Sunday, October 14, 2012

Beginner's Guide to Free-Motion Quilting... It's a Family Affair.

I'm late, I'm late, I'm late for a very important date!
Well... at least I still made it today, even though I am an hour away from being the 15th. :)


Today, I am very honored to be sharing with you all my review of Natalia Bonner's new book, Beginner's Guide to Free-Motion Quilting.  This book is perfect for me and anyone else that wants to learn how to quilt their own quilts... or least try to. :) She does such an awesome job quilting and boy is she quick!


Natalia's book contains wonderful tips, quilts and beautiful quilting designs to gander upon. I love the simplicity of all her quilt designs... now to find the time to actually make them.  This book is a must have and I am especially partial because she just so happens to be published by the same publisher as my book, Stash Books. Beautiful photography, clean page designs and not to mention the best authors in the industry {*wink*}


It's a family affair... that is the name of the game and is completely fitting to this blog tour. Quilts bring families together... your own family and your family of friends, whether they be near or far. It is the threads that bind us together!



So, be sure to visit the rest of the "family" of friends on their book tour dates to celebrate Natalia's new release and enter to win a giveaway of your very own copy of this fabulous book!

Here's how to enter:

Simply leave me a comment... How old were you when you learned how to sew and who taught you?

Winners will be announced on October 18, 2012.

111 comments:

  1. I learned in home economics in grade eight, haven't stopped since :)
    ourbusylittlebunch(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I had always wanted to learn to sew at a young age but had no one to teach me. It was a little bit before the internet age so I couldn't just find out that way. But I finally got to sew in Home Ec in 11th grade! It was the whole reason I took the class. I loved it!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I was 14 and learned in home-ex, but my mom and grandmothers all brought me along after I showed an interest. They were all great at sewing.

    ReplyDelete
  4. My grandmother taught me simple embroidery when I was about 8 years old, and I kept asking her to teach me more until I could follow a pattern and sew my own clothes and do simple craft projects. Thanks for the giveaway! raybanfandango at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I now 34, my first sew lesson was 16 years old, is part of my school class for girls only. But my first start sew my own zakka was start from this year. Once I touch it, I fall in love with it. I'm starting doing some simple bag, and I did planning starting to learn quilt and patchwork next year.

    ReplyDelete
  6. My first steps at sewing were with my grandmother at the age of 5. I would draw the dress on the fabric (she would cut it) then I would do an attempt at sewing it and she would finish it for me!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I was 13 when I first learned to sew hemming diapers for the newest addition to our family. My mother bought yards of flannel, we cut them to size and I did the hemming. We never could get the tension right on her old machine so it was very frustrating.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I must have been about 10 and my Mom taught me. I think I started making myself some clothes. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I think I was about 8 and Mum taught me, the first project I remember was a tiered skirt in navy blue. I wore that to death!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I was 26 (and still am) when I learned to sew. I taught myself by all of the wonderful blogger's tutorials and youtube. I've been sewing now since about Feb. I'm addicted!!! Thanks for the chance to win this book!!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. First thanks for the give away. On school when I was about 14 years young, didn't like it much for about two/three years. Ohh it has been so long ago almost 40 years. Never thought then that I would Love it like I do now.

    Kind regards from Holland,
    Marga♥

    ReplyDelete
  12. From the earliest age I was fascinated by my mother sewing and when I was about 4 my mother gave me some picture-cards with holes around the edge of the design and a darning needle threaded with wool to push in and out of the holes and I could sew too- I have progressed since then!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I learned young from my mom. As early as I could remember and when I could cut well enough to be trusted, I was her fabric cutter for outfits. We then graduated to her showing me on her sewing machine. Didn't learn to appreciate it until I had children over 20 years ago. Thanks for the chance.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I think around age 13 ....if we wanted new school clothes, we made them...or at least made part of the outfit. Have taken breaks through the years, but sewing still brings so much pleasure!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I learned to sew in 7th grade. I cannot remember my teachers name but she inspired me and I always attribute my love of sewing to her.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I learned to sew when I was around 12-13 in school. It was a home ec teacher who taught me.

