I live literally five minutes away from Camp Pendleton, the huge Marine base here in North San Diego county, which you could totally figure out if you spent the day in my apartment complex. The parking lot alone could tell you a lot about the breed, since every other car is some massive pickup truck. The marines are a manly lot.
I was stunned, therefore, when I walked into my first quilting class to find myself seated next to Chris, a big bald and burly retired marine who was sewing the binding onto a Mother’s Day quilt for his mom. The girls all adore him just for being there. He’s usually quiet at the classes, putting his head down and cranking out the squares with precision, and the women still fuss over him all the same. Whenever he enters the room someone cries out, “The Bouncer’s here!” At our first class everyone was showing off the projects they’d been working on in the hiatus, and Chris held up a queen size quilt top he had made for his daughter that was made entirely out of Strawberry Shortcake fabrics.
I’ve been having a blast at the classes. Like I’ve said, crafters are awesome and this bunch is no exception. I didn’t have any fabrics picked out prior to the class and I wasn’t sure how much of each to get, so the instructor kind of helped me pick some out just before we got started. While they aren’t all the fabrics I might have chosen if I wasn’t under some time pressure, I’m really kind of thrilled with the result so far.
The main fabric is the one I really fell in love with. It’s an Asian print with flowers and butterflies on it in some really gorgeous colors, and the rest are all Michael Miller fabrics chosen in a hurry to go with the Asian floral.
I’m already planning my next quilt. I’m thinking something really subtle, monochromatic colors in a smoky palette, out of some kind of satiny fabric. I’m always attracted to the juxtaposition of old/new, modern/traditional in my crafting, so I really like the idea of a traditional quilt made out of untraditional fabric. And then it could go in my new bedroom of my new house if anyone ever decides to take our money.
I am so freakin' jealous of your craftiness! I could never quilt. First I would have to learn to sew. Oy.The quilt is beautiful. Keep us updated with your projects.:)-D.