~ Lessons Learned ~

I am about finished with my Filmstrip quilt, only having the binding left to sew. I think I will actually meet my deadline. I hope to show it next week after delivering it.

While working on this quilt, I thought alot about how far I have come, and what I have learned over the last (almost) two years. Some of the lessons learned would be quite obvious to many quilters, but I'm kind of on the slow end of the learning curve. Like many quilters, I have attended not.one.quilting.class! So many things I have learned through trial and error and many, many calls to my sister.

Which leads to my first lesson...use your resources!!! My biggest resource, is of course, my sister.

We talk on the phone almost daily, mainly about quilting. She is so patient with my questions and my insecurities about my work. I have learned so much from her...I think that she actually appreciates my input about her quilting projects...how awesome is that?

Another lesson...if I'm going to ask for advice, I need to take it, particularly when coming from my youngest son (who is, I must admit, one of my biggest fans). He insisted strongly suggested that I use the Kona Pear for the binding of my quilt. When I received this fabric, I was somewhat taken aback by how, well, bright it was. But Kyle really felt that the color added to the colors in the quilt top, and I think he is right.

As usual, please forgive the quality of my photos...I find myself snapping pictures randomly as I quilt, never having THE perfect shot of anything ;-) And trust me...the photos for this post will only get worse!!

As far as quilting techniques go, I have learned a couple of things about straight line, grid, organic, etc. quilting.  My first few quilts were quilted with straight lines using painters tape. I spent SO much time measuring the distance between each line, making sure they were all equally spaced. Seriously???? Now, I like the lines a little more randomly placed...individualizing a quilt even when using basically the same quilting. Plus, it saves SO much time!

When using the painters tape, I tried, with my first few quilts, to line up the needle to the edge of the tape (again, seriously??). Now, I use the walking foot as my guide against the tape (duh!)!!

And if my lines are not perfectly straight,well...so what? Don't sweat the small stuff, right?

The most important lesson I have learned, especially while working on my current project, is that quilting organic lines takes a long, long time. Especially when the lines are spaced about 1 to 1 1/2 inches apart. Perhaps not the best choice of quilting when under a deadline. I have GOT to become more comfortable with FMQ! I think I spent more time taking breaks than I did quilting with this one, but had I not, I wouldn't have been able to include this sweet, sweet picture...

He is so sweet when sleeping :)

Thanks, as always, for visiting my blog!
~ Michelle ~

~ Impossible Deadline ~

I'm heading home in a week...very excited! I thought, "Wouldn't it be nice to have a quilt made to give to my "baby" sister?" Never mind that this was about a week ago. What was I thinking???? I have a great ability to set impossible deadlines for myself. However, I set to work making the quilt.

I noticed while squaring my blocks that my waste pile was smaller than usual. I sure hope that means that my accuracy is improving.

After squaring the blocks, I threw them up on my design wall, which I am loving!! The squares are not wonky...just haven't mastered photography yet ;-)

Of course, none of my quilts could be made without the help of Devlin. Here he is eating the pins trying to help me with pinning...

I think he realized it would be easier using his paws...

He would like to think that his efforts were instrumental in my seams lining up so nicely. I'll give him the credit.

I have just a couple of rows left to piece, then on to the backing. I am a little behind schedule, so I sure hope I get this finished before my trip.

Thanks, as always, for visiting my blog!

~ Michelle ~

~ What's In A Number ~

~1952~

The year my Singer Featherweight was born. This beauty was a Christmas present from my sister last year. Although I haven't had much time to get to know her, I am hoping to spend some quality time with her during Summer break.

~ 1600 ~

The number of inches of fabric in each of these fun to make quilts. I loved making these quilts (once I got over the guilt of how easy and quick they were to make). A simple design, but each one has such a different look. And simply adding borders, like the one made by Rene', adds another look to the quilt.

Thanks, as always, for visiting my blog!

~ Michelle ~

~ Pressing Matters~

Yesterday, I wrote about an ironing a pressing board my husband made for me. Perhaps I should have read Elizabeth Hartman's new book (which I just received and LOVE) prior to making it.

