An Escape That Won't Unravel

As a mom, I am constantly doing the same things over and over again. After I have all the laundry washed, folded and put away, there will be another hamper full of dirty clothes the next morning. All the dishes I washed before bedtime will somehow reappear in the sink by the time I wake up. I would love the satisfaction of completing a task once and then crossing it off my list, never to see it again.

I enjoy art projects because once they are complete, the work is done and I have something to show for my effort. So when a quilting exhibit at the Ventura County Fair piqued my interest, so I decided to give it a try. I love the idea that after a quilt is completed and I have gone to bed, it won't magically unravel into a heap of fabric, thread and batting by the next day.

Quilt 'n' Things in Montrose is owned by local resident Linda Bennett, whose granddaughter's quilt recently won "Best in Show" at the Los Angeles County Fair. As I entered the store and took in the scene of over 3,000 bolts of quilting fabric, I was overwhelmed by the myriad patterns and thread choices. I attended the store's  "Quilters Club" (which meets Monday mornings) and I was welcomed by several wonderful ladies who have been quilting together for over 10 years.

They showed me their work and offered me delicious snacks, and I quickly realized that this club is as much about eating and socializing as it is about quilting. The quilters likened their club meetings to group therapy. They taught me a simple square patchwork quilt pattern that I could work on in class or at home (when I'm not folding the laundry or washing the dishes, again).

Sample ideas and class projects are displayed throughout the store. On April 16 the store will offer a crash course in how to quilt a purse in just one day. By the end of class you will have completed the entire project! Such an event can be the perfect opportunity for a quick escape with a group of girlfriends (or anyone else who enjoys carrying a quilted purse)!

Another great idea is a t-shirt quilt made from travel, college, or sports t-shirts. These are all the rage right now, and they make excellent gifts for children graduating from high school or college. Instructor Francine Loomis teaches this class several times a year at Quilt 'n' Things. The store's website has an almost endless list of additional classes, projects, and activities for people of all ages and expertise, including a children's quilting class on Monday afternoons.

Bring your own sewing machine (and appetite) to class. There is plenty of room to spread out and start your project. If you encounter problems with your quilt, there are always plenty of people there to offer sympathy and solutions. Pre-cut quilting squares are also available at the store. The finished quilt will be a tangible reward for all your hard work. Of course, you'll have to wash it along with the rest of the laundry, over and over again.