At the Quilters

I dropped my top, back and batting off at the quilt shop at lunch today. It was fun picking out the quilting pattern and thread. When it is done, it will be trimmed and ready for the binding. They said about 4 weeks. I am assuming they are starting to get Christmas projects.

While there i noticed that they had all their Halloween fabric for 40% off. I had a brainstorm for Christmas. It remains to be seen whether it will be a good one or not. I think I am going to make holiday placemats for nieces, nephews and our family for Christmas. I think it will be a lot of fun. I may be insane! If I wait until after the Holiday and get it all 40-50% off it shouldn't be too bad.

Quilt Back

Worked on my quilt this afternoon. This is what I had to begin with. Two pieces seamed in the middle.

To make it look like I planned it, and just didn't run out of fabric, I made borders for each side. Like this. It came out perfectly.

Tomorrow it is going to the quilters. I am taking it to be quilted in a shop for several reasons. 1. I don't have frames, 2. It would take me several months and I want it done before January and 3. I'm going to get brave and enter it into JoAnn's quilt contest in January.

I'm Saved-Quilt Wise Anyway!

My friend Carole and I took a trip to the quilt store where I bought my fabric. I found it almost right away. It looked like there was only 3-4 yards left on the bolt which was fine. I only wanted 11/2.

We wandered all over and saw some great things. Went into the back room and looked at the sale fabric. They had their Halloween back there. There was a wall hanging that was really cute. I am not into wall hangings right now, but it was something to think about.

Solutions

Talked to my quilting teacher tonight and she gave me several options for the back. If I find the same fabric I can add on to it. If not I can use the fabric I have left over from the front to create a border which will make it the right size.

I am really praying to find the same one. It was kind of a funky print, and a batik, so I think the chances are good.

Quilt Top Finished

I finished my quilt top the other night. I love the way it turned out. Started to do the back tonight and I don't have enough fabric. I'm not really surprised. I bought it without knowing how big it was going to be and just guessing. I am not sure what to do. I guess part of it depends on if they still have the fabric.

Quilt Progress

I got my blocks for my quilt all cut out. I went to sew the first block and my machine decided it had enough. The stitch length was from gathering to darning and back. I can't remember the last time I had it worked on. At least 6-7 years ago. I took it in and got it adjusted and oiled. I have to say it is like a different machine. Just tells you how bad it was.

I got all the blocks put into rows Tuesday this week. Tonight I put all the rows together. It looks really good. I am really happy with it. I still want to put a couple of borders around it to help it all tie together. I am going to use the burgundy, the backing which I don't have a picture of yet, and maybe a new one in a gray/brown. Right now it is 48 1/2" x 68".

Catchup

It has been several months since i have blogged, but my hands have still been busy. I finished the third panel on my shawl, but still can't decide between lace edging or fringe. It is sitting on my desk in my craft room while I decide.
I finished a pair of pink socks to go with jeans. I found a great pattern on the Internet for an eyelet baby afghan done in two stranded sport weight yarn and size 15 needles. It has seed stitch around the edges and panels inside. It works up fast and is softer than you could ever imagine. I made one for a shower the end of June and then just finished another one to have on hand. I know quite a few women with babies on the way all of a sudden. In August, while in need of a project for a road trip I started a sweater vest for my husband. He works in a bank and so he dresses up 6 days a week with church on Sunday. He likes to wear them in the winter. He has been wanting a blue one. He has a beige and off white in his closet. I like to take a basic plain pattern and then add cables and decorative stitches. The back is done, and the front up to the vee. I need to concentrate on the patterns while I do the decrease and so I have set it down for a quiet evening. (It may be a while!). I do want to have it done for Christmas though.
I found out that one if the ladies in my church congregation was teaching quilting. She isn't charging, but of course you are required to pay for your supplies. I went and bought the fabric the end of June. I didn't have anyone go with me. I knew what color scheme I wanted. I bought all batik's. I want to do a quilt for the guest room wall. I have had two classes. I had started to second guess my choices, but I really like it now. I am doing a strip quilt first. As of last night I have all the strips seen together and pressed. Wed, in class we will cut them into my blocks.
I went and bought more yarn last night. I am going to do an entrelac afghan for the guest room. The sewn quilt is going to be more of an art piece and the afghan for the actual bed. I started it last night. I am using 6 colors. I am starting row 6 tomorrow.