So, I was talking to my mom on the phone the other day and she told me, 'Maybe you could start learning something new, like go take a class somewhere... How about leaning how to make quilts?' She is a great sewer, and so is my grandmother. Not me. I am more of a knitter, maybe, like I do crochet a lot... but I ever wished that I could sew my own clothes. I remember my mom used to teach me how to make little things like a simple bag, and a pin-cushion, but that is all by hand. She used to own a nice (well, it looked really nice back then!) computerized sewing machine, and she got very busy on her work and she stopped using it. (or maybe it was broken.) In the past 7 or 8 years, all she does is hand-sewing. She uses some old Japanese scrap fabrics and sew beautiful ornaments. As her daughter, I think she is an amazing sewer, as her stitches are almost invisible... they are so tiny and even. Well, why don't I pick up a needle and start sewing, like she does?
I told her on the phone that I would go look for a good sewing machine and see if I can afford. After googling sewing machines and stores nearby, I found out that there is a quilt shop that sells a huge variety of fabric and supplies, and Janome sewing machines. Janome is one the top manufacturers in Japan I think, well, I never owned a sewing machine and I don't remember what my mom's machine was of, but I have heard of that:) So I took a bus to the store on the next day.
The store is called Rosie's Calico Cupboard, located on El Cajon Blvd. When I fist went in there, I was amazed how big it was. All of the staff members are very, very nice, and they create this welcoming feel to the store. Every time I go up there, it's busy. Every single time. (and that is great for them!!) And yes, I bought my first sewing machine and it's a Janome... I had no idea where to start, but I was very excited to have it on my desk.
They have some classes there, too, and I successfully took the last seat for 'Introduction to Quiltmaking' and 'Machine Quilting' this month. I have been learning a lot about how to prepare fabrics, how to sew, and how to quilt. There has been many moments when I go "Ah---" and "Oh---", because the things they teach me make sense, and make things that I ever wondered clear in my head.
The more I sew, I feel comfortable sewing with my Janome. Oh, my husband named her 'Big Mamma'... my dear sewing machine;)
I recently finished my first art quilt. It is of our lovely goldfish, Titty. She is a pearlscale (but not with balloons on her forehead) and is very fat and round, like a tennis ball. It's been about 5 years since we brought her home. Anyway, I made this quilt for a small quilt contest that will be held in November, in Yokohama, Japan. Here is a close-up photo of the quilt.
I am so glad that I finished this on time, even though I had some thread-tension problems when I quilted it... I would love to thank everyone at Rosie's, and Debby, my teacher:) I am going to work on the next project from this weekend. Very excited!:D
Ai
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