Sew What?

So, I like to sew.  How long have I known this?  Actually, since 7th grade Home Economics class.  I can even remember what I made.  A bike bag.  Something that would hang around my handlebars of my bike so I could ride without having to hold on to anything.  It was blue. With black acents.  It went on my purple 10-speed bike.  I loved it.  It was even more cool because I had made it myself.

What have I sewn since?  Nothing!

That's not true... I did have a friend coerce me (she really didn't have to try very hard) into quilting about 7 years ago.  I took a few sewing classes with her, and then we followed the directions to make a baby-size quilt (crib size).  I LOVED it.  It wasn't excellent, but it came out more or less square and I made it and I loved it.  I have no idea if my sister liked it or how much they used it, but it didn't matter... it was awesome!  I was so excited that I made a few quilted Christmas gifts (door hangings).  Had a good time with that too.  Then... not another stitch.  Not by way of my machine.

Well, the same friend, whom I got into scrapbooking, has nudged me toward quilting again. So... I've gone to another sewing class (to refresh my sad, tired brain) which I mentioned in this post... and now I'm taking a 4-part series of quilting classes.  Our first class was Wednesday and I have HOMEWORK to do! 

So here you go... this is what I'm starting with. 

Here are the fabrics I chose.  I'm strongly drawn to batiks.  It is what I used for the baby quilt.  And it is what I'm using now...

So, or ... sew... I shall post my progress here.  I am terribly prone to bouts of perfectionism when I sew, which makes me feel terribly inadequate and generally "bad" at sewing, but I'm going to try and break through that barrier with this quilt.  Because I really want to sew more, and I want to have the confidence that I don't need somone looking over my shoulder to do it (like a "class').

So... when I post my progress, I'm unabashedly requesting your support and praise.  Please, consider there to be an 'APPLAUSE' sign over the top of the blog and just do me a favor and tell me it's great (even if it's sad or scary.  Okay?  That way you'll help me past this barrier and then I can finally start sewing more in all areas... even on my scrapbook pages!  TIA!!