First, a little background. I sort of "fell" into quilting, as opposed to choosing it. But, being the Gemini that I am (multi-talented and multi-focused) I managed to do it, despite my own misgivings about my abilities.

In January of 1998, shortly after I started a new job in the office of a private Catholic all-boys' high school, I was told about the "Senior Quilt." This quilt, a signature block pattern, had been done each year since 1990 as a fundraiser. Each senior boy was given a muslin square to have embroidered; then all of the squares were formed into a quilt and raffled off to the mothers of the senior boys. 1997's quilt raised more than $1000. The lady who had done the previous years' quilts was no longer associated with the school, so this year's quilt was in jeopardy.

My mother is a quilter, so I told the people at work I'd ask her if anyone in her quilt group would be interested in working on the project. My mother, never doubting my abilities, said cheerfully, "Oh, you can do this, I'll show you how."

And a quilt was born. These pages are devoted to this project in all its fun and heartache. In seven weeks I took 67 muslin squares, added one school square, one large medallion square, 16 friendship squares, sashing, and binding, and created this quilt. For my first quilt ever, it was a success.

And the bonus? I'm "infected!" I'm infected with the quilting bug. And I don't want to be cured! I have three UFO's right now, in various stages, and I don't see it ending. So what if my dining room is now the sewing room, and the living room chairs are being used to "air out" batting? I don't care...I can't stop myself!

So here goes...the "Saga of the Senior Quilt." These pages are designed with a maximum of two images on each page, so they'll load quickly. To move to the next page, click the "next page" link after the last picture on each page.

Okay, I know we're supposed to start at the beginning, but I like the end better. This photo really doesn't do the quilt justice.