I’m always fascinated by the creativity and history of a quilt. Because quilt shows are in full swing this summer (one is occurring in my home town this weekend!), I chose quilter Cindy Bacon as this week’s Friend with *Finesse.
Cindy’s journey as a quilter began nine years ago while moving her grandmother into an assisted living facility. Amongst her grandmother’s belongings was a treasure trove of shoe boxes filled with tiny quilt blocks (97 4X4 blocks to be exact). According to Cindy, these blocks were pieced together with the very fabric of her family’s life.
“The love in those blocks is what made me decide my grandmother’s quilt needed to be completed.”
Cindy’s learning curve was steep, but quilting has become her passion. She continues to learn because, “every quilt tells a story and quilting creates smiles, friendships and fond memories.”
Q: What’s the best thing about quilting?
A: Quilting provides a sense of pride and relaxation. That feeling of pride is increased if the quilts are made as gifts.
Q: What’s the biggest mistake quilters make?
A: One of the biggest mistakes in quilting is not being kind enough to yourself. The learning curve, which is LARGE, requires a lot of patience and practice. It also helps to receive assistance from new friendships formed through quilting.
Q: What’s the biggest misconception about quilting?
A: Most people believe quilting is an easy art to learn. The truth is a quilter never stops learning or teaching others the art.
Q: What are your top three tips for those interested in the hobby?
A:
1) A ¼-inch seam is an absolute must.
2) Have sharp rotor blades.
3) Read, take a few classes and then apply the knowledge.
In addition to quilting, Cindy’s diverse hobbies include scrapbooking, RV camping, fishing, and hunting. She also admits to like “puttering” on the two acres where she and her husband of 21 years reside, as well as some garden endeavors. They have a blended family of four children, four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. (She’s too young be a great-grandmother, but that’s one of the benefits of a blended family.)
My quilting finesse level:
Novice Advanced beginner Competent Proficient Expert
What’s your quilting finesse level?
*finesse (skill, flair, grace elegance, poise, assurance)