I've been busy stitching.
I wanted to keep up with my machine quilting practice, that I'm doing with
Pat Sloan, but, I've been having problems with my elbow, since the 2nd day. I don't know what I've done to it, but, it's been over a week now. I skipped a few days of machine quilting, then, I started back, in earnest. During those few days, I made and basted 8 Rooster placemats.
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| Rooster placemat |
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| showing backing of Rooster placemat |
I couldn't wait for my elbow to get better, so, I straight line quilted these (it's still practice, since we are supposed to be using our walking foot).
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| straight line quilted |
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| back, showing quilting |
Of course, the placemats still needed binding, so, instead of practicing one day, I stitched the binding on all 8 placemats, using my walking foot, instead.
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| all 8 placemats, with binding stitched to one side |
Over Thanksgiving, I started stitching the binding down to the back, during movies. I've completed 3 placemats so far.
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| completed placemat, 5 left to finish stitching |
During this time, I also basted and quilted a wall quilt.
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| wall quilt |
This wall quilt is finished, including a label, but, I haven't taken photos yet. I got a bit more creative with the quilting on it, than on the placemats, but, it's still straight line quilting.
The Saturday before Thanksgiving, I made a fleece tie blanket. I haven't made one of these in a few years.
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| fleece tie blanket |
I did work a bit more on my first panel project, for the Pat Sloan challenge. After more walking foot practice, I put the free motion foot on my Janome, and tried using it. The result was really bad stitches on the back.
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| 2nd day of stitches added (walking foot only) |
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| free motion around the flower |
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| showing the back stitches (yuk) |
Pat Sloan said to label our practice panel quilts, so, this is Quilt #1. Not as bad as it could be, since I haven't used a free motion foot in a decade or more.
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| free motion label |
At quilt guild last week, I got a few goodies off the freebie table, that will help with my machine quilting quest.
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| paper patterns to practice with (total of 3 of these) |
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| hoop, small panel and fun fabric to practice stitching around the stars with |
Just before Pat Sloans challenge started, I finally pulled out my son's wedding signature quilt, and quilted it (on the machine).
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| wedding signature quilt (front) |
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| back of wedding signature quilt |
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| up close of the quilting |
I don't trust myself to do a good job with a walking foot around the initials on this quilt, so, they will be hand quilted. This is the only part of this quilt that isn't done. (binding has also been done).
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| the part I will hand quilt instead of machine quilting |
See, I've been busy! On Nov. 15th, I mentioned listening to Eragon while sewing in my sewing room. Well, that book is done, and I'm half way thru the 2nd in the series, along with watching several movies (binding time) with family, and another movie in my sewing room.
I'm trying to keep up my practice as much as possible, but, I have so many other things that I still need to make before Christmas. (2 baby quilts, 2 purses, binding on a few things.....)
I know I'm not the only one that waits till the last minute to get presents done. What do you still have to work on?
I am aimless sewing. Learning a new technique. Then binding when I sit and relax.
ReplyDeleteWhen I experienced elbow pain when I returned to FM quilting after breaking it, it was because my chair was the wrong height for my arms and the height of my table and because I put too much pressure on my hands. I adjusted the chair and put pieces of rubberized shelf liner under my hands. Maybe one or both of those things would be helpful for you?
ReplyDeleteHowever, it looks like you've been incredibly productive!
You have accomplished lots! The placemats are great with the line quilting. And the wedding signature quilt is done just right. Dora is right...be sure the chair is high enough to keep a good 45 degree angle at the elbows.
ReplyDeleteI've always been afraid to try this, though it sure would speed things up and get them done. I have a quilting rack that belonged to my husband's grandmother. His grandfather made it, and it is a wonderful antique. It still works quiet well, but takes up a lot of space. I have a new, pvc one that is good for smaller projects. Every quilt I've done has been hand quilted. I haven't done that many, but would like to. I really like those rooster placemats.
ReplyDeleteI've always been afraid to try this, though it sure would speed things up and get them done. I have a quilting rack that belonged to my husband's grandmother. His grandfather made it, and it is a wonderful antique. It still works quiet well, but takes up a lot of space. I have a new, pvc one that is good for smaller projects. Every quilt I've done has been hand quilted. I haven't done that many, but would like to. I really like those rooster placemats.
ReplyDeleteYou certainly have been a busy bee. I've been trying to finish up Christmas gifts, and Christmas quilts that have been waiting in the ufo pile.
ReplyDeleteLot's of progress here, I love the wedding quilt both front and back. I'm stalled trying to figure out colors for a quilt I'm making.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you are doing a great job of machine quilting! It's your elbow, and my wrist! OUCH! You KNOW I LOVE those rooster place mats, and the straight line quilting is perfect for them!
ReplyDeleteYou have been super busy! I hope your elbow gets better soon!
ReplyDeleteI'm only giving one handmade gift this year, and it is done! I don't enjoy last minute sewing at all, so I try and make everything WAY ahead of time. I'm working on graduation quilts for my nieces and nephews who are sophomores in high school!
ReplyDelete