So, as I said in my last post I discovered during first lockdown in 2020 that I was a member of UK quilters united. They have a quilting related page, a social page, a destash page and they set up challenge groups from time to time. Each page has strong rules about what is allowed and what isn’t. At first I thought ‘quilt police’, but there are good reasons for them which became obvious as we all lived with this virus.
I applied to be part of the mini quilt swap challenge in 2020. This was a huge move for me. I had not been doing a lot of quilting and although I recognised one or two names, I didn’t know anyone. I was really nervous. The team who run these challenges split us into groups and each has a team leader from the organising team. For a while we friend each other and try to find out as much as possible from each others social media. Our team leaders then give us the name of the person we are to make for with the information about themselves they submitted on the application.
That’s where the serious stalking begins as you are able to concentrate on one person. In the challenge page team members ask questions about fabric, types of design, likes and dislikes. Styles of quilting. Anything that helps you choose what you are going to make. My first one was really nerve-racking and full of doubting. My second one was a bit better but I had one of the quieter members to make for which had challenges.
Top right picture was the first mini quilt I made. I had no idea who was making for me, all I knew was it wasn’t the person I was making for. The heilan coo was what I received. I was so chuffed. Gillian made me the most gorgeous bag as my gift which has been in continuous use since receiving. Apparently it was our picture by Steven Brown that swung her decision on the coo.
Top middle was what I made this year. I need to try a different style next year. Top left is what I received and Donna stalked me so well with a tartan fabric workbox for the motorhome as my gift.
There are quilters of all ability in this group. People whose names you will recognise as pattern designers and have been in quilting magazines. Lot’s of intermediate, like me, and many beginners. Have seen quite a few posts recently of people asking for help with their first quilt. It’s a friendly place which loves to share ideas and experience. If you fancy having a go, take a look. You don’t have to interact from the start. I didn’t. We are going to need a safe place in the coming weeks
