Fun with quilting

It is amazing that this got quilted today!  It all started out so well.  I got the backing, batting, and top on the frame without a hitch.  I had no problem winding the bobbins, which sometimes give me fits.  Then, things started to go downhill.  At the end of the first pass of the basting line at the top, the extension cord didn't stretch far enough and the carriage that holds Priscilla (the Juki) went off the tracks.  Frustration number one.  Tom was kind enough to help me put it all back on.  All systems go.  Then, the thread broke about six inches into the quilting.  After I figured out where I had threaded the machine wrong, I started out again.  Then, the needle broke.  I had to go in search of a new needle.  By now, I was thinking I needed to stop and walk away.  This quilt is going to a cancer patient, and I only wanted good vibes to go into it, after all.  I pulled myself together, threaded the new needle, and off I went, until that needle fell out.  I hadn't tightened it well enough.  Are you laughing yet? It had reached a point where I just had to laugh.  After I put in the needle again, and made sure it was tight, I started out again.  This all happened on the first pass across the quilt, by the way.  After I got that first pass under my belt, it was smooth sailing the rest of the way.  Now, all I have to do is make and attach the binding, and it is good to go.  I will post a photo of the finished quilt tomorrow as part of the H2H finish posting.

I hope the rest of you had a much smoother day today doing whatever you chose to do.  Enjoy your evening and the rest of your weekend.  Joyful quilting, everyone.

One block to show

I spent quite a lot of time getting a couple of quilts ready to go on the frame.  They had been stored for a while, and picked up tons of threads and other garbage.  I am a bit anal about hanging threads, so they had to all be clipped or removed.  Then I spent time making more fabric for the BOMs.  Neither of these things was photo worthy.  This is the only block I got put together today.    Hopefully, I will get a JL block or two made tomorrow morning before I have to pick Bella up from pre-school.  That would be nice.

I have been thinking about quilting lately.  Not piecing, but actually quilting.  I have been trying to convince myself that I have to learn how to do fancy quilting if I really want to call myself a quilter. I even started practicing every day for a week.  I finally figured out that it is just not my thing. I would much rather spend time playing with fabrics.  I really enjoy seeing a well quilted piece.  I have a deep admiration for those who enjoy doing this.  That being said, I finally realized that I am really all about the fabric and color and what patterns I can create with them.  I have also realized that is okay.  My quilts are going to continue to have simple quilting unless I win the lottery and can afford to have someone who enjoys quilting do that part of it.

Now it is your turn.  Do you prefer a quilt where it is the quilting that shines, or one where the fabric is the star?  Isn't it wonderful that this art form can be so rewarding for all of us.

Joyful quilting, everyone.  I will be back on Friday.

My New Quilt Frame and Sewing Machine

My wonderful husband gave me a new Little Grace quilt frame and a new Juki quilting machine for a combined birthday and Christmas present. I got it set up in time to finish the quilt I made for my sister and her husband for Christmas. I really like it and can't wait to get the next quilt on the frame.
I have joined the Cedar River Quilt Guild and look forward to participating in their charity projects. This group makes preemie quilts for a local hospical NICU. I just finished washing the fabric for my first preemie quilt. There is a group within the guild that also participates in the Hero quilt project making quilts to donate to wounded soldiers. When I got the quilt frame and machine, I was determined to participate in making quilts for charities. There are a number of opportunities to create quilts for a cause out there. For now, I am going to start with these. I am looking forward to being part of this guild.
I intend to use this space to share the quilts I make, tips I pick up along the way, and anything else about fabric and quilting that I find interesting. As time goes on, I hope to become a very active member of the online quilting community.