    ReplyDelete
  17. My mother tried to teach me garment sewing when I was in junior high, but it didn't take. Imagine her surprise when, in middle age, I suddenly became a quilter!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I learned in Home Ec in 7th grade. We made a frog pillow.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I learned to sew with my cousin. We were about 10 years old and we took a sewing class together. Then I took it in junior high and high school. Pretty much after that I taught myself. I love to sew!

    ReplyDelete
  20. My mum taught me when I was 8 or 9 I learnt by sewing clothes she used to draw the sewing lines, until I could guide the fabric at the right width.

    ReplyDelete
  21. What a great blog hop, I sooo want this book! I learned to sew in "home ec" in school. I learned how to sew clothes. And it was fun. But when I left school, I didn't pick up needle and thread again till I was 23 and pregnant with my first child. I knew that I had to make my little one a quilt. So off to the library I went and gathered book after book for months, reading and experimenting. My dh was (and still is) very supportive of my hobby and he bought me my White treadle sewing machine, which I still love and use every day (that is, I was up till a part broke and I haven't found a replacment for it). It's been 19 yrs, and I love quilting more than ever now. I think it's time I finally learning to do more than straight line quilting on my machine :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. I vaguely rememeber making a bicentennial quilt in 1976 during my fourth-grade class, so it must have been Mrs. Litton :-) Mu next quilt was in the 1990s and I re-learned from a book. Third quilt and full-blown obsession came in 2011 and was fueled by the online blogging community!

    ReplyDelete
  23. I don't remember exactly how old I was when I learned to sew. I know my mom taught me some things when I was young. And I did take home ec in junior high, back in the day when all the girls were taught sewing and cooking. My school was very "progressive" though -- for a couple weeks the girls and boys switched so the girls took wood shop or metal shop and the boys took cooking.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I was taught to sew at school aged around 8! My teacher's name was Mrs Ellis and we often sew together during lunch time!

    ReplyDelete
  25. It was in 2009. I took a class at a quilt shop!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I was always interested in handwork because of my Grandmother. She encouraged me and I was hooked. Handwork branched into sewing...got my sewing machine for high school graduation. I have loved it ever since.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I think, I was 7 or 8 and then I occupied mum's sewing room ;)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Probably in high school when I wanted my mom & Grandma to help me make my formals. Quilting started after I was out of college. Lisa in Texas

    ReplyDelete
  29. Gosh...what a great question. I learned to sew when I was about 32. Looks like I am one of the late comers to the sewing game. Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  30. I was taught first in junior high. I loved it, but I kind of had to learn how all over again when I got my first sewing machine 5 1/2 years ago. I didn't remember much from those junior high days!

    ReplyDelete
  31. I was 12 years old, from my home ec. teacher. She was a miserable woman, I must have really enjoyed sewing though because I haven't stopped since.

    ReplyDelete
  32. I was young - I'm guessing around 8 and my mom taught me!

    ReplyDelete
  33. The first thing I remember sewing was a wrap around skirt in home ec in the 9th grade.. Wow thats been a whopping 33 yrs ago!
    lisamcgriff (at) hotmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I was in high school Home Ec. class (shows you how long ago:) when I learned to sew. I finally picked it back up about 8 years ago because a good friend informed me about needlework and quilting. I was hooked and have been trying to catch up on everything I missed ever since.

    ReplyDelete
  35. My mother tells me that I made my first handstitch at age 5. I made my first 4-H skirt and blouse on the sewing machine at age 7 (the summer before I began third grade). There are newspaper photos of me wearing the outfit. The extension agent let me start 4-H before age 9 because I was a third grader. mlwright29(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  36. I learned in Home Ec in junior high. So long ago that it was called junior high and not middle school.

