even to royalty. Your best is more than good enough!! We trust you and if any of us 'common folk' get upset, off with our heads!!!

[clhdabb]

My same sentiments as Connieo! Debbie and Clara, and all your helpers -- a million thank you's for taking on this project! :lol: We're not the quilt police out here...just hungry, excited quilters who can't wait to get their hands on our HST's whenever they arrive! You ladies take whatever time you need because this has been a fantastic journey so far. And...everyone out there...keep sharing your stories! Clara, you really scored huge points with your suggestion about us sharing how we got into quilting...great thinking...way to go, Clara! :lol: :lol: :lol:
Shirley
Gresham, Oregon

[clhdabb]

HI - My name is Marty and I live in Goodlettsville, TN - that's about 10 miles north of Nashville - I'm sure you all know where that is. Born and raised in Ohio where I learned to sew, knit and crochet and my twin sister (no we don't look alike - we're fraternal) got the gardening and green thumb genes - from our mother. Most of my sewing years have been spent making clothes for myself and my husband, ventured into Prom and Bridesmaid's dresses and alterations for a bit. Then I was bitten by the running bug and ran a couple of Marathons and 1/2 marathons and a lot of 5K races, so naturally I accumulated a LOT of t-shirts that I knew I wanted made into a quilt. As fate would have it one day at our local Joann's store, I met an instructor that convinced me that I could make that quilt and I haven't stopped since! That was 4 years ago. I retired last year and bought a Longarm machine and just love it! I have watched Alex on Simply Quilts-loved it-, watched all the PBS shows that were available so I've seen a lot of Eleanor Burns too. I love TQS. This is the first exchange I have been involved in and am really excited to have the opportunity!

I can not imagine the hard work and all the time you all will spend doing the sorting of our triangles and I will appreciate every triangle that comes back to me! We are so blessed - You have my deepest thank you and appreciation for taking on this monumental task. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!

[AlohaJo]

hi i'm lotti, i've been sewing since a very small girl - my mum had traded in being a sewing teacher when she married a farmer... after which her main sewing time was used for darning - unless one of my brothers and i got involved - when she'd put the overwhelming pile away and teach us to sew with the sewing machine making small scrap mice and other fun stuff... my love for sewing and other crafts was abruptly stopped when my own sewing teacher decided that i was doing everything wrong - the way i was holding a crochet hook, knitting or sewing needles being completely outdated and NO you have to DO IT LIKE THIS - but after many many many years i finally discovered i do NOT have to follow the rules and am free to do MY OWN THING! I'm now hooked - completely and totally with all my soul and every last penny and every empty space of my little apartment

lotti,
As a teacher I find that there are no rules or Caveman style, as Rickty says. I had a similar experience in middle school and it never turned me away from continuing to sew. I am so glad since this has been my career! Sewing needs to be personal expression. We can share sucessful techniques but need to encourage others to try what they think will work, I find my students often learn more from problems than sucesses. Maryjo

[bean53]

Hi, my name is Jeanne. I live in Portsmouth, NH with my wonderful husband who is also my best friend and understands my passion for all things quilting as he has a passion also - all things fishing. I have two beautiful daughters ages 25 and 21 and I thank God every day for all my blessings. I started quilting in 1988 by taking a "sampler" class at my LQS - everything done by hand using templates. I was a novice needing lots of practice so every Thursday I hired a babysitter and spent the afternoon at a friend's house quilting. Over the years we took local classes together, growing in our quilting as the quilting world grew to embrace new techniques, tools and even new attitudes about machine quilting and what actually is a quilt. We eventually progressed to attending shows and seminars - our first was a small show in PA - after that we went to Houston - most memorably the month after 9/11. I am still working on a Mariner's Compass quilt that I started that year in Judy Mathieson's class. Our most recent retreat was with Alex in Livermore last Fall. I brought my compass quilt and Alex helped me design the next pieced border which I am diligently trying to finish in order to bring it back to this year's retreat. I can't wait!!

[GigiWendy]

Hi, my name is Wendy. Like many of you I started sewing early - making doll clothes for my Little Skittles and then Barbies. I focused on clothing until I took a break after my son was born. I took up sewing again when he was in middle school in '98. I was motivated to quilt by my husband's aunt. She was a terrific quilter and opened an LQS. (My hand quilting project right now is a nine patch she pieced an marked - she wasn't able to quilt it due to arthritis.)

I took a break to pursue my masters degree at night (trying to avoid empty nest syndrome when DS went to college). In January this year, when my degree was awarded, I told my husband - "great, now I can quilt all I want!" I haven't looked back since - I'm working on quilt three for 2011 right now and can't wait for my lovely HSTs to arrive.

