 My first quilt was World without End from A Quilter's Companion by Deloris Hinson. Welcome to Week 2 of the 2017 New Quilt Bloggers Blog Hop! It is my turn to introduce myself. I have been quilting as a hobby on and off for about 38 years. My first quilt was a baby quilt for my younger son. I hand-pieced and hand-quilted it. Unfortunately, I did not finish it until he was 12 years-old. So I made it a wall hanging instead. The pattern is a classic entitled World without End. I found the pattern in my first quilting book A Quilter's Companion by Delores Hinson. I enjoyed making that quilt, but it took so much time. I tried machine piecing, but I was dissatisfied with results. Then, I happen to see one of Eleanor Burns' quilting television programs. It changed my quilting life. She showed me how to machine piece accurately. Soon I was completing quilts in a timely manner, and I was pleased with the results. Over time, quilting became more and more a part of my life. Some people might say I am obsessed, but I think that is a matter of opinion. My New Adventure I live in Oklahoma on a farm called JANDA Bend. It is the home of JANDA Bend Christmas Trees. We have been raising and selling Christmas trees for many years. My husband started the business when we moved to Oklahoma so that I could take a faculty position at a nearby university. In May 2016 after 17 years of service, I retired as a Professor Emeritus and decided to start JANDA Bend Quilts. I think that this opportunity is a prefect blend of my love of quilting, love of teaching, and my desire to help make the world better place. We named our farm JANDA Bend by using the first letters our first names. Jerry and April. The Bend came from the bend in the meadow that our log home overlooks. At JANDA Bend Quilts, I am dedicated to helping others enjoy the art of quilting. I hope to do this by teaching quilting skills, designing quilt patterns, and supporting a community of quilters. I provide workshops and presentations for quilting guilds, quilt shops, and other groups and venues. The workshops feature Quilt in a Day patterns and techniques. I am a Quilt in a Day certified teacher. As I design quilt patterns, workshops will be available to teach those patterns as well. The designs will be available as pdf downloads initially. If you happen to live in Northeastern Oklahoma, I will be selling quilts and quilted items during the Christmas season in our shop at JANDA Bend. I prefer modern/traditional quilting. I enjoy making traditional quilts, but I also enjoy looking at traditional blocks and quilts in new ways and in new fabric choices. To give you some idea of my style, I have included some photos of quilts that I have made. I want to thank my family for allowing me to borrow the quilts that I gave them so that I could take pictures of them. I had to pinky swear that I would return them. Quilts provide more than warmth. I was finishing this quilt when my husband entered the hospital for major surgery. While he was in the hospital, I was able to complete it at night. He recuperated under that quilt. Even today, when one of us is ill we sleep under that quilt. It is our official healing quilt and provides both a feeling of warmth and a feeling of being loved. That is the power of quilts.  Pioneer Sampler by Eleanor Burns, Quilt in a Day kit. Having grandchildren changed my quilting life! We have a wonderful nine year-old granddaughter, and a marvelous six year-old grandson. Here are a few of the quilts that I have made for them.  Going Bananas, Gadabout Quilt pattern from Still Stripping after 25 Years by Eleanor Burns, Quilt in a Day.  Let It Snow, Candy Cane Lane pattern from Christmas at Bear's Paw Ranch, Eleanor Burns and Staff, Quilt in a Day, fabrics by Connecting Threads  Angry Birds, adapted from a pattern entitled, Simple Six by Sue Harvey and Sandy Boobar in Quilting for Baby edited by Jeanne Stauffer and Sandra L. Hatch I hope you will come back later in the week. I have some surprises planned. In the meantime, please be sure to visit the other 2017 New Quilt Bloggers in the Let's be Quilt'n hive, who will be introducing themselves starting the week of April 17: April at JANDABendQuilts (That's me!) Gail at Quilting Gail Kathy at Kathys Kwilts and More Nancy at Grace and Peace Quilting The other members of our hive are Amy at AmyScrapSpot Andrea at Goofin' Off Around the Block Barbara at Crazy Red Quilts Becca at Pretty Piney Emily at The Darling Dogwood Gina at Quilts and Cakes Gwen at Tillalili Kara at Sunshine Kwilts Nicole at Handwrought Quilts Rita at Posterity Quilt Company Samantha at Aqua Paisley Studio Sharon at Yellow Cat Quilt Designs Vivian at Quilting with Vivian Wendy at Pieceful Thoughts of My Quilting Life For more information concerning blog giveaways from our sponsors, please see our hosts: Yvonne at Quilting Jet Girl Leanne at She Can Quilt Beth at Cooking Up Quilts They have a complete list of participants in each hive and a list of the sponsors for the 2017 New Quilt Bloggers Blog Hop on their blogs. In addition, there are instructions concerning how to register for giveaways. There is a new giveaway each week. So if you did not win last week, you can try again! Blogging Tip