    ReplyDelete
  37. 8th grade in home ec. was the first time (i hated it). Then i really got into it about 5 yrs later and had to teach myself since i didn't pay attention in class.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I was 12 when I learned to sew - my mom put me in every lesson under the sun when I was a kid, and one of them was private sewing lessons...who knew the monster she'd create! hahaha.
    Thanks for the opportunity!
    mummyquilts@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. I can't actually remember learning to sew. I started by doing handwork for my Mom... I was 8 or 9.

    ReplyDelete
  40. 12 years old in 7th grade took the required sewing class. Sadly not a good teacher. 11th grade took another sewing class. Even a worse teacher. College tried still another class -- fabulous teacher finally! Now I could enjoy sewing. Mr. Bullard, you were the best! soparkaveataoldotcom

    ReplyDelete
  41. Thanks for the giveaway! I "learned" a little bit here and there throughout the years. I really was only "taught" for the first time within the past two years... and boy has my sewing improved since then!!

    ReplyDelete
  42. My mom taught me when I was very little, but I never really got into it until about 4 1/2 years ago when my dog passed and I went through a rough period of time. Sewing became my escape and mental therapy. Thankfully my mom was there to help remind me about details I forgot and the rest is history.

    ReplyDelete
  43. HELLO! MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME MOST ABOUT SEWING,EMBROIDERY. I CAN REMEMBER SITTING AT HER SIDE LEARNING TO MAKE THOSE STITCHES A LITTLE SMALLER! THANKS FOR SHARING!

    msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. I started making my own clothes when I was 11, with my Home Economics class. Then my mother and my grandmother coached me until I was about 15. I took a lot of sewing classes in my twenties and thirties. I started quilting about 8 years ago and have taken many quilting classes. Thanks for this giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  45. I remember watching my Grandmas, Greatgrandma and Aunt sewing... it was my Aunt who first let me use her sewing machine to make a Barbie doll dress. I started Fashion Design at 19 and continued sewing for about 12 years... Now I've resumed sewing and am loving it! Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Although my great grandmothers taught me to crochet when I was about 6 or 7, it wasn't until I was about 15 and helping with the costumes for my high school's musical that I learned to sew. The costume designer, Mrs. Grasso taught me how, and she still enjoys seeing my projects when I post them on Facebook today!

    ReplyDelete
  47. This is a tough question, because I remember sewing by hand at a very very young age. I made clothes for my dolls. The one's who helped me sew were my mother, my maternal grandmother and a neighbor. I do remember at about 8 years old my neighbor let me sew on her electric sewing machine. She encouraged my Mom to let me sew on the treadle sewing machine we had at home. I have never stopped sewing and designing and still have that treadle machine.

    ReplyDelete
  48. i was young...maybe 8 or so? my mother taught me, of course!! i didn't take to knitting or crocheting very much, but sewing took...and embrodiery...kind of stuck but not really. Thanks, Mom!

    ReplyDelete
  49. First started learning to sew when I was about 12 and took my first home ec class. Only started liking it and really learning from my mom after I got married.

    ReplyDelete
  50. I was 33 when I started and have learned by reading yours and others wonderful blogs.

    ReplyDelete
  51. I learned sewing through 4-H and Home Economics classes in school. Loved it and can't get enough sewing and quilting. Thank you for this great giveaway.

    Have a super great sewing and stitching day.

    ReplyDelete
  52. I was 33 when my Mom taught me how to sew. I had two girls and I wanted to learn how to make clothes for them. But, it wasn't until my children were grown and on their own that I learned to quilt. I would love to win a copy of this book.

    ReplyDelete
  53. I learned thru 4-H and my mom how to sew at around 10. I started embroidery on pillow cases when I was about 8.