 In the chapter, "Materials, Supplies, and More," she wrote on making a pressing board, using that trusty staple gun, three layers of batting, and muslin or a neutral solid fabric as a cover. My pressing board was made using an old, raggedy perfectly good towel and very colorful fabric. No worries, though... It.Worked.Beautifully!!

My seams have never looked this good :-)

This block is the beginning of my latest project using Amanda Jean's Filmstrip quilt tutorial.

Thanks, as always, for visiting my blog,

~ Michelle ~



~ A Keeper ~

During my I've been too busy working to quilt phase, my husband was busy setting up my quilting room (no more quilting in the dining room). I have to say, he has been such a supporter of my quilting. First, he painted my room using the most beautiful color I have seen...Twilight Meadow. Don't you just love the name? Sorry about the glare and shadow...I'm still working on my photography skills. I love the way my mini quilt matches the wall. Pure coincidence!

Next, he put together some shelves for my fabric.

I'm slowly building my stash.



Lastly, he repainted this table so I would have a place for my Ipod...can't quilt without music ;-)

Yesterday, he made me a mini ironing board...

I had tried making one a couple of weeks ago using a method seen on the web. Unfortunately, it required sewing (I.do.not.sew.), and it was a disaster. I figured a heavy duty staple gun and hammer would do the trick. I can't wait to use it!!

Although he doesn't quite understand my love of blogging (he calls it Faceblog in reference to Face Book, which he hates), he is slowing coming around. Last night, while covering his boat in anticipation of Beryl, my son suggested cutting a magnolia flower to surprise me. I'm so glad I did not see him ON A LADDER, ON THE BOAT in order to reach the flower!!!! This morning I awoke to the beautiful sight...



Placed in front of my TWO coffee pots.



...he even took a picture, knowing, I'm sure, that I would want to post it.

Yes, my husband is definitely a keeper ;-)

Thanks, as always, for visiting my blog!!

~ Michelle ~

~ Animal Attraction ~

 

Just over a year ago, my youngest son brought home (much to my husband's dismay and my delight) a kitten. Now, I absolutely LOVE cats, so it did not take long for him to become my cat. It also did not take long for him to become my frustration.

When Devlin first arrived, he was the cutest little thing (with the ugliest stub tail, which unfortunately I did not have the foresight to take a picture of).

He loves to spend time with me, whether it's working,

Laundry day

playing,

Peek-a-boo

Or napping.



Pure sweetness



But like his mom, he.loves.to.quilt!!! Hence, my frustration.

Devlin is with me during most of my quilting.




Cutting...very tricky

 



Piecing...even trickier







And quilting





He even helps me clean up...



Such a worker bee



But occasionally, he tells me "Enough already...I'm exhausted!"



Love, love, LOVE this cat ;-)



But when asked to make a particular quilt, Devlin insisted on supervising.

Needless to say, this is his favorite quilt we made.

Happy Quilting,
~ Michelle ~

~ Time to Play ~

Finally...yesterday officially marked my Summer vacation, which means time to play.

I started the day at 5:30 (yes, AM) by finishing the binding on a quilt which should have been finished about a month ago. (There's a story behind this quilt...but not to be told today).  After removing the remnance of Devlin, I set out for the delivery. I was awfully nervous about this one, but the recipient not only seemed pleased with it, but asked about me making another one (or two). I guess that's a pretty good sign, right? The picture is not the best...I've got to remember to use a camera, not my phone.

 

After dropping off the quilt, I headed out to the movies (The Hunger Games...LOVED IT). In case anyone has not picked up on this, my sister, Rene', has always corrupted influenced me in such wonderful ways...



Is there any other way to eat popcorn?

A quick trip home to stop and smell the roses, of which my husband is quite proud...

...then off to do a little shopping for an American Idol, I Can't Believe The Season Is Over, I Love Phillip Phillips, He BETTER Win party.

I have to say, I could not have had a better first day of summer vacation.

And might I also mention how excited I am to be back blogging  :-)

Happy Quilting

~ Michelle ~