I just love how Norma appears and how you scoop her up and put her on your lap, carrying on talking whilst the cat's tail curls up around your neck. It makes me laugh because you don't flicker an inch!
I have never been attracted to traditional quilt patterns. But I do respect the labor involved. I am drawn to landscape quilts and free for all designs, like what you envision. I also appreciate your enjoyment of the process!!! Years ago when I watched tv programs of quilters, the focus was on precision. God created us all uniquely! And I really like that.
I have read the book, it is remarkable. You need to get it or go to the library and get. These women were wonderful and taught generations to quilt. I could not put it down. I have gotten addicted to quilting after 50 years of sewing. Thanks to my loving husband he has given me everything I would ever need to quilt and still helps buy my fabric. He bought me a top of the line sewing machine, now I'm not bragging I just want you to know how you have inspired here in America to an old lady of 75. I love your videos and watch them over and over. You are a special lady. Have a great day and hugs!!!!
I live in Alabama and was fortunate enough to attend a workshop with some of the ladies from Gee's Bend. They are lovely and disregard any rules the quilt police try to enforce on everyone. Their stories are beautiful and we got treated with some gospel singing as well. It was a real experience and very inspirational.
I live on an island, no fabric store any where close. I agreed to teach a quilting class. The first class, lots of interest but no one could get out and buy fabric. I know in olden days, quilts were not made from new fabric but from shirts, blouses, dresses, sheets that were wearing out. I asked them to bring next class any of these, cotton and we’d make fabric. Also I suggested a sort of memorial quilt with dad’s or mom”s or grannies shirts, blouses etc. I brought all my stuff. We ended up with tons of “free” fabric. Mostly log cabin, way before rotary blades and plastic templates. But nearly every one in my class, still quilt.
Dear Cindy, Thank you, so much for sharing your wonderful story with us! When I was 21 my beloved daddy was dying of lung cancer, due to a lifetime of abusing his body by smoking. I didn’t know a single proper technique for quilting and there wasn’t anyone in my life who could teach me. But I knew how to use a sewing machine, because I made clothing. Daddy was going down hill so quickly. I gathered clothing that my two younger siblings and I had worn. I was blessed with a wonderful sister and brother. My idea was to make daddy a lap quilt from things that were familiar to him. One side had random rectangles, cut from our clothes. I had to construct the back as quickly as I could, so I made rows of large squares of a variety of colors of gingham fabric. They might have been 10” squares, I’m not sure. Daddy was kept warm with our quilt. But he died before I could bind it. I learned an important lesson the first time I washed the quilt. DON’T combine different types of fabric! Something that I used was loosely woven, compared to the shapes that were made out of regular cotton. As you can imagine, I had a mess on my hands. It kind of mirrored how we were feeling. A tangled mess of emotions. If anyone reads this, I hope you will bless your relatives, friends or anyone who God brings into your life, by being willing to teach them how to sew, cook, or enjoy doing whatever skills you can teach.
Kate, I loved the "refresher" on the G Girls. I first learned about them from "Sewing with Nancy" on Public TV from Wisconsin iin the USA quite a few years ago. Nancy also did a tutorial on making forms for holding your cell phone or tablet just like you made your new pincushion with walnut shells. Thank-You for that idea, I have so many peices of fabric that I can use for that project. Today is a rainy, sleety, cold day in Minnesota, a Great Day for that sort of project, with some Classical Music on my radio. I am so Lucky to be able to start my day with your ideas. Appreciate your knowledge, we just need to keep sharing our ideas, Right? Nancy in Duluth, MN.
When I was very young my Grandmama, who raised me, pieced new pastel-colored wash cloths together and made a quilt top. The batting was an old wool army blanket, probably from the Korean War, so heavy you had to lift it up to turn over in bed😂. Beautiful and so very warm.
I’ve made two throw size quilts and for each of them I used an old cotton mattress pad. I cut off the sides and the elastic and used the main part of it. They work wonderfully - very light weight but warm
Just loved the quilt you made and the story behind it. Really interesting. Your video was the perfect antidote to a long day spent with my Mother who has advanced dementia and my head was on the verge of exploding when I returned home tonight. A spot of crochet, a cup of tea and this lovely video and I am feeling more human again. In addition - if my small comment helps your channel I am very happy indeed. Thank you Kate you really are a You Tube friend. 😊
January 27 2024 Maryland USA I am going through so many of your video’s. I would llove to hear more of you Mum. Handsitiching is so over look. In this world there is so much with quick responses. I am so glad that you are here. Stay as you are my dear llady.
What an awesome project for scraps of fabric! I’m going to make me 2 or 3 of them because I have multiple sewing stations and am always in need of a pin or two at any given station...thank you Kate.👍🏻💕👵🏻
My mother made quilts for us (3 of them for my 2 children and myself and they were huge) from every fabric she had accumulated over the years in her sewing room. And, yes, she used blankets instead of batting. Sad to say we lost every quilt (and everything else) in the flooding after hurricane Katrina. I quilt now, love it and think of her when I quilt. I enjoyed viewing this video, Kate. Thank you.
Liz Ryan So sad you lost your quilts in Katrina. I always think about how it’s so much more than houses that people lose in natural disasters. I lived in Florida for 47 years and now TX so have seen some of the hard times people go through to recover. Didn’t want to butt in, but wanted to send you best wishes.