    ReplyDelete
  54. I was in elementary school when I first learned to sew on a sewing machine in an after-school class. Before that I knew how to do simple cross-stitch, plastic canvas and embroidery. I learned from watching my mom and grandma. Thanks for another great chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  55. I was probably 10-12 when I started to sew, but 34 when I learned to piece and make my first quilt. Still have yet to quilt anything on my own machine and would love to learn. Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  56. Well...I was about 8 when I took it upon myself to sew a hole closed in my underpants with fuzzy pink yarn...while I was wearing them !! I still remember doing it and thinking it was great that I was able to fix it myself and couldn't understand the reactions of my family members :)

    ReplyDelete
  57. I think I was about 10 when I learned to sew. My mother taught me some & I taught myself alot through trial & error. When I was older I took Home Ec & learned alot there. I really need this book, so I can quilt my own quilts & not quilt by check all the time.

    ReplyDelete
  58. I was about 15 I think when my dad signed me up for sewing lessons at a store. Before that my mom had shown me some embroidery, but I don't remember her teaching me on her machine. No quilting in our family, until me :) thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  59. I was 12, in seventh grade, I took sewing in school. I needed fabric for the first project, a dress, and my mom sent a new tablecloth with me to use. My teacher didn't like that it wasn't 45 inches wide! My teacher was making a wedding dress for her daughter, but a first draft out of muslin, and would have me try it on as she went along, because I was about her size.

    ReplyDelete
  60. I learned to sew when I was about eight from my mom. Started by hand sewing clothes for my Little Kiddles. Then moved on to sewing my own clothes, then my daughters clothes.

    ReplyDelete
  61. I learned to sew when I was about 12 years old. My mom gave me a few tips but I am mostly self-taught. Home Economics (I don't think that is being taught in schools anymore) also gave me a good background in sewing.

    ReplyDelete
  62. I was about 26 years old and learned from friend.

    ReplyDelete
  63. I learned to sew in home economics class when I was in high school but learned to quilt when I was 43. thanks for the chance to win the book.

    ReplyDelete
  64. I guess I would have to say elementary school aged - 8-10 years? My mom was sewing all the time so she taught me the basics and I went on to take home economics from 7th-12th grade.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Karen SikesOctober 15, 2012

    Probably around 10, my sister learned how to sew in Home Ec. She halfway taught me and I taught myself how to read a pattern. I wish they still had Home Ec in schools.

    ReplyDelete
  66. Enjoyed looking over your blog and do think this book looks great. My first taste of sewing was taking sewing classes in Home Economics in college. My mother sewed all our cloths, but I didn't learn to sew from her.

    ReplyDelete
  67. My mom taught me what I know about sewing....and I resisted learning until I was in my 30s and got interested in sewing via getting interested in quilting.

    ReplyDelete
  68. Oh gosh, I was a tiny thing when I learned to sew. Probably 7 or 8. I remember my little Singer sewing machine - it would operate as you turned a crank on it's side. I "sewed" Barbie dresses, sans pattern. I was in heaven. My mother taught me how to sew, and as she took classes and improved her skills, she would share her new knowledge w/ me. Thanks, Mom!!

    ReplyDelete
  69. The summer I turned 12 my mom signed me up for sewing lessons! Best summer ever! I have been in love with sewing ever since! I can not remeber one bit who the teacher was but I remember exactly what I made, a shirt and some matching shorts in red and blue!
    jpshirley@ymail.com

    ReplyDelete
  70. I started sewing when I was 17. What did I start with? A king size quilt!! My mom sewed clothes for us as kids and also dill clothes for us so she helped me a little but I taught myself mostly. I would love to win this book!!! Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  71. I learned how to sew in a Home Economics course in high school. I think I was 15. I only sewed curtains and pillows until I turned 45. Then I took a quilting class and have been petal to the medal ever since. I am ready to move on with FMQ.

    ReplyDelete
  72. I learned to sew when I was young, maybe 9yr or 10yr. I was sewing Barbie clothes by hand. My Mom taught me to sew as well as knit and crochet.