Thank you to the sorting team. Wish I was able to join in...

Wendy

[ConnieJean]

Hi, I'm Connie from Indianapolis, Indiana. I grew up in Wheeling, West Virginia & moved to Indy when I was nineteen. Married to Dave for almost 44 years. We have two sons, 41 & 37. There have been no weddings and no grandchildren. My mother was a quilter but I didn't know that until after I was married & she finally had room for the quilting frames! I didn't learn to quilt until after my dad passed away in 2000. He had been helping mom cut fabric (with scissors!) so when I needed to take over that task, I figured I had better take a class to learn how to use a rotary cutter as I was not going to do it with scissors. I had been watching Simply Quilts for quite a while so knew something about the process. Took a quilting class and made my first quilt in 2001. My mom quilted that one and one more for me before she became unable to quilt any longer. I didn't finish another quilt for several years while careing for my mom and then building a new house, but never lost the desire. I eventually was able to resume making quilts, joined the local guild, but the most inspiration I now get is from my quilting bee. I have taken several classes at some of the LQSs in the area and at Paducah and other shows. I have machine quilted a couple of small projects (straight lines only) and am in the process of making my first purse/tote bag. I did not sew, except for some mending, until I started quilting. I used to shop for fabric for my mom and now for me...lots more for me. If fact, I think that building my stash is what I do best!

[ConnieJean]

Hi, my name is Charlotte and I am a quilter. I live in Frankston, Texas ( that is in East Texas near Tyler)I have been married to my wonderful husband for 50 years. We had 3 kids. One boy and two girls. We lost our oldest daughter 16 years ago to cancer. We have 5 wonderful grandchildren., one boy and 4 girls. I learned to sew as a teenager with my cousins. Sewed for my two girls and son when they where little. When they where teenagers we moved to Alaska and I made their down Coats for the winter That was a challenge for me. Did a lot of crocheting and some knitting. I should have been quilting then but just never thought about it and did not have any friends there doing it. Made my first baby quilt in 1989 for my first granddaughter. Didn't quilt again until 2005. My sister-in-law retired and moved close to us. She asked me to joined the guild and a small group with her. And it really got the ball rolling then. Made my first full size quilt . Have made three since then. I am quilting my first one by hand now. Making it for my Granddaughter. I love to make quilts. It is such fun. I love all the material and trying to figure out what to do with it. Can hardly wait to get my HSTs and get started.
Oh yes, I am a late starter. I was 66yrs old. when I made my first full size quilt. (the baby quilt did not count, it was a precious moments panel). I love to build my stash also. Can't pass up a pretty piece of material.

[Needleware]

Hi - I'm Barb Paliatsos - from NYC via MI, IN and Chicago, IL. Have been in Houston for 32 years. I made all of my own clothes and tailored my husband's suits. When I discovered quilting about 19 years ago, I started buying my clothes! I am an avid quilter and love both piecing and machine applique. I quilt everyday.

I have 3 children and 3 grandchildren who all live in the area. They are all laden with quilts. My husband and I play golf a few days a week and tennis every week night.

I joined TQS when it first started and love it. I have been enjoying classes at International Quilt Festival for 18 years and look forward to meeting TQS members who will be here this year. I know the best Mexican restaurants

I am doing the batik strip exchange and have met so many great quilters - I am looking forward to getting those packages back out to everyone in May and hope those who participated in any of the recent exchanges and are coming to Houston in Nov. will bring their tops for an awesome Show and Tell.

[Needleware]

I don't know what I'm going to do with myself when this sorting is over and the triangle exchange is complete. I've been so busy the last couple of days getting supplies together, tweaking details of layouts, talking to helpers, writing silly update emails (gotta have fun with them), My poor email program is not going to know what is going on when my email load goes down to almost nothing when all is done. I need some water. Busy, busy, busy. Wait, I need one of those beefy guys with a long pole and the feathery fan on the end! Clara aka The Sorting Queen

[DebbieWolf]

I don't know what I'm going to do with myself when this sorting is over and the triangle exchange is complete. I've been so busy the last couple of days getting supplies together, tweaking details of layouts, talking to helpers, writing silly update emails (gotta have fun with them), My poor email program is not going to know what is going on when my email load goes down to almost nothing when all is done. I need some water. Busy, busy, busy. Wait, I need one of those beefy guys with a long pole and the feathery fan on the end! Clara aka The Sorting Queen

Did you remember to hire that videographer too :roll: :lol: ?

