As I mentioned previously, several of my friends and I have decided to get together once a month and make stuff. We are all talented in different areas and are able to help each other learn new things. We decided to start with a charm baby quilt, like this one on Diary of a Quilter. About 8 of my good friends are going to try to participate (and anyone else I know in real life is welcome too!), but only 5 of us were able to make it this Saturday. Everyone brought their fabric and a sewing machine if they had one. Sometimes life gets in the way of even the best plans and only 3 of us started a baby quilt. SDJ decided to make a buttercup bag at the last minute. Good thing I'm turning into a sewing hoarder and had everything she needed!
CAR hard at work.
SDJ is a careful measurer! H did a great job of helping, even though she didn't actually get to make anything. Next time!
Me reading the directions for the Buttercup bag. My daughter had a ball taking terrible pictures of us. Everyone else should be thankful I skipped posting those! We started around 10:30ish. We had sandwiches for lunch and an impromptu birthday celebration of cupcakes and Cheesy Chicken Rotel. By 4, we had 3 mostly finished quilt tops. We just need to add borders. 
This is mine. I wasn't sure I was going to like it when I got started, but I really do. We decided to offset the blocks to make it more interesting (and to keep from having to carefully match up seams!
CAR has only used the sewing machine a couple of times. This is her top before ironing. I love the bright colors.
My dear friend MMP had never used a sewing machine before. After she figured out how to slow it down a little, she did a great job. I think her quilt for her nephew is going to turn out great, especially for a first project.
SDJ's Buttercup Bag, modeled her by our delightful photographer.
I think for our first time getting together, it worked out pretty well. I think I picked an overly ambitious project, but everyone rose to the occasion! I think we are going to make a Pleated Purse next time and/or finish up our quilts. Here are my suggestions:
1. Start early. Plan to stay for the day. It's going to take longer than you think.
2. Set your expectations low. If it turns out well, great. If it doesn't, you're not disappointed.
3. Have food readily available. It was nice to just grab a sandwich when I got hungry. We didn't have to stop to go get lunch, and we could take a break when we got to a good stopping point.
4. Leave the kids at home. They are fun to have around for a while, but they sure slow down productitivy (and girl talk!!). I will say that one day I hope that my daughter remembers doing things with mommy and her friends, and I hope that she develops an interest in creating things, so thanks to everyone for being sweet to her. She made a little girl out of the scraps that were left behind.
5. Show up. Even if you don't have everything you need, or if you have to bring your kids, or you have to leave early or come late. Just show up. You'll be glad you did. There is something to be said for gathering with people who love you. It feeds the spirit.
I think it was a success and I can't wait to do it again.
3 comments:
It makes me happy just looking at the pictures! I can't wait till next month!
You girls did a fabulous job! Next time I'll be able to do more (I won't have my child!).
Your #5 really touched me today. It's so true. I'm really glad I showed up. Being with you girls always "feeds my spirit."
Thanks for posting and thanks for being such a wonerful hostess!
Maybe this summer I can come and play. I might can make cute fondant but I doubt that I can do any of that sewing stuff. So maybe I'll scrapbook or just be the girl who gets told what to do for everyone else.
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