Free Motion Quilting

I have several, okay more than several, seven or eight wonderful quilt tops just waiting for me to learn how to quilt some other way than meandering.  Not that meandering hasn't worked for me.  With some of my quilts like Roll Roll Cotton Bole meandering worked out great.  But for a quilt like Smith Mountain Morning it just isn't going to work.  So I have decided that I absolutely have to learn to free motion quilt in some additional patterns.  And that is where the blog Sew Cal Gal and their Free Motion Challenge got me somewhat motivated.  I have been following along since the beginning but I haven't put any of it into action, until today.

I have been up since 6:00 yes, even with the time change.  And since that time I have been watching instructional videos and reading lessons.  After several hours of that I thought it was time to waste some thread and fabric. So that's what I did.

The word pathetic comes to mind.  It's just a good thing that I have lots more cruddy fabric where that came from.  Because, as can be seen from the picture, I haven't even come close to making this feather pattern.  The feather design is a Diane Gaudynski design and can be found at the Sew Cal Gal site.

And these designs are  Patsy Thompson free downloads. I watched every video she had available this morning.  I think she is a good teacher with a lot of information to share.  I am just going to be a slow learner.

One day does not make a quilter.  Practice, practice, practice.  But right now at 12:45 pm all I can think of is rest, rest and a long nap.

Yes, it is a little humbling putting these horrible photos on here.  But this will let me see over time the improvements I make.  Or that meandering is what works for me.

Happy sewing,

Julie 

Presents

I wanted to shared a couple of things I got for my birthday. 

This is a mini quilt my sister Cathy made for me.  Isn't it perfect. She hit so many of the things I like about quilting. First of all it's rather scrappy. I especially love the neutrals she used.  She used blues which always work for me. And of course it's a Bonnie Hunter pattern, Midnight Flight.  But best of all it's a handmade gift from my sister.   I have just the place that has been dreaming of a quilt for its very own. 

And this little lovely is a vase my daughter Jennifer made for me.  Aren't I the lucky one.  This is never going to photograph well.  There are too many dark colors in it.  I think Jen said something about black and being 50.  I prefer to see it as very dark purple.  And as can be seen the inside is purple.

It was a great birthday. And since it was so nice I've decided not to celebrate any more.

Happy sewing.

Julie

50

Today I am  FIFTY. I'm not convinced that it is a good thing. 




But since there is nothing I can do about my age I plan to make the best of it.

I'm a Winner

I like to visit other blogs and when they are having giveaways I like to sign up.  Last week Jo Kramer at Jo's Country Junction was having a drawing for a new book Back to Charm School.  I, of course, didn't want to miss an opportunity for a new book - and guess what, I won!

Here it is.  Jo must have known how excited I was to get a new book so she was generous enough to send it priority mail.  Best of all, it seems to be a book I'll use.  Thanks Jo.

If you haven't ever visited Jo's blog Jo's Country Junction take this opportunity to go there.  She is always sharing a new pattern or recipe.  And take it from me her Amish Turtle Cake is fantastic.

Hope everyone has a great day.

Julie