Marsha Michler suggests learning quilting methods via small-scale work: potholders. This is the only size quilt I have ever completed, and pairs of potholders have become my standard wedding gift. I am making some for July weddings, and will post a tutorial from them, but for now I just wanted to show off some pictures.
Last summer I made butterfly potholders from two calicos out of my stash and some heavier fabric (the dark green and brown) found at an antique store for a dime:
Usually I finish the edging with blanket stitch; this time I got fancy and used closed blanket:
I have two sets in progress (which of course are not going to be the sets I give at this summer’s weddings!), one casual and one more formal (sexy, even?):
The main delay on these is that the kimono and coffee appliques need to be stitched down, and I want them to be nice looking. Hence, hand embroidery, at which I am very slow.