    Thank you for a great giveaway and a chance to win a super book.

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  73. I started teaching myself last year at 24.

    ReplyDelete
  74. My mother taught me to sew when I was 10. I may have quit sewing, but she patiently ripped out all of my mistakes for years. I made clothes and years later took a machine quilting class. Last month I took a free motion quilting class using the same 1954 Singer sewing machine I learned to sew on. It's perfect for quilting.

    ReplyDelete
  75. I believe I was around 7 years old when I first started sewing. My mom taught me some stuff, but I also took classes at the local sewing store. I have been teaching myself to quilt for about a year and a half.

    ReplyDelete
  76. 28 - I took a class at the local quilt shop :)

    ReplyDelete
  77. My mom was a sewer and she taught me a few things when I was young -- maybe 10 years old. However, I didn't really learn until she enrolled me in a sewing class when I was 13. I was very proud of my elastic waist PJ pants! I didn't start quilting until I was about 31.

    ReplyDelete
  78. I was about 12 when I learned from my mom and grandma.

    ReplyDelete
  79. I am a self taught sewer and quilter! I started when I was 18 and at university. I had refused to do any sewing at school, but a patchwork quilt pattern caught my eye and I knew I had to try it!

    ReplyDelete
  80. This is your awesome post !

    ReplyDelete
  81. My mom sewed when I was a little girl, and I've always watched her working with the sewing machine, she was my teacher, but I learned sewing not so many years ago, I am a little bit "green" I like testing and I make many things by myself (but it's not good)
    thanks on your giveaway, I run for the digital copy!

    ReplyDelete
  82. My mom taught me to sew when i was about 6 years old. She was a sewer and so was my grandma so I grew up watching them make clothing and quilts.

    ReplyDelete
  83. My mom sewed lots when I was small, but I think I learned to sew in my Grade 8 home ec class. We made a blouse and a skirt, I still remember the floral pattern!

    ReplyDelete
  84. 7th grade home ec class in school.It was in the late 60's. I loved that teacher. She had long straight hair and drove a 65' VW van. Very hippy like!

    ReplyDelete
  85. I was about 9-10 years old when my mother and 4-H leader taught me how to sew. My first project was an a-line skirt.

    ReplyDelete
  86. I was pretty young when I started making horse blankets for my Bryers... First real teaching was home ec in 5th grade, made really ugly circle skirt. Still remember it 40 years later!

    ReplyDelete
  87. I don't remember how old I was when I first started learning how to sew. I do know though that I spent many years being the seam ripper and pinner for my mom. She has been sewing since she was a kid and always let me participate when I was a kid too.

    ReplyDelete
  88. I was twelve. My mother was always sewing clothes or curtains - but being the mother of 7 didn't have time to sit and teach me how to sew. I went to a lady in our church who was well known in town for her Barbie doll clothes - she had a huge booth at the local Holiday craft show. So I learned to sew on little tiny seams! I did make myself a romper that summer with a zipper up the front. And I still have the pencil case I made myself for 8th grade - 35 years ago.

    ReplyDelete
  89. Well, both my mother and my aunt (through a class at Joann's) tried to teach me when I was around 11 or 12. I almost always jammed up the machine and ended up very frustrated. So I haven't really sewed since. Now that I have a little girl, I really want to make things for her so I'm starting to pick it up again. With age must come patience, right? :)

    ReplyDelete
  90. So glad you asked! My dad helped me trudge through home economics class when I was in the 10th grade, but I think my sewing started earlier than that. I can't remember not having a needle and thread in my hands, though, so my grandmother probably had something to do with that:)

    ReplyDelete
  91. I learned how to sew in a Jr. High home ec class - probably 12 or 13. I've never looked back~

    ReplyDelete
  92. Mrs. Kebort my high school home ec teacher did it :) I wasn't great and it was not easy but made bound button holes and an A-line dress with zipper. I didn't use it until I had 2 daughters and sewed a few items for them. However, I have an excellent semstress in my mom and mother in law!! But now I really do love to quilt and get great pleasure in a finished project.