Hello! Kate. What a beautiful video editing. My feeling is that I am sitting in this environment watching you speak. Watching you flip over each sheet of this wonderful old book was a charm of information. Patchwork blocks deconstructing that richness of detail. Thank you for sharing. Loved it! Have a beautiful day! 💕😘🇧🇷🇧🇷
"it makes me very very happy", well, my dear, you must stop calling it all the things you called it and rename it: A resounding success and a true creative masterpiece!!!🤗😊😸
Oh, Kate!! As I'm listening to you talking about the women of Gee's Bend, I'm working on a quilt for my mum who was born in the mid-30's in Mississippi. She was from a very poor family, and her mother baked biscuits for breakfast every day. I suppose she baked a lot of bread, too, to feed her family on a very tight budget. So she got her flour and other staples in the big colourful bags--flour sacks! After I moved to the UK and was working as a nurse in the NHS, I started buying as many flour and feed sacks as I could afford via E-Bay, US. See, my Mammaw would collect 3 or 4 identical flour sacks and when she'd saved up enough of them, she'd design a dress for my mum, cut it out, and sew it up. Mum's told me about that really often. So I've had these flour sacks for way too many years. Now Mum's 83 and her health seems to be declining. So I'm finally rushing to finish her flour sack quilt. It's not gorgeous. It's all pinwheel blocks with white sashing (it's hard to find white vintage fabric!) I even have an actual flour sack with the flour advertising on it as part of the quilt back. I'll try to send you a photo when it's finished. I have no idea who will want it when my parents pass. I'd be happy to have it back, but postage from the US to UK is so expensive! I hope it will stay in the family for a few generations though the fabric isn't all new and strong. A lot of it is used. It's a colourful quilt! But I loved hearing you speak of flour sack fabric just as I was working on my mum's flour sack quilt. Keep chatting. You're keeping me from the solitude of a too-quiet sewing room!
Continue on from the starting comment: Homely House. If I was your neighbor we could sit and stitch things everyday. You are very talented and could teach me a lot. Thanks!😁
I also love the women of Gee's Bend, and their quilts. I was surprised you've been quilting only 12 yrs, if you'd said 30 yrs I would have believed it. Your work is always so perfectly done, maybe it's in the genes. Your Mum must have been delighted to see you take up her craft too. Thanks for this video, I really enjoyed it.
I absolutely love this little brown scrappy quilting and pin cushion you put together! That is my idea of what a quilt should look like. So when I finally get around to making a second quilt I will use that technique. My first quilt will be a lap quilt for my husband's 75th birthday for next January (March 2021 right now--I will nedd that time...haha). He loves cowbodys and baseball, so the two sides will show those 2 themes. Right now I am starting out with little art quilts as my sewing skills are super-beginner! Love you, Kate! Watching and listening to you is like sitting with a friend for a warm little chat.
Kate! Cant tell you how many times over i have enjoed this video... Wanting to embark on a scrappy journey and i so LOVE your first quilt. The pincushion is an added delight that i had forgotten about. It was also wonderful to see Norma. Cheers!
Many years ago, The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston had a wonderful display of the Quilts of Gees Bend. I am so grateful to have seen those fabulous quilts up close in person. I love your own colorful interpretation of those very practical, creative quilts. Thank you for the journey down the rabbit hole.❤️
Hi Kate & every one on the sofa. I'm Listening & watching you while I'm quilting on my machine ,cant hand quilt so well, I have Carpel Tunnel syndrome ! Hopefully I will have surgery on it soon. Next project will be a scrappy patch work and I'll make pin cushion like yours. Thanks for being so nice and shearing your skills with us.xxx
Dear Kate. You and your family and all are in a word ‘lovely’. So glad I found you. I live in the US in north Florida. You are at the top of my list of happy places. I love hanging out on the green couch. I have always wanted to make a quilt and when I finally do it I will have you to blame for the inspiration. 💖
Dear Kate, while i am sitting, sewing my hexagons together, i was watching videos about the ladies from Gee bend in Alabama, and now ,randomly, i chose to watch this video!!!!! What are the odds???😊😊😊😊
I saw the Gees Bend quilts exhibit at the Flint Institute of Arts in Michigan about ten years ago. I was so happy just to be in their presence! I reached out to touch one (I just wanted a quick feel) and the security guard promptly ran over to stop me and shake his head. Opps! I was still just happy to see them. I see the Gees Bend influence in your quilt 😁
I love this! I have fabric from 30 years ago that I'm gathering up into different quilts and arranging all my projects as well. Giving them a new identity. Lol! I wish we lived closer to each other. You are Giving me inspiration. This really shows how some creative minds work. Love it Kate! Thank you.
Love the colors in the pin cushion and the wonderful story of the Quilters of Gee's Bend in Alabama. I had not heard that tale before. Such a rich history in their quilts! TFS the inspiration, Kate, and have a great day!
Hi, Kate! My very first quilt almost 60 years ago also had a blanket “batting.” It certainly did its job of keeping me warm and I also was very proud of it. My mother and I just tied it randomly with crochet thread, I believe. Our choices for battings today are certainly a great improvement. I love your apparent easy ability to mix up fabrics and shapes as my personality makes that very hard for me. You inspire me to work harder to relax with my fabric choices. I do so love the patchwork curtains in your bedroom, like the others in Liberty, but with larger squares. I am hoping to make some similar ones one day, but sadly not with those beautiful Liberty fabrics. Thanks you so much for your video visits. I enjoy each one so much!
