Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Seven Eight Lay Them Straight




In order to learn all the basics after I had been quilting for six months, I took a beginners class at the Pin Cushion. It was great! I had the top finished but had not sewn the borders. I really didn't like the fabric selection as well as when I started. The gals suggested I add a bright yellow border, so I did. Loaded it on my frame and quilted for an hour and a half tonight. My Q-bot is doing the circles pattern on the quilt from top to bottom. I think it looks cool.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

My First Saturday Sampler




I began quilting January 2008 and this is the first finished product that is a composition of many blocks made over the year. Our local quilt shop has a Saturday Sampler and this year it was baskets and I selected the batik fabric designs. Here are my pictures. It is bright and cozy. I picked nine of the twelve baskets as a couple just didn't turn out well. My major learning on this project was the importance of 1/4 inch seam allowances. My machine is a bit off so I bought a special foot and the last three baskets came out exact. The flowers were an extra block you could make each month. I added butterflies to some baskets to change it up a bit.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

To Quilt or Knit?

That is a question! I have been a knitter since I was eight years old. That story another time. I became a quilter about one year ago at the coaxing of my friend and colleague, Sara. I learned to stitch when I was very young. I still have my first sewing machine. My mother was a Home Economics teacher and she loved to sew. She made most of my clothes when I was growing up. My grandmother had the patience however to teach me to make quilt blocks and of course, I started with a nine block. I don't think I ever put a block together with another block but I remember making beautiful combinations on my little machine.
I have decided to start another blog because I really love reflecting in this way. I hope to interact with other quilters in this fashion. Perhaps, I can learn something from you. It all seams sew simple!