~ A Day at Dad's ~

Day two with the family, and I am continuing to have a great time visiting and eating ;-) My son and I spent the day with my dad, stepmom, and sister. I had actually met my deadline making April's quilt, which fortunately, she loved. I spent most of the morning trying to take the perfect picture of her quilt...I have GOT to improve my photography skills.

While I was busy snapping pictures, my son and baby sister were busy with their own project...making  hemp bracelets and various accessories.

.

Although my sister had to leave early, Kyle continued working

All.Day.Long!

Kyle had worked so hard, we had to take another quick trip to the beach to collect more shells.

Once back at Dad's, Kyle continued with his project.

While Kyle was working, I was enjoying the rare opportunity to take pictures of him (Kyle HATES to have his picture taken). I assured him that none of his friends were likely to visit my blog ;-)

Dad was busy grilling...

...although he did take a moment to check out Kyle's project.

Our day ended with a fabulous supper of grilled shrimp and veggies

followed by a delicious dessert of fresh blueberries, strawberries, whipped cream, and pound cake.

What a great time spent with family, even though the time always goes by way too fast!!!

Thanks, as always, for visiting my blog!

~ Michelle ~



~ Troopers ~

I'm having a great time visiting family this week; however, it's hard not having everyone with us (husband and oldest son left behind, hard at work). My youngest son has been a trooper, to say the least, as is evident in the fact that not only did he let me take his picture (gasp!) but also gave his permission to post it :-) Actually, my son and parents were all troopers today, as the day was spent doing my two favorite things...eating and quilty shopping.

We hit the road earlyish this morning in order to beat the crowd at my favorite po'boy joint.

Last summer, I spent quality time as a po'boy taste tester in order to determine where to get the best shrimp po'boy from 'goula to New Orleans. I cannot tell you how many places I went, and po'boys I ate, in an effort to find the best one. I think, however, my favorite was found at BB's in Ocean Springs, MS. My mom and stepdad take us there just about every trip home. Their gumbo is out of this world as is their shrimp po'boys. 

After lunch, we visited a local quilt shop, Janet's Quilting Bee. The minute I walked in, I felt right at home. The owner was just as lovely and helpful as could be. 

I love the room she has set aside for classes. She mentioned that she gives private FMQ lessons...I'm thinking that sounds REALLY good to me ;-)

My mother surprised me with lots of happies, and I picked up a few happies myself.

Afterwards, we shopped for some supplies for a project my son and baby sister will be working on tomorrow,

then hit up the local ice cream parlor.

On the way home, we visited another quilt shop...love the name, as quilting is definitely my therapy,

as well as the sign in the window. A home and a quilt always have a story behind it!

I hope to share with you tomorrow some of the goodies I got at the quilt shops. I'm having to go back tomorrow, as my son waited until we got back at my mom's to mention he saw some fabric he'd like for his next quilt ;-)

Thanks, as always, for visiting my blog!

~ Michelle ~

~ 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 ~