The shape reminds me of a rooster doorstop my Mom's neighbor used to prop open her kitchen screen door. Her grandsons kept slamming the door. I sat on my Mom's lap because her laying hens would wander into the kitchen and they were huge! 🐔🐔🐔🐣
Hi Kate, I'm a new subscriber, only watched about 5 so far. I am from Tacoma, Washington, USA. I was happy to know you know. about the Gee's Bends Quiltters. Their quilts came to our TAM, Tacoma Arts Museum. I went & was so fascinated by their story, I read anything & everything I could about them. I bought the big book. I must dig it out. Great story. Not many people know about them. I was so happy when you brought the story up. I recently retired after 36 years in hospital pharmacy, now I have time to sew, garden, & do what I like. I really enjoy your program. Thank you, kris
My Grandmother made concussions for gifts for her friends. She would crochet a heart, then sew a heart from scrap fabric, stuff it, apply the crochet heart onto it and give them to her friends and family. The sewing was done on the treddle machine.
Hi Kate, what a lovely video! I always feel like I am sitting across from you in your kitchen or garden and 100% involved in your story or tutorial. I think your subscribers are connecting with your authenticity 😊. Keep em coming Kate !
Thank you - I read that comment often and it makes me very happy - because that is how it feels to me - I turn on the camera and I never think I am talking to more than just one person ..... YOU! xxx
I love your feeling of freedom to create. What a great inspiration those ladies are, too. You've enticed me to be more comfortable doing what I would like to create, rather than following patterns and conventions *all* the time. Love your work and presentation. Thank you so much, Kate, for sharing your videos. -Sally L Harris in Florissant, Missouri
The book is incredible, and I find the quilts much much more interesting than the the controlled patterning of many of the quilts today. So much more personality. Thanks for the video.
I just watched you “taking a break from your Lime Green Sofa”. I will miss you. I hope you come back soon. You fill me with inspiration. I love all you do. Thank you.
What a lovely video! Thank you so much for sharing Kate! I love your quilt and your beautiful pincushion 💖 and you have such a relaxing and comforting way of explaining things, and a soothing voice ☺️🙏 It's such a blessing to listen to you in this busy, noisy world where we are always rushing to get get things done. Big hugs from France 🤗
I love the idea of using old blankets in quilts. My mother-in-law passed several years ago and left us 2 ginormous wool blankets. Nobody in the family wanted them so I decided to use them for quilting. I was just getting back to quilting after a 30 year lapse (raising kids, a job, life etc). I cut up the blankets to make 4 Christmas tree skirts and 3 lap quilts. Everyone has a piece of Nana's life with them. I wash them too. Nothing bad has happened to them. Love your vlog!
I really like the combination of brown scrapy fabrics. I didn’t know that crushed walnut shells sharpen pins. I like the cute triangular design you decided on. Thank you, for educating us about the wonderful ladies in Gee’s Bend, MS. I had never heard of them. It’s wonderful that their stories are being retold.
I love your first quilt. Also, your pin cushion. You make life so interesting. Love your videos. I could sit and listen to you and watch your videos forever. 🎉❤😊❤
Yes ! Yess yes ,a thousand times yes ! The way quilting came about , my daughter asked me to make a quilt for her ,the only rule she wanted me to use was NO PATTERN , I was like oh my gawd how am I gonna do that ? I did figure it out and I absolutely loved it and so did she . Even the quilt shop perfect corner quilters admired it . I don't think I would have tried it if she hadn't asked .you never know what you can do and learn by trying something new eh? Still can't get those perfect corners tho. LOL
I learned so much tonight from this video, Kate❣️I love your first quilt & the story behind the inspiration ( I live in Georgia right next to Alabama & have never heard of these very special quilts!!). And then the crushed walnut shells as filling for a pin cushion 😮. Oh you have inspired me once again 🥰
I feel like I’m sitting with you, too- knitting and chatting ! Fun with history, cats- Norma, Sadie and Prudence too- Love your videos! Over and over😂 and your first quilt! Interesting and thank you- I’m Sandi Myer from Florida now but I love My Massachusetts! SnoW and like England! See you sometime!❤Love you! 🥰
Oh WOW! I love this quilt. I’m getting ready to maybe start something soon, I’m already 63, so coming to this very late but I’m really looking forward to having a go…..thanks for getting me involved Kate, you are so inspiring 💛🙋🏽♀️👍🏽 maybe a pincushion could be my first haveago thing. I’ve got to shorten 4 grey curtains and I have just lost a lot of weight, so my wardrobe needs a good purge!……oooh, I’m excited 😜
What a wonderful episode! I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m a patron but this one just popped up. I think you would love Harriet Powers’ quilts. There are only two but they are glorious Kate. Cheers!
On a show about restoration of metal, the owner used crushed almonds to polish off old paint and rust. The machine works like a tumbler. I buy small bags of crushed almond shells from pet shops that cater to reptiles.
