STAND UP AND BE QUILTED!

This hasn't happened in a very long time---

a cat divot in my TAUT quilt layers on the frame!!! 

Since I hadn't started any quilting on it yet, it wasn't a big deal to fix it but it doesn't bode well for future projects!!!

 

I worked all day but got the quilting done, applied the binding and even sewed the QOV label on the back!

And then before I could drop, I loaded the second QOV that needed to be quilted.  I hope to work on it when I get back from getting my x-rays that didn't happen on Friday!  (Bill dropped me off, I waited in line to sign in and was told that they were so backed up they couldn't get to me so could I please come back on Monday!  A quick call to Bill and he came back and rescued me!)  

DISCOVERY

Mary and I were able to load her quilt onto my frame--it was 3" too wide which led to some interesting discussions and ideas.  We ended up deciding that Mary would free-motion quilt in the center of the quilt and then do the borders last.  This was Mary's first attempt at free-motion and over a year since she has used my frame and machine so there was a bit of a learning curve but she persevered!  This quilt is made of the shirts that belonged to her daughter-in-law's recently departed Dad.  I didn't get to work on the binding at all but I hope to do that today.

One quick project I did do was fill this planter with soil and a slip of Swedish ivy.  This belonged to my Mom and Gram before her and now it will brighten my own shelf! 

I discovered this outside--this is our tropical milkweed.

And these are two Monarch caterpillars 

(there was a third one also but he didn't fit in the pic!) 

which have stripped the branch they were on so I pulled another branch into their reach and see if they work through it, too. 

 I'm keeping my eye on these guys

 so I can find another Chrysalis this year!!

 

WHIPPING THEM UP!

This is the Christmas quilt for me;  finally loaded on the frame after all of the flurry of QOV projects!

I am using a simple panto and have the top halfway done already!

I also made another mug rug--this one did go faster the way most repeats do.  I also remembered to cut the backing and batting oversized so it was easier to do the quilting lines and then the trimming after that!  Note to self! 

I'm getting a cut little pumpkin patch going!

 

A LLITTLE ATTENTION EVERYDAY ADDS UP!

I worked at the frame until I was too tired to stand up anymore.  I was pleased with the progress just the same!

When I sat down, I pieced another couple of 

rows and pieced enough red/white blocks for the next row! 

 A good day in the studio!

 

INSIDE AND OUT PLAY

I was able to do several rows on the quilt using white poly thread on the top--pretty and subtle.

I am using this panto design for this quilt-

I like the results and doing it also!

We have had several very hard rainfalls this last week 

(almost 5") and when we do, areas like this are 'rich' in glass.

This is where we had discovered an old refuse pit buried here so after a hard rain, I like to pick up the pieces 

that come to the surface!

I had a very good harvest yesterday--the bottle neck is very thick which means it is very old.  The pieces I collect go into the tumblers to make them resemble sea glass!  This part of the yard is very near the backyard bird feeder, so it is a good pit stop---the weather was so much cooler and we had a breeze which has been absent all summer. 

 Even I lingered outside so much longer than I have in months!

 

WORKING AT THE FRAME STILL

Off the frame and ready for the binding 

which will happen today, to the best of my ability!

And I placed this year's Shop Hop quilt up for its turn.  Once I finish this in a few days, I will get back to piecing the two ideas on the design wall so they can be in ready for the frame, also.  It is nice to be current with my projects and not behind anymore!

 

MAKING THE MARK

I applied the binding and tossed this in the laundry

 for the final touch!  Perfection!  55" x 60"

I loaded the 2024 FL Shop Hop quilt onto the frame.

I almost finished it but another 20 minutes should see it done

 but it wasn't going to happen today!

 

OFF THE FRAME THEY FLY

The quilting was finished on this quilt 

and then I spent a lot of time making bindings yesterday.  

I hope to apply them for some finishes is my goal today!  

PROGRESSING

I sewed the outer two borders on this year’s All FL Shop Hop Quilt; now it’s added to the ‘get a backing’ pile!

 

I loaded this quilt onto the frame but when I added the top layers, I realized the backing was too narrow!  I took it all off so I could add a strip to widen the backing!

Thankfully, I had some fabric in the stash that met this need!

And then I did a row to anchor it in place! This will be a priority to complete today!

FRAME WORK

We loaded one quilt on and Marsel finished it in one day!  

She did a simple meander which is perfect for a quilt that will be donated to the senior home.  We did get the other tumbler one loaded on and are hoping to get that one done today!

The hibiscus has been very busy putting out multiple blooms each day--they love the hot and humid weather!  

 

EASING INTO THE WEEK

The Layer Cake slices top #1 is off the frame and waiting for me in the binding pile......

And slices of Layer Cake #2 is loaded and ready .

I made some stickers on the Cricut;  it went well and took too long.  I do hate being a beginner with expert ideas! lol

 

SOME QUILTING FRAME TIME

Yesterday went a lot better!  I finished the girl's quilt at the frame and will give it binding today at quilt group.

I also wrapped up this one on the frame and it, too,

 will get a binding finished today, I hope!

I did load up the cat table runner but didn't get farther than that.

By then I was ready to sit so I put in some time at the loom; 

 I finished towel #2 and started the beginning of #3.

I need to think about what's next!

 

JUST ONE

 The great plans memo didn't get to my body. 

 I loaded one quilt and could only do a few rows 

before I had to go back to bed. 

 Yup, busy exacts a price from me!

I'VE GOT NEW WHEELS!

Look at the difference between the old wheels for my quilting frame (left) and the new one on the right!

The package was well-organized and had very clear instructions which was much appreciated.

Bill provided the muscle (that machine weighs a ton!) while I explained the instructions and held things in place.  In an hour, we had the new ones in place!

Of course I enjoyed a few rows to prove it was worth the money to replace the wheels! lol  They are worth every penny!  As soon as I am back to myself, I will be active in the studio again!

 

MISS D'S QUILT SHOW '23

This woman entered several of this style of quilts!

  They were all amazing!

One of the ladies at our church entered this one!

This log cabin was unique because of the addition of real log cabin houses throughout the quilt!

Turtle cuteness!

Beautiful applique work!

There were several with this muted palette-just gorgeous!

And then there were raw applique and bright colors.

A quilt for Valerie!

My favorite of the show was this needle turned quilt in the Hawaiian style.

It was her amazing use of Batik fabrics that gave this incredible use of color shifting for the vines and blocks!

The Flamingo Dance quilt I recognized from the Jacksonville Show!

And we have disaster in the studio.....one of the wheels on my machine (they allow the machine to glide in any direction-there are 8 of them) has split apart and the machine is unable to move smoothly, if at all!!!!   It is $250 to replace the wheels with the NEW system of wheels;  they are not sold individually! My machine is around 35 years old so I am stuck for a while which is really sad since I have a quilt loaded on it and a bunch of ideas percolating in my head!!!!