[Katiezquiltz]

Debbie I hope I'm back in to getting posts. I got the link from you and I must have not done something because I got nothing. So here goes another try. You must be in triangle something at this point - thank you so much for doing this. I now have an idea of what to do with mine.
Was glad to see the batik strip exchange is going well Barb.
Peace and light, katie

[Katiezquiltz]

I don't know what I'm going to do with myself when this sorting is over and the triangle exchange is complete. I've been so busy the last couple of days getting supplies together, tweaking details of layouts, talking to helpers, writing silly update emails (gotta have fun with them), My poor email program is not going to know what is going on when my email load goes down to almost nothing when all is done. I need some water. Busy, busy, busy. Wait, I need one of those beefy guys with a long pole and the feathery fan on the end! Clara aka The Sorting Queen

Did you remember to hire that videographer too :roll: :lol: ?

My back is going to be so sore when we are done. I will have my camera (no small thing), my video camera, and a giant whistle to keep everyone in line. Moohahaha. Did that answer your question? Clara

[Katiezquiltz]

Hi-My name is Barbara I joined our local quilt guild late last year & became our local quilt guild historian this year. The best thing I ever did was join a local quilt guild & become a member of the TQS. Although I grew up in the midwest area and went to school in Ann Arbor, Michigan; I ended up following my parents to Hilton Head Island with my two children, one son & one daughter, after a divorce in 1982. Just after arriving I met a wonderful man & we married in 1985.

My mother was an accomplished seamstress, embroiderer, knitter & crochet. Unfortunately she was only able to make two quilts, all by hand & templates, before her eye sight prevented her from doing anymore of her hobbies. We became best friends after I moved to HHI as we ended up with so much in common. We did something together every weekend, I miss her so much!!

I ended up having to give up knitting & embroidery because of two necessary surgeries on my hand & arm. That was the bad news, the good news was that led me to quilting in 2002 when I got my first sewing machine I made my first quilt, a Christmas quilt, without any pattern or a quilt class yet under my belt. Watching all of Alex Anderson HGTV classes must have worked because I completed a nine patch quilt in a mere seven days with all the seams matching! My family loved it & I was hooked! I then went on a quilting spree, taking classes for the next four years, making quilt after quilt & giving them away to family members & to every baby that was born we knew. I made a total of 36 quilts in four years! I made a lap quilt for each of my parents which they used every day & just loved. But then work interfered with my hobby & I was unable to quilt for the next four years.

But now I am retired & determined to finish my UFO’s from classes & such. Wouldn’t you know, I am physically limited to the amount of time I am able to quilt each day, but it is truly the high-light of my day! I know I may not win a blue ribbon but my quilts are about family, heritage & memories. I taught my two oldest granddaughters this past Thanksgiving how to sew & we made their first quilts! They were thrilled! Even my precocious 3 year old granddaughter sat still long enough to do some sewing on her sisters quilts. They had fun & the project got done-that is what was important. They learned sewing machine safety, picked out there own fabrics & practiced sewing straight lines.

I was able to make receiving quilts for my first three granddaughters for my mother to see before her eye sight got too bad. The quilts were made of the 1930’s reproduction fabric’s. It was fun to show her the finished quilts & watch her as she closely looked at the fabrics pointing & saying I remember that fabric, & that fabric & so on! Sew (hee hee), quilting is close to my heart & I have always had a passion for fabrics (remembering all the trips to the fabric store with my mother when I was little).

My goal is to make a quilt for all my sisters, nieces & nephews who I adore- and that would be a total of sixteen of them :roll: !! I think I watched every episode of Alex Anderson on HGTV & then got to meet her & Ricky, who is also a wonderful person, at the Jinny Beyer conferences on Hilton Head Island - different years. Alex Anderson is my superstar, teacher & everything I would want to be as a quilter! When I took her class I was speechless the whole time!! I have used her basics to teach my daughter & I am using her books to get my four granddaughters started . I think I have every book she every wrote. This is the first exchange I have every done & I am thrilled to have been a part of it all! I have really enjoyed reading all the posts and learning about everyone. The So TTT has rejuvenated me to new creativity and to once again try new things!

Debbie, Clare & Margo have been sew enjoyable & such good teachers! Debbie, you have been exceptional, you have handled this exchange with such creativity & grace, what can one say ? It is hard to believe you have only been quilting since 2004 but I think this just says something about you as a person and how you probably do everything in your life! Thanks, prayers and love to all the sorters! Barbara - Bluffton, SC

[DebbieWolf]

Debbie I hope I'm back in to getting posts. I got the link from you and I must have not done something because I got nothing. So here goes another try. You must be in triangle something at this point - thank you so much for doing this. I now have an idea of what to do with mine.
Was glad to see the batik strip exchange is going well Barb.
Peace and light, katie

Triangle 'something' is a really nice way to put it :lol: :lol: !!!