I am so very glad to have discovered you, Kate! Your projects are always lovely, and your demeanor so warm & welcoming that I "visit" daily now. It's a wonderful way to wind down and end my day with a smile! 💖💯💫🥰
I absolutely adore that little pin cushion. I also love the first quilt you made. It is amazing you would choose to do it with such tiny little blocks instead of bigger ones, which to me would be so much easier. It is kind of like my friend who took up knitting many eons ago and her first piece was a cardigan sweater with the reindeers and pine trees etc . knitted into it. (she was living in Alaska at the time) When she was finished a friend of hers there asked why she had chosen such a difficult piece to knit and her reply was"No one told me it would be difficult for a beginner so I just did it". Thank you for sharing your quilts and their stories with us, that is half the enjoyment of looking at them. Have a Blessed day Kate.
I really enjoyed seeing your first quilt. My first quilt (made about 40 years ago, before i was aware of proper quilting supplies) was bits of fabric, sewn higgledy piggledy on to an old blanket. My mother told me that this is what my grandmother used to do. This quilt now lives in my mother's airing cupboard. Thanks for jogging my memory.
Hello Kate, re-watching this episode as I’m also fascinated by the quilters of Gee’s Bend. To me, their quilting is so intriguing as it’s so unpredictable. I recently made a memory quilt top from the shirts of a dear deceased friend and I tried to follow a Gee’s Bend style. So satisfying… Thank you for sharing your ideas Kate. PS crushed walnut shells can be found at pet stores; they’re used for reptile bedding. Who knew?!?!
I am viewing this on Easter Saturday 2022. What a wonderfully relaxing time I have had with you sharing your quilt and the story behind the making. I too am a (scrappy) girl and I hope I can get started..... at 78 will have to keep at it . Greetings from Melbourne Australia.
I love the women of Gees Bend....never a dull moment in beautiful colors sewn in a random poetic style. I love listening to you as your create your beautiful quilts.
PPS: And the cats are so funny, how they always have to get between you and the camera, like they are determined to be the star of the show and keep you all to themselves! And the one bathing in the background, lol. 😂🤣🙃😆 Cracks me up!
Crushed walnut shells are used in media blasting. It used to be called sand blasting, but they switched to walnut shell and such because can strip the paint without damaging the materials underneath. I'm the first person in my family to quilt in a couple generations. My mom says that my great-grandma was part of a sewing circle. They had a huge quilt frame that traveled from house to house. They would sit around it, work on someone's quilt, and socialize. I have cousins who sew, but they primarily make clothes or non-quilted blankets. My grandma, mom, and aunts all knew how to sew, but again they mostly made clothes.
I had a recommendation from UA-cam of your channel. I am loving it so far. I enjoy the slower pace type of vlog's/tutorials. Oh well I must go and finish the stocking I have made, you gave me the inspiration to recover the sofa that my husband found. Now I am waiting on the material of the top cover. Just hope I got enough ordered now. Anyway thank you for sharing the memories that you hold dear. Bye for now take care. Happy crafting.
Hello from Knoxville Tennessee USA! I've been following and liking for a good while now. Arne and Carlos mentioned you so I watched a few videos and am happily on your green couch. My life rambles and flows very much like yours. I'm retired and fiddle with the gardens and all my crafts. What a lovely life yes? Have a great day and thank you!
I just love how Norma appears and how you scoop her up and put her on your lap, carrying on talking whilst the cat's tail curls up around your neck. It makes me laugh because you don't flicker an inch!
I have never been attracted to traditional quilt patterns. But I do respect the labor involved. I am drawn to landscape quilts and free for all designs, like what you envision. I also appreciate your enjoyment of the process!!! Years ago when I watched tv programs of quilters, the focus was on precision. God created us all uniquely! And I really like that.
I have read the book, it is remarkable. You need to get it or go to the library and get. These women were wonderful and taught generations to quilt. I could not put it down. I have gotten addicted to quilting after 50 years of sewing. Thanks to my loving husband he has given me everything I would ever need to quilt and still helps buy my fabric. He bought me a top of the line sewing machine, now I'm not bragging I just want you to know how you have inspired here in America to an old lady of 75. I love your videos and watch them over and over. You are a special lady. Have a great day and hugs!!!!
I live in Alabama and was fortunate enough to attend a workshop with some of the ladies from Gee's Bend. They are lovely and disregard any rules the quilt police try to enforce on everyone. Their stories are beautiful and we got treated with some gospel singing as well. It was a real experience and very inspirational.
my new favourite channel.
I live on an island, no fabric store any where close. I agreed to teach a quilting class. The first class, lots of interest but no one could get out and buy fabric. I know in olden days, quilts were not made from new fabric but from shirts, blouses, dresses, sheets that were wearing out. I asked them to bring next class any of these, cotton and we’d make fabric. Also I suggested a sort of memorial quilt with dad’s or mom”s or grannies shirts, blouses etc. I brought all my stuff. We ended up with tons of “free” fabric. Mostly log cabin, way before rotary blades and plastic templates. But nearly every one in my class, still quilt.
Thank you for sharing. What a nice story. Community quilting. I bet you all had fun together and grew close to each other💕Cathy in Montana
I love that! What a special way to bond with like-minded people.
