Most Impactful Class
After creating my first quilt, I discovered there were many things about quilting I needed to learn. I have had the opportunity to attend many classes over the years. Some were taught by stars in the quilting industry and others by local instructors. And one of those instructors was both.
Diane Gaudynski
I'm originally from Wisconsin and my hometown is just east of Diane Gaudynski's hometown of Waukesha, Wisconsin. Periodically, Diane would teach a class at a local guild, quilt shop or other location. I was fortunate enough to attend one of her classes.
It was small, all-day class and we all received a lot of personal attention. Diane was generous with her knowledge and shared many tips and techniques she developed while creating her award winning quilts. If you aren't familiar with Diane, she is a teacher, author, designer, and award-winning machine quilter. She does all her machine quilting with a domestic sewing machine. I can only describe her work as AMAZING!!
My Class Quilt
The supply list for the class instructed us to bring a practice "sandwich" and we had the option to bring a quilt top, layered and ready for quilting. A quilt sandwich is a piece of fabric or your quilt top, batting, and backing that is layered and basted. I chose to bring a baby quilt top I was working on for a recent birth in our family, in addition to the practice sandwich.
We spent the first two hours working on our practice sandwiches. Diane always recommends keeping a sandwich ready to go. That way you can use it to warm-up before you start working on your project. She said you should never start machine quilting "cold." You need to spend a little time warming up first.
We alternated learning and practicing for most of the morning. While we practiced, Diane spent time with each student discussing the project the brought. When it was my turn, I showed Diane my quilt top. She thought it was simply adorable. I showed her the design I drew for the border, a bow and ribbon, but I wasn't sure what else to do. Diane took time to help me figure out a few designs and get me started on my quilt. I finished the quilt at home.
An Award Winner
Maybe it was being taught by an award winning teacher or maybe I was just a very good student. I'm thinking it was a combination of both. Anyway, I entered the finished quilt in the Wisconsin State Fair. And, I won. First place in the Baby Quilt Category AND the Exceptional Workmanship award from Wisconsin Quilters Inc. I was thrilled.
The Gift
I made the quilt as a gift for my new baby cousin, Ariana. She got the quilt; I kept the ribbon. That was more than a few years ago – she graduated from High School and started College this year! Her mom said she still has the quilt. That makes me happy.
I continue to practice the skills I learned from Diane that day. Her parting advice was "Make quilts. Keep quilting. Your work will get better every day." I've never forgotten this and though it has never been possible to quilt every day, I do try to quilt whenever possible.
What was your favorite class?