Confessions of a quiltaholic: My Thursday quilting group of friends

Confessions of a quiltaholic: My Thursday quilting group of friends Holy smokes, am I stoked! I got to see the cover of my new book for the first time today. My latest quilting book, “Quick Little Landscape Quilts,” makes its debut this fall. In fact, I’m so happy, I feel like doing cartwheels across my lawn. I said I feel like doing cartwheels, not that I will do cartwheels. Hell would freeze over and pigs would fly if I attempted a cartwheel at my age.

Local quilter and author Joyce Becker writes 'Confessions of a Quiltaholic for the Kent Reporter.

Local quilter and author Joyce Becker writes 'Confessions of a Quiltaholic for the Kent Reporter.

Holy smokes, am I stoked! I got to see the cover of my new book for the first time today. My latest quilting book, “Quick Little Landscape Quilts,” makes its debut this fall. In fact, I’m so happy, I feel like doing cartwheels across my lawn. I said I feel like doing cartwheels, not that I will do cartwheels. Hell would freeze over and pigs would fly if I attempted a cartwheel at my age.

Seeing the cover of my new book got me to thinking about my “Thursday” quilting group. Without them, the cover quilt for my new book, “Dryer Lint, Etc.,” would not be in existence.

You see, my funky little “cover” quilt, is constructed primarily from dryer lint. Call me crazy, but I like to use “found” stuff in my quilts – anything that imparts realism works for me. Lucky for me, my Thursday “pals” save their colored- and felted-wool dryer lint for me. (Note: I have enough to last me for centuries so no need to send me yours.)

We “stitch and bitch” together every other Thursday and we know each other so well, it’s like we have formed our own support group, minus the shrink. Through “the best of times and the worst of times,” we are there for one another. If one of us needs technical advice on a quilting project, we are Johnny on the spot with multiple solutions!

When I first attended Thursday group, I used to sit next to my dear friend, Ivy Tuttle, and watch her hand-quilt. Ivy is one of those rare quilters who “crab” quilts, meaning she can quilt any direction with precise, teeny-tiny stitches. Although I never mastered “crab” quilting, with Ivy’s tutelage, I eventually became a decent hand-quilter. A long-time Kent resident, Ivy is one of the most creative and talented quilters I know.

The other day, she showed up at Thursday Group, with a huge pile of original hand-appliquéd quilt blocks. Ivy is creating what she calls a “Journal” quilt with blocks depicting every-day occurrences in her life for an entire year. These meticulous blocks portray incredibly happy, joyous themes as well as sad occurrences.

Studying Ivy’s blocks, I laughed and cried and was amazed at her ability to represent some her daily experiences in cloth. I count myself fortunate to have Ivy as my friend, as well as all of my other “Thursday” friends. Thank you, dear friends, for your friendship!

If you are a solitary quilter, think about starting your own group with like-minded quilters. You’ll be surprised with the long-time friendships you will make as well as all of the other “perks!”

Happy stitching!

Joyce Becker is a Kent resident, longtime quilter, quilting author and a columnist for the Kent Reporter. Let us know what you think! Send your comments to Editor Laura Pierce at lpierce@kentreporter.com


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in Life

The Kent Holiday Craft Market will run Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1-2 at the Kent Senior Center, 600 E. Smith St. COURTESY PHOTO, City of Kent
Catch the Kent Holiday Craft Market Friday, Saturday Nov. 1-2

Features one-of-a-kind, handcrafted gifts from local artists and craftspeople

Team Survivor Northwest hike to Twin Lakes in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Courtesy photo.
Team Survivor Northwest leads hiking adventures for women battling cancer

“It’s so wonderful connecting with all these women,” said breast cancer survivor Jennifer Dovey.

Kent Station’s annual Haunted Boo-Levard is from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31 at the shopping center. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent Station
Kent Station shopping center plans Halloween celebration Oct. 31

Trick or treating at local shops from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

t
Street of Treats Halloween event in downtown Kent set for Oct. 26

A frightfully fun family outing from 2 to 5 p.m. at 11 participating businesses

t
The Wolf’s Hometown Holiday country concert set for Dec. 5 in Kent

Lineup: Jordan Davis, Randy Houser, Warren Zeiders, Jackson Dean, Priscilla Block and Zach Top

My first Marble Queen Pothos, named Frida. Photo by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing.
Plants are the new pets: Bringing some lively green to your living space

For people who may be new to house plants or those who want a way to help spruce up their living space, here are a few tips.

Gamers face off in a match of “Tekken” at PAX. Photo by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing.
PAX West: Highlighting local games, charities

It has been 20 years since the Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) first… Continue reading

t
Disney on Ice returns Oct. 23-27 to Kent at ShoWare Center

Theme for this year is Magic in the Stars

t
Kent Cider & Ale Trail event set for Oct. 12 in historic downtown

Enjoy ciders, ales and other beverages while enjoying the charm of local shops

In an effort to strengthen King County’s cultural sector and increasing public access to arts, heritage, science, public art and historic preservation education and experiences, 4Culture and Doors Open will bring funding to local non-profit organizations in 2025 and beyond. Susan Point. “Northwind Fishing Weir Legend”, 1997. Carved and painted cedar with cast concrete. Green River Trail, Tukwila, WA. King County Public Art Collection. Photo: joefreemanjunior.com
Doors Open brings millions of dollars to arts and cultural organizations throughout King County

With a minimum of 25% of funding to go to areas outside of Seattle, Doors Open will strengthen public acces to art, heritage, science and historic preservation.