That’s lovely :)
how its supposed to be in my view. Quilting was often the last piece of life for a smidge of fabric, off cuts from dress making, children's clothes
Dear Cindy, Thank you, so much for sharing your wonderful story with us! When I was 21 my beloved daddy was dying of lung cancer, due to a lifetime of abusing his body by smoking. I didn’t know a single proper technique for quilting and there wasn’t anyone in my life who could teach me. But I knew how to use a sewing machine, because I made clothing. Daddy was going down hill so quickly. I gathered clothing that my two younger siblings and I had worn. I was blessed with a wonderful sister and brother. My idea was to make daddy a lap quilt from things that were familiar to him. One side had random rectangles, cut from our clothes. I had to construct the back as quickly as I could, so I made rows of large squares of a variety of colors of gingham fabric. They might have been 10” squares, I’m not sure. Daddy was kept warm with our quilt. But he died before I could bind it.
I learned an important lesson the first time I washed the quilt. DON’T combine different types of fabric! Something that I used was loosely woven, compared to the shapes that were made out of regular cotton. As you can imagine, I had a mess on my hands. It kind of mirrored how we were feeling. A tangled mess of emotions.
If anyone reads this, I hope you will bless your relatives, friends or anyone who God brings into your life, by being willing to teach them how to sew, cook, or enjoy doing whatever skills you can teach.
Gosh this channel is my new safe space 💕
Kate, I loved the "refresher" on the G Girls. I first learned about them from "Sewing with Nancy" on Public TV from Wisconsin iin the USA quite a few years ago. Nancy also did a tutorial on making forms for holding your cell phone or tablet just like you made your new pincushion with walnut shells. Thank-You for that idea, I have so many peices of fabric that I can use for that project. Today is a rainy, sleety, cold day in Minnesota, a Great Day for that sort of project, with some Classical Music on my radio. I am so Lucky to be able to start my day with your ideas. Appreciate your knowledge, we just need to keep sharing our ideas, Right? Nancy in Duluth, MN.
One thing I like about you Kate, is you do your own thing. You do not worried if it is the way it should be done.
When I was very young my Grandmama, who raised me, pieced new pastel-colored wash cloths together and made a quilt top. The batting was an old wool army blanket, probably from the Korean War, so heavy you had to lift it up to turn over in bed😂. Beautiful and so very warm.
Great idea! I Love this❤
I’ve made two throw size quilts and for each of them I used an old cotton mattress pad. I cut off the sides and the elastic and used the main part of it. They work wonderfully - very light weight but warm
great idea.
Just loved the quilt you made and the story behind it. Really interesting. Your video was the perfect antidote to a long day spent with my Mother who has advanced dementia and my head was on the verge of exploding when I returned home tonight. A spot of crochet, a cup of tea and this lovely video and I am feeling more human again. In addition - if my small comment helps your channel I am very happy indeed. Thank you Kate you really are a You Tube friend. 😊
January 27 2024 Maryland USA I am going through so many of your video’s. I would llove to hear more of you Mum. Handsitiching is so over look. In this world there is so much with quick responses. I am so glad that you are here. Stay as you are my dear llady.
I enjoy watching your channel 😊…. Keep them coming ❤
What an awesome project for scraps of fabric! I’m going to make me 2 or 3 of them because I have multiple sewing stations and am always in need of a pin or two at any given station...thank you Kate.👍🏻💕👵🏻
I wish I could love and not just like on UA-cam. Kate I just love spending time with you! No matter what you are up to, you are just lovely!
Becky Weaver Yes!
Ditto Becky Weaver🤗
Yes! I agree!
Totally agree👍🇦🇺
you are all so lovely!
Simply Creative! Going to make one of those. Thanks Kate
My mother made quilts for us (3 of them for my 2 children and myself and they were huge) from every fabric she had accumulated over the years in her sewing room. And, yes, she used blankets instead of batting. Sad to say we lost every quilt (and everything else) in the flooding after hurricane Katrina. I quilt now, love it and think of her when I quilt. I enjoyed viewing this video, Kate. Thank you.
Liz Ryan
So sad you lost your quilts in Katrina. I always think about how it’s so much more than houses that people lose in natural disasters. I lived in Florida for 47 years and now TX so have seen some of the hard times people go through to recover. Didn’t want to butt in, but wanted to send you best wishes.
@@vickyh7881
Much appreciated.
Hello! Kate. What a beautiful video editing. My feeling is that I am sitting in this environment watching you speak. Watching you flip over each sheet of this wonderful old book was a charm of information. Patchwork blocks deconstructing that richness of detail. Thank you for sharing. Loved it! Have a beautiful day! 💕😘🇧🇷🇧🇷
I enjoy watching your work and I am learning so much. So thank you for sharing. Barb may
"it makes me very very happy", well, my dear, you must stop calling it all the things you called it and rename it: A resounding success and a true creative masterpiece!!!🤗😊😸
Oh, Kate!! As I'm listening to you talking about the women of Gee's Bend, I'm working on a quilt for my mum who was born in the mid-30's in Mississippi. She was from a very poor family, and her mother baked biscuits for breakfast every day. I suppose she baked a lot of bread, too, to feed her family on a very tight budget. So she got her flour and other staples in the big colourful bags--flour sacks! After I moved to the UK and was working as a nurse in the NHS, I started buying as many flour and feed sacks as I could afford via E-Bay, US. See, my Mammaw would collect 3 or 4 identical flour sacks and when she'd saved up enough of them, she'd design a dress for my mum, cut it out, and sew it up. Mum's told me about that really often. So I've had these flour sacks for way too many years. Now Mum's 83 and her health seems to be declining. So I'm finally rushing to finish her flour sack quilt. It's not gorgeous. It's all pinwheel blocks with white sashing (it's hard to find white vintage fabric!) I even have an actual flour sack with the flour advertising on it as part of the quilt back. I'll try to send you a photo when it's finished. I have no idea who will want it when my parents pass. I'd be happy to have it back, but postage from the US to UK is so expensive! I hope it will stay in the family for a few generations though the fabric isn't all new and strong. A lot of it is used. It's a colourful quilt! But I loved hearing you speak of flour sack fabric just as I was working on my mum's flour sack quilt. Keep chatting. You're keeping me from the solitude of a too-quiet sewing room!