    ReplyDelete
  93. In 9th grade I had a most terrible experience in Home Ec class and swore I would never sew again!! Well, when I was about 37 I decided to teach myself to quilt. You know, I even like my first quilt! Not that I call myself a "sewer" though. I am a quilter, and I think there *is* a difference.

    ReplyDelete
  94. HI...I learned to embroider and make doll clothes when I was 8 years old...my Grandma Emma taught me. She was a prolific quilt maker....When she passed away in 1975 I was devastated. The next year was the Bicentennial. I took a quilting class and have been hooked on quilting ever since. I've been a hand-quilter for over 35 years but am trying to learn machine quilting.

    ReplyDelete
  95. I learned to sew when I was 5 years old. I snuck into my mom's sewing room when she was occupied elsewhere in the house and tried to copy what she was currently sewing. When my mom finally caught me she decided it was time to show me how to use the sewing machine properly so I wouldn't sew through a finger or anything!!

    ReplyDelete
  96. I was 12 and learned at school in my home economics class. I loved it and continued to sew. In 1986 i took a quilting class and was hooked for life.

    ReplyDelete
  97. I remember sewing at a very young age on my Grandmother's elderly machine. I am not sure how much it was taught so much as trial and error! with some fixing by Grandpa.

    ReplyDelete
  98. I learned to sew from my MIL,but not until I was around 19. Wish I knew sooner how wonderfully vital it is to me!!!

    ReplyDelete
  99. love the approach to fmq'ing! nice clean, clear designs - excellent!
    I started sewing very young and don't remember how it all started!

    ReplyDelete
  100. I was probably 7/8 when my mom finally broke down and taught me....thanks for the opty to win the book. While I've been pieceing quilts for several years, the idea of FMQ still scares the livin daylights out of me!

    ReplyDelete
  101. I was 14/15 when my mom taught me enough to make myself some skirts. And then I didn't sew much until my late 20's. Now I've picked it up and am teaching myself to quilt. Thanks for a chance to win! :)

    ReplyDelete
  102. I was about 8 or 9 and started hand sewing pieces of felt together as my mom showed me how to do the buttonhole stitch.... awolk at rogers dot com

    ReplyDelete
  103. I learned to sew my first year in High School. My mom did not sew, so I took a Home Ec class and that's where I learned the basics. We made garments, but that went by the wayside when I learned to quilt ;-) Much more fun!

    ReplyDelete
  104. My mom taught me to sew (we were making the wild "jams" shorts of the eighties) when I was ten. At eleven I went to a sewing class with half a dozen other girls my age where I made a denim straight skirt.

    ReplyDelete
  105. I was probably around 10 and I learned from my 4-H leader.

    ReplyDelete
  106. I think I was about 10 when I was taught to sew by my mum. I also remember doing sewing at school where we made an apron, Mrs Pennington was our teacher, she was so strict we were quite scared of her and the sewing machine!

    ReplyDelete
  107. I learned to sew when I was 22, and I taught myself :)

    ReplyDelete
  108. Oh I hope I'm not too late. Alot of the other bloggers have closed this prize option. I was 10 yrs old and my mother would sit for hours sewing clothes for me and my 4 sisters. I have to say MAMA was good! lol She started out teaching me to sew doll clothes then eventually she ended up teaching me how to make my own clothes. So not only did I make my doll clothes and my own but I learned to help Mama sew the clothes for the other girls. I so love her for this!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  109. I learned all my sewing skills from my mother, some even on a treadle machine! Wish everyone could have had the experiences I had. She is 94 and still sews :)

    ReplyDelete
  110. I learned to sew from my aunt when I was about 15. She had sewn some of my clothes when I was little and taught me how to sew my own then.

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts with Thumbnails