How I got started

So 6 years ago I was passing through Berlin, Ohio, the heart of Amish country and I saw a sign advertizing Amish quilts for 50% off. It suddenly occured to me that I would love an Amish quilt. Of course, back then, I couldn't tell a handstitched quilt from a hole in the wall. I found a nice queen-sized quilt that had a simple pattern and a price I could afford. I brought it home, thinking I had an authentic Amish quilt, and realized it had a TAG! That was the first sign of my ignorance. The second was that it wasn't even made in the USA. Three guesses as to where: China, of course.

Horribly ashamed, I had a better look at the stitching, which wasn't even straight, and figured I could do a better job myself. At that point, the only time I had wielded a needle was for cross stitch. I headed off to the library and checked out every quilting book I could find. My daughter was only 2 at the time and very much in love with her stuffed rabbit, so the first quilt I tackled was a toddler sized one with rabbits in the blocks. So then I discovered the joys of Steam-a-Seam and did a credible job of zig-zagging them on afterward. The problem came when I tried to line up the borders. I think I must have ripped out the seams several times before they came into alignment. I was sold! Who knew quilting could be so much fun! I've never looked back:)

 

My huband obliged me by holding the quilt up. My daughter was overjoyed with the bunnies.

Origin of Tanderwen

And in case any one is wondering, Tanderwen means 'under the oak tree' in Welsh. It is the name of the street where my husband and I bought our first house. Technically it should be spelled with a double D (Tandderwen), but I thought I would Americanize it to help you guys out:)

Getting started

Yay! I finally figured out how to set up a blog. I am very excited to get started. I have been quilting for 6 years now, and I have just upgraded to a beautiful Babylock Jane. No longer do I have to squish monsterous king sized quilts into my little Viking E20. As much as I am proud to say that it can be done, it is not without difficulty. Now I have loads of space and the power to quilt faster and smoother.

I am really looking forward to starting my own quilting business.