Always interesting.
Hi Kate Beautiful quilt 👍👍👍👍have a Blessed day💜💜💜💜
Hi Kate. You are always so inspiring.
Thankyou for being you.😊
What a super idea and lovely to see and hear about a type of quilting I knew nothing about. Nice to not obey the 'quilt police'! :)
I love her! She is as much a jewl as her projects are!
9:17 Kate! I am binge watching all your lovely videos! Thank ❤🎉🎉🎉
BTW, I Love your first quilt! And I Love the Gees Bend quilt patterns!!!
Continue on from the starting comment: Homely House. If I was your neighbor we could sit and stitch things everyday. You are very talented and could teach me a lot. Thanks!😁
I also love the women of Gee's Bend, and their quilts. I was surprised you've been quilting only 12 yrs, if you'd said 30 yrs I would have believed it. Your work is always so perfectly done, maybe it's in the genes. Your Mum must have been delighted to see you take up her craft too. Thanks for this video, I really enjoyed it.
Triple agree, Becky Weaver!
I absolutely love this little brown scrappy quilting and pin cushion you put together! That is my idea of what a quilt should look like. So when I finally get around to making a second quilt I will use that technique. My first quilt will be a lap quilt for my husband's 75th birthday for next January (March 2021 right now--I will nedd that time...haha). He loves cowbodys and baseball, so the two sides will show those 2 themes. Right now I am starting out with little art quilts as my sewing skills are super-beginner! Love you, Kate! Watching and listening to you is like sitting with a friend for a warm little chat.
Kate!
Cant tell you how many times over i have enjoed this video...
Wanting to embark on a scrappy journey and i so LOVE your first quilt.
The pincushion is an added delight that i had forgotten about.
It was also wonderful to see Norma.
Cheers!
Many years ago, The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston had a wonderful display of the Quilts of Gees Bend. I am so grateful to have seen those fabulous quilts up close in person. I love your own colorful interpretation of those very practical, creative quilts. Thank you for the journey down the rabbit hole.❤️
That is so ingenious Kate ... you have such a good eye for color ... 🥰🥰🥰
Hi Kate & every one on the sofa. I'm Listening & watching you while I'm quilting on my machine ,cant hand quilt so well, I have Carpel Tunnel syndrome ! Hopefully I will have surgery on it soon. Next project will be a scrappy patch work and I'll make pin cushion like yours. Thanks for being so nice and shearing your skills with us.xxx
Dear Kate. You and your family and all are in a word ‘lovely’. So glad I found you. I live in the US in north Florida. You are at the top of my list of happy places. I love hanging out on the green couch. I have always wanted to make a quilt and when I finally do it I will have you to blame for the inspiration. 💖
I have quilted for many years and love it. I found you kate and enjoy your show immensely. Please dont stop.
Barb may
🥰💕Great video Kate! 💃🏻🧵More rabbit hole ideas! 🥰💕
Thank you for sharing your quilt and the Gee's Bend postcards! I know I'm watching an older post whenever I see Miss Norma!
Thank you for sharing and respecting the history of these wonderful women of color.
Hi from California! I always enjoy your videos no matter what you do and can’t wait till your cats show up. They love you very much. Sweet!
Dear Kate, while i am sitting, sewing my hexagons together, i was watching videos about the ladies from Gee bend in Alabama, and now ,randomly, i chose to watch this video!!!!! What are the odds???😊😊😊😊
I love your quilt!!
I adore your story behind your first quilt! I must find mine to see how far I’ve come along! Quilting is fantastic therapy! 💕
I saw the Gees Bend quilts exhibit at the Flint Institute of Arts in Michigan about ten years ago. I was so happy just to be in their presence! I reached out to touch one (I just wanted a quick feel) and the security guard promptly ran over to stop me and shake his head. Opps! I was still just happy to see them. I see the Gees Bend influence in your quilt 😁
I love that pin cushion its given me some ideasxx
I've always thought that Gees Bend quilts are like a warm hug. Just makes you smile.
I love this! I have fabric from 30 years ago that I'm gathering up into different quilts and arranging all my projects as well. Giving them a new identity. Lol! I wish we lived closer to each other. You are Giving me inspiration. This really shows how some creative minds work. Love it Kate! Thank you.
Love the colors in the pin cushion and the wonderful story of the Quilters of Gee's Bend in Alabama. I had not heard that tale before. Such a rich history in their quilts! TFS the inspiration, Kate, and have a great day!