As a new blogger, I think it is important to realize that blogging is a learn-as-you-go process. Technology is a moving target. Be persistent and choose what you want to include based on your purpose. It is very easy to get side-tracked by the latest and greatest blogging tool. If you need it, use it. Otherwise let it go, there will be something else new very soon. Quilting Tip There is no one best way of doing anything, especially quilting. Do what works for you and follow your heart. After all, quilting is supposed to be fun. That is one of the reasons I do it. I also quilt because it relieves stress; it is creative; and I think that it makes the world a better place. Why do you quilt? You can type your answer as a comment at the end of the blog. Other comments are welcome as well. Hope to hear from you! I tend to reply on my blog instead of by email. You can also send me an email, and I will reply directly to you. I would love to hear from you. Happy Quilting!
62 Comments
4/16/2017 11:31:37 pm
Love your log cabin!!! What a perfect place to make and photograph quilts. And love your idea of the "healing quilt". Perfect. Thank you, Nancy, for your kind comments. I do find the log cabin and the farm itself inspirational for quilting. It is very peaceful here. I believe that quilts can be a physical representation of love and caring. The quilters that I know tend to be especially loving and nurturing people. I do not think that this is an accident. 4/17/2017 12:09:36 am
April, I enjoyed learning how you came up with your name and that you use it for both trees and quilts. Both of those things make me happy. I quilt for the fun, if it isn't fun I move on. Hi Sandra, I used to be a teacher by day and a quilter by night as well. When I quilted, it was impossible to let my day control my thoughts. I had I to think about quilting! I do miss teaching. It is a rewarding profession. That is why I want to teach others to quilt. I need to teach.
Beth T.
4/17/2017 02:43:30 am
I quilt, in part, because it is an artistic outlet, but mostly because quilting allows me to make my love a tangible thing. Your story about making a quilt during a time of recuperation that is still the quilt of choice when anyone in your family is feeling ill perfectly illustrates that. Quilts are so much more than blankets. 4/17/2017 09:27:22 am
I agree that quilts hold a lot of powerful love in them. I really love that you have a healing quilt, that resonates deeply with me. I quilt to be both a creative outlet and to put positive energy back out into the world. Thank you so much for being a part of this blog hop! Hi Yvonne, thank you for leading the blog hop! I have learned so much from everyone. I highly recommend it to other new bloggers. I liked what you said about "putting positive energy" in the world. There is plenty of negative energy out there already. I think that the world needs more kindness and caring. Quilting communities can help provide that. 4/17/2017 10:37:46 am
Your quilts are beautiful, and I *love* that you have a healing quilt. I have a favorite I cuddle under, and now you have me thinking I need to make everyone in my family a healing quilt! :) It was so nice to learn more about you April. Thanks for sharing your story with us! 4/17/2017 10:38:20 am
I quilt because it is "painting" with fabric without all of the paint mess. 4/17/2017 11:20:06 am
I quilt because I love to create and work with fabric. I agree about holding your breath and not always jumping on the newest fad right away; I like to breathe and see if it lasts. 4/18/2017 01:33:15 pm
Hi Kathleen, looks like we are on the same page concerning technology. I do like to try new ideas though. 4/17/2017 02:57:53 pm
Thanks for sharing your journey with us! And for being part of the blog hop! I quilt because it is a huge stress-reliever, allows me to express creatively and I enjoy seeing the finished products!
