Ok, they don't. Please don't hate me for saying that. I hear you judging me through my computer. But really, babies definitely change a person. And when that change makes them not relate to me, I don't really like it. Don't get me wrong, I love all my friends and their children. But the older we get, the more separated we are becoming. It's one of the parts of my life that does actually make me very sad. Not sad that I am not married or have children, but sad that I can see distance growing with friends of mine that I have had for over 10 years. Two different chapters in life, one not better than the other, but two different chapters nonetheless.
Well this post is becoming depressing. So let me get back on track.
I wanted to do something different for Kristine and her new baby. And so by some unforeseen reason, I thought I would make a quilt. And let it be said, I don't sew. Penel is an excellent seamstress. However, that talent was not bestowed upon me. But, I did get her Greek skin so I thank her for that.
Anyway, Penel loves to quilt and had a darling pattern for a baby quilt. The next thing I know I am buying fabric and asking the 80 year old lady behind the counter to cut me pieces in "fat quarters". I don't really know what that means. But she did. Apparently, I really need to read up on my fabric lingo. Also, as a side note - every time I go into a fabric store I have to pee. Why is this? Odd.
My mother was an angel and walked me through step-by-step what I needed to do. Cut here, iron here, pin here, sew here. I told her numerous times that sewing was not in my line of work - all the while hoping that she would volunteer to do the sewing for me. But she'd look at me, smile and say "you're doing great." Um, no Mom, that was not the correct answer. Let's try again.
Kidding. Sort of.
After about 100 mistakes (all of which Penel quickly fixed), 800 pricks by those damn pins and just a few (more) cuss words, I managed to finish the quilt. Well, almost finish. The backing, binding and actual hand quilting part still need to be done. All of which will be done by my mom. She's truly an angel. And well, she knew all that was beyond my capability.
Here's a picture of me with the almost finished quilt. I'll leave the totally finished piece for Kristine to be the first to see.
It really does pay to have a talented mother. Now, if I could just get her to cook all my meals for me we would really be in business.
19 comments:
That quilt is beautiful and I think you did a great job!
Precious! Yeah, I'm old enough to be your mother, and I don't know the first thing about quilts, though my mother had me take sewing lessons when I was a critter. It's a lost art, and I lost it. Congratulatons on making something recognizable as a quilt.
I know exactly what you mean about life chapters. You're right - one's not better than the other, but it's hard to change and transition. It still is for me, and I'm older than dirt.
I still hate my lame google account. Do you know who I am by my google account? :)
2 summers ago I decided to make the same quilt- but for me. See, I'm more selfish than you...maybe that's what stops us from procreating. Anyway... this is basically how it worked: Carly manned the iron, Rebecca, sewed, cut, sewed some more. You get the picture! BTW- quilt turned out fantastic! So, if you get a quilt from "me" when you have a kid, you can thank your aunt!
All I can say is you better make me one when I have a baby! And......... we aren't ever going to be separated. We are too good of friends and love each other too much. Love you Nal...
For the record: you only made about 3 mistakes, all of which are common, among even seasoned quilters. And further, I do NOT hand quilt. The quilting will be done with my nifty Bernina Stitch Regulator on my way too expensive sewing machine. The already cute quilt top will be absolutely fabulous when I get finished with it. You might want to save it for yourself and just give Kristine a gift certificate to Target. Just kidding!
Handymom..I know who you are! Sadly, not because google told me. But I just figured it out ;)
Carly...I am crying I am laughing so hard.
Mom...see, told you I didn't know the lingo. Hand quilting vs. fancy Bernina Stitch Regulator... sounds the same to me. So glad one of us knows what we're doing.
Nat, that quilt is seriously AMAZING! I am so proud of your craftiness. You make me laugh, I love what you said about getting your mom's greek skin, hah!
It looks fantastic! Now will you make me a quilt for my bed. I have been searching for one.
The recipient of that work of art is one lucky lady!! Can't wait to see the finished product! I for one am totally impressed with your seamstress skills, and think you should re-consider your career path... just saying.
I'm sure having a baby does change things, BUT you will always be a dear friend and I won't let some kid get in the way of that (and by "some kid" I mean my adorable baby). Sure love ya!
That is a much more complicated quilt than I imagined in my head. You are a rock star. And Finn hates you now, because I told him you hate babies.
Ok, i sent my comment before reading the others... these comments are hilarious! A gift certificate to Target.... good one Penel! (But seriously Nat, don't listen to your mother). I'll just return the gesture when you have your babies and YOU change into a weird mom that isn't cool to socialize with anymore.
I'm going to impress you with my 'coolness' as a mom. You'll forget I even have a kid!
I know how to do that. If there is ever a Natalie jr. or juniorette, I will make you a a zinger! (or a zingerette.)
I am totally impressed! that is so cute. I am taking a quilting class I should have paid penel to show me. About having children Whitey feel his social life has gone down the drain... I never really had one since I came back from my mission and couldn't figure out how you got your IPOD to stream through your radio.
I made something for kristine too,thought it was cute until I saw your quilt and now I am thinking a gift card sounds good.
Awesome job!!
Hey friend! I'm so glad I decided to check your blog this evening. I have forgotten how damn funny you are. Ya- I don't sew OR cook. My poor husb and babe. And that chick that plagiarized you- bush-league. You'd think that if she's gonna comment on your blog she'd have enough whits about her NOT to copy you. That's like telling the teacher your copying your neighbor's exam paper. Hope you are doing well.
I know I said this along time ago...I want you to go out with my bro-in-law. He's super whitty like you and he's cute. Last time I suggested this to you though- I'll be honest- you kinda scared me with your response. Your thoughts? Oh and your quilt does look lovely.
Katie...
I am dying! What on earth did I say to you that made you scared of me? Too funny.
Nat, just so you know, I'm not normally a quilt lovin kind of gal (I know, you're shocked. Not really!). But, it must be said... that is quite possibly the cutest quilt ever quilted. Good work sister, I promise to maintain our friendship at least until I am preggers in hope of receiving an equally fine gift. ;) har har.
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