I love you. The way you teach is so sweet. Thank you.
Hi, Kate! My very first quilt almost 60 years ago also had a blanket “batting.” It certainly did its job of keeping me warm and I also was very proud of it. My mother and I just tied it randomly with crochet thread, I believe. Our choices for battings today are certainly a great improvement. I love your apparent easy ability to mix up fabrics and shapes as my personality makes that very hard for me. You inspire me to work harder to relax with my fabric choices. I do so love the patchwork curtains in your bedroom, like the others in Liberty, but with larger squares. I am hoping to make some similar ones one day, but sadly not with those beautiful Liberty fabrics. Thanks you so much for your video visits. I enjoy each one so much!
The shape reminds me of a rooster doorstop my Mom's neighbor used to prop open her kitchen screen door. Her grandsons kept slamming the door. I sat on my Mom's lap because her laying hens would wander into the kitchen and they were huge! 🐔🐔🐔🐣
Hi Kate, I'm a new subscriber, only watched about 5 so far. I am from Tacoma, Washington, USA. I was happy to know you know. about the Gee's Bends Quiltters. Their quilts came to our TAM, Tacoma Arts Museum. I went & was so fascinated by their story, I read anything & everything I could about them. I bought the big book. I must dig it out. Great story. Not many people know about them. I was so happy when you brought the story up. I recently retired after 36 years in hospital pharmacy, now I have time to sew, garden, & do what I like. I really enjoy your program. Thank you, kris
My Grandmother made concussions for gifts for her friends. She would crochet a heart, then sew a heart from scrap fabric, stuff it, apply the crochet heart onto it and give them to her friends and family. The sewing was done on the treddle machine.
Kate I’m so excited. I just happened upon How a group of women in this small Alabama town perfected the art of quilting, op-docs, New York Times.
Hi Kate, what a lovely video! I always feel like I am sitting across from you in your kitchen or garden and 100% involved in your story or tutorial. I think your subscribers are connecting with your authenticity 😊. Keep em coming Kate !
Thank you - I read that comment often and it makes me very happy - because that is how it feels to me - I turn on the camera and I never think I am talking to more than just one person ..... YOU! xxx
I love your feeling of freedom to create. What a great inspiration those ladies are, too. You've enticed me to be more comfortable doing what I would like to create, rather than following patterns and conventions *all* the time. Love your work and presentation. Thank you so much, Kate, for sharing your videos. -Sally L Harris in Florissant, Missouri
The book is incredible, and I find the quilts much much more interesting than the the controlled patterning of many of the quilts today. So much more personality. Thanks for the video.
I just watched you “taking a break from your Lime Green Sofa”. I will miss you.
I hope you come back soon. You fill me with inspiration. I love all you do. Thank you.
Love your place. Love you and the cats, and all that you show us.
What a lovely video! Thank you so much for sharing Kate! I love your quilt and your beautiful pincushion 💖 and you have such a relaxing and comforting way of explaining things, and a soothing voice ☺️🙏 It's such a blessing to listen to you in this busy, noisy world where we are always rushing to get get things done.
Big hugs from France 🤗
I love your cats and how you are with them. I love the lives they and you live.
It was lovely going down memory lane with you Kate. I did remember the pin cushion and the top about the crushed nut shells. X
I love the idea of using old blankets in quilts. My mother-in-law passed several years ago and left us 2 ginormous wool blankets. Nobody in the family wanted them so I decided to use them for quilting. I was just getting back to quilting after a 30 year lapse (raising kids, a job, life etc). I cut up the blankets to make 4 Christmas tree skirts and 3 lap quilts. Everyone has a piece of Nana's life with them. I wash them too. Nothing bad has happened to them. Love your vlog!
Kate, you are fantastic.ilove all of the weird information you seem to 8se every day. Thank you.
This keeps me so entertained while I can’t sew myself with the broken arm. But more than that I just enjoy you!
Your home looks like a fabulous fiber wonderland!!! Thank you for sharing your time and talents!!!
Love the scrappy quilt. Love spending time with you.
I really like the combination of brown scrapy fabrics. I didn’t know that crushed walnut shells sharpen pins. I like the cute triangular design you decided on. Thank you, for educating us about the wonderful ladies in Gee’s Bend, MS. I had never heard of them. It’s wonderful that their stories are being retold.
❤️ Always love watching, learning something new each time I watch your videos
Beautiful quilt Kate. Bright and colourful.
I love your first quilt. Also, your pin cushion. You make life so interesting. Love your videos. I could sit and listen to you and watch your videos forever. 🎉❤😊❤
Yes ! Yess yes ,a thousand times yes ! The way quilting came about , my daughter asked me to make a quilt for her ,the only rule she wanted me to use was NO PATTERN , I was like oh my gawd how am I gonna do that ? I did figure it out and I absolutely loved it and so did she . Even the quilt shop perfect corner quilters admired it . I don't think I would have tried it if she hadn't asked .you never know what you can do and learn by trying something new eh? Still can't get those perfect corners tho. LOL
Love it! There are stories of my Grandma making quilts from her old clothes.