Nice to meet you, April! I enjoyed seeing your completed quilts, and I think I spent as much time on the tree farm website as I did on yours! 4/17/2017 04:33:17 pm
It was great getting to know you in this post. Why do I quilt? I quilt for many reasons, but mostly hoping to provide a quilt that can provide comfort to someone--whether it be family, friend, or through charity. There are never enough quilts to go around.
Lisa
4/17/2017 05:25:54 pm
I'm happy to meet you and see your wonderful quilts. Welcome to the world of quilt blogging. Hi April, it's so much fun to meet you through your blog. I'm part of the blog hop, so I'm enjoying reading the posts. I don't post until the last week. Your farm sounds like a lovely place to live and create! I think I need to make a healing quilt; what a neat quilt to have! Hi April, so wonderful to meet you! Living in a log cabin on a christmas tree farm!!!!! Amazing and on top of that an incredible quilter and teacher. I love your healing quilt, I might just have to make one of those for my home. Once again lovely to meet you and I will be back.
Vanda
4/18/2017 07:19:59 am
Thank you for sharing your story with us. I love the surroundings you live in, so peaceful. Your quilts are beautiful. 4/18/2017 10:20:58 am
It was great to meet you, April! I loved reading your story and can relate to the transition from teaching to quilting. You make beautiful quilts! 4/18/2017 11:22:55 am
Hi April - it was lovely to get to know you better in this post. I love the idea of a healing quilt - and yours is beautiful. I look forward to following you on your journey.
Rose Mikulski
4/18/2017 04:04:43 pm
Hi April, The World Without End Quilt caught my eye immediately and I know why, I have the book also and always wanted to make one. Good to meet you on the Blog Hop. Thanks for sharing. I make quilts because I love fabric. Hi Rose, I love the Quilter's Companion book! I think it is because I really like the old patterns that have a history. It seems like I'm connecting to the past. That is why when I design patterns, I want to use elements from the past in new ways. It extends the connection. I am enjoying the blog hop as well. It's so wonderful to read all about you and your quilting Journey. How nice that you live on a farm and grow Christmas trees! Your quilts are very lovely. I quilt because I love playing with fabric and because it helps me do something meaningful. I could use your healing quilt right now!
April, I am drooling over your Pioneer Sampler, I love those colors! I quilt for kids. I make baby blankets for every baby I know, and this summer I'm planning on teaching my soon-to-be 5 year old how to quilt (she grew up way too fast!) 4/19/2017 11:50:45 am
Quilting keeps me busy and always something new to enjoy. I would like to have my own handmade quilts and table toppers, etc throughout my house, possibly even seasonal if I can manage.
Sarah@123quilt
4/19/2017 12:55:43 pm
I was wondering what JANDA Bend meant and now I know! Lol. Great intro post. I really enjoyed learning more about you and seeing some of your quilts. I couldn't agree more that there is no one best way to quilting. I always tell people to do what works best for them!
Lori Smanski
4/19/2017 08:26:44 pm
lovely quilts. I love your quilty tip. such a great reminder. thanks 4/20/2017 05:32:23 am
April, I love your tips - they are both perfect, and your quilting philosophy is one I can truly appreciate. I think every home should have its own healing quilt ;) 4/20/2017 09:14:56 am
Your world without end quilt is beautiful! So many of us bite off more than we can chew with our first projects. I enjoyed reading your blog and getting to know you. I love the photos and styling of your quilts, blogging gives you a great record of your quilts. As a former new quilt blogger I found it very useful, my one tip would be, people rarely return to read a reply to their comment, a direct email comment generally works well.
Angela Short
4/20/2017 07:17:00 pm
I quilt because it is so much fun to do! Have a nice day!! 4/21/2017 12:05:43 pm
Hi April, thank you for this lovely post. I love your World without End quilt and can’t quite believe this is your first quilt, its beautiful! Leave a Reply. |
April adamsI am a quilter who is starting a new adventure. After retiring in May 2016, I became a certified Quilt in a Day Instructor. I am certified to teach workshops using Quilt in a Day patterns and techniques. In addition, I am designing my own quilt patterns. 
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