I learned so much tonight from this video, Kate❣️I love your first quilt & the story behind the inspiration ( I live in Georgia right next to Alabama & have never heard of these very special quilts!!). And then the crushed walnut shells as filling for a pin cushion 😮. Oh you have inspired me once again 🥰
I feel like I’m sitting with you, too- knitting and chatting ! Fun with history, cats- Norma, Sadie and Prudence too- Love your videos! Over and over😂 and your first quilt! Interesting and thank you- I’m Sandi Myer from Florida now but I love My Massachusetts! SnoW and like England! See you sometime!❤Love you! 🥰
Oh WOW! I love this quilt. I’m getting ready to maybe start something soon, I’m already 63, so coming to this very late but I’m really looking forward to having a go…..thanks for getting me involved Kate, you are so inspiring 💛🙋🏽♀️👍🏽 maybe a pincushion could be my first haveago thing. I’ve got to shorten 4 grey curtains and I have just lost a lot of weight, so my wardrobe needs a good purge!……oooh, I’m excited 😜
What a wonderful episode! I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m a patron but this one just popped up. I think you would love Harriet Powers’ quilts. There are only two but they are glorious Kate. Cheers!
On a show about restoration of metal, the owner used crushed almonds to polish off old paint and rust. The machine works like a tumbler. I buy small bags of crushed almond shells from pet shops that cater to reptiles.
I am so very glad to have discovered you, Kate! Your projects are always lovely, and your demeanor so warm & welcoming that I "visit" daily now. It's a wonderful way to wind down and end my day with a smile! 💖💯💫🥰
I absolutely adore that little pin cushion. I also love the first quilt you made. It is amazing you would choose to do it with such tiny little blocks instead of bigger ones, which to me would be so much easier. It is kind of like my friend who took up knitting many eons ago and her first piece was a cardigan sweater with the reindeers and pine trees etc . knitted into it. (she was living in Alaska at the time) When she was finished a friend of hers there asked why she had chosen such a difficult piece to knit and her reply was"No one told me it would be difficult for a beginner so I just did it". Thank you for sharing your quilts and their stories with us, that is half the enjoyment of looking at them. Have a Blessed day Kate.
Thanks for showing us the Gees Bend quilters....so good
Love having coffee with you in the mornings. Thanks for inviting us into your home.
Youre the best to listen to.
Wow. All hand quilted. Beautiful
Now I know walnut shells are useful and I love your way of quilting!!!
I really enjoyed seeing your first quilt. My first quilt (made about 40 years ago, before i was aware of proper quilting supplies) was bits of fabric, sewn higgledy piggledy on to an old blanket. My mother told me that this is what my grandmother used to do. This quilt now lives in my mother's airing cupboard. Thanks for jogging my memory.
Glad you're back. I enjoy your videos. You are like Mr. Rogers (USA Childrens Public Television Program) for quilters, and hand Crafters etc.
I'm going to have to check out Mr Rogers! ha ha!! xxx
Hello Kate, re-watching this episode as I’m also fascinated by the quilters of Gee’s Bend. To me, their quilting is so intriguing as it’s so unpredictable. I recently made a memory quilt top from the shirts of a dear deceased friend and I tried to follow a Gee’s Bend style. So satisfying…
Thank you for sharing your ideas Kate.
PS crushed walnut shells can be found at pet stores; they’re used for reptile bedding. Who knew?!?!
I am viewing this on Easter Saturday 2022. What a wonderfully relaxing time I have had with you sharing your quilt and the story behind the making.
I too am a (scrappy) girl and I hope I can get started..... at 78 will have to keep at it . Greetings from Melbourne Australia.
love the pin cushion that's one thing I don't have, now to find crushed walnut shells to make myself a pin cushion
I love the freedom and movement, no rules just fun kinds quilts, thank u for sharing the Gees bend quilt book ❤️
I love the women of Gees Bend....never a dull moment in beautiful colors sewn in a random poetic style. I love listening to you as your create your beautiful quilts.
for a beginner like me, this was great! Thank you so much.
Love the pincushion tutorial!
PPS: And the cats are so funny, how they always have to get between you and the camera, like they are determined to be the star of the show and keep you all to themselves! And the one bathing in the background, lol. 😂🤣🙃😆 Cracks me up!
Crushed walnut shells are used in media blasting. It used to be called sand blasting, but they switched to walnut shell and such because can strip the paint without damaging the materials underneath.
I'm the first person in my family to quilt in a couple generations. My mom says that my great-grandma was part of a sewing circle. They had a huge quilt frame that traveled from house to house. They would sit around it, work on someone's quilt, and socialize. I have cousins who sew, but they primarily make clothes or non-quilted blankets. My grandma, mom, and aunts all knew how to sew, but again they mostly made clothes.
I had a recommendation from UA-cam of your channel. I am loving it so far. I enjoy the slower pace type of vlog's/tutorials. Oh well I must go and finish the stocking I have made, you gave me the inspiration to recover the sofa that my husband found. Now I am waiting on the material of the top cover. Just hope I got enough ordered now. Anyway thank you for sharing the memories that you hold dear. Bye for now take care. Happy crafting.
Hello from Knoxville Tennessee USA! I've been following and liking for a good while now. Arne and Carlos mentioned you so I watched a few videos and am happily on your green couch. My life rambles and flows very much like yours. I'm retired and fiddle with the gardens and all my crafts. What a lovely life yes? Have a great day and thank you!