I will post pictures of the machine quilting sampler when I get it finished... actually I think I will be finishing it before some other projects since I consider it a teaching tool.

I have just finished my farm quilt for my 19mo old grandson. I am putting the binding on it. I did machine quilting on it and it came out pretty cute. I will be posting it's picture when I get a chance.

I need to get working on a Christmas present for my M_I_L ... I started it a couple of months ago but got stalled on it. Maybe I should get sewing... see ya all later.

That is a great idea...I can see how that would be so nice to have in so many ways. Good for you. Can we see a photo sometime?

I have been working on my machine quilting techniques... trying to improve them and doing it myself. I am working through all TQS deomonstrations, my DVD machine quilting DVDs... Karen Mc Tavish and Patti Thompson. I am following their instructions and making the samplers... I am taking the samples I make and turning them into to a ( quilt as you go) THROW for the sofa... That way nothing is wasted ( fabric and time) and I can always refer back to the samples when I need and idea... Might be crazy but so far it is working pretty good. I have a small throw made. I am also seeing progress on my ablilities.

I have been working on my Dear Jane blocks. I am adding row 3 to rows 1 and 2. I have a problem my quilter brought my 2 space quilts for the grandchildren for Christmas all nicely quilted, so now there is bindings to do. It is also Nov. 1st. and the next BOM is printed out and waiting to be worked on. What to work on next or first?

Margarita in Auburn, CA

I got a lot of stuff done today. I got 2 or 3 words embroidered on my quilt and I spent some time in my sewing room working on my BOM. I got the setting triangles sewn to my feathered star. Then I got the floaters sewn on and two sides of the border done. Plus my DH defrosted the freezer and we got both freezers rearranged so I can find stuff in them.

I like the all cotton batts best, I love the antique quilting cause wrinkles hide my mistakes better.

I did not like the bamboo or the ? NATURAL (green) batting. I do not like how it needles or handles.

I'm guessing Warm & Natural, as I buy it by the roll! Unless something else got snuck into my stash!

Maggie (who understands about the dog situation!)

Well that can't be bad Cheryl!! A bargain to boot!!

We're only going for 2 weeks Maggie. Can't leave the dogs for much longer. They pine and we miss them. I'll be taking a bit of you with me though. I've just made some quilted book jackets for my reading material and I used a bit of the batting you sent me. (What was that by the way??)

Amoret wrote:

Amanda, have fun in Australia! How long will you be there?

Maggie in E. Central Illinois

It sure is! Well more of a mid arm with it's 16 inch harp but still a huge improvement on the standard on the Grace Pro!

I'm having lots of fun twiddling around on it. I've learned an awful lot about the tensions, one thing is not to be scared of the bobbin tension on these things!! It really can make a huge difference to the stitching.

Yesterday I mounted the storm at sea quilt again. Even though I basted it with washaway thread, I've decided to do it on the frame. One must learn not to get too attached to some of the quilts! I won't learn unless I just sew away!! I can always make another and improve if I don't like the last one. It's just this quilt has had such a traumatic start to life!

Starting to panic today. We fly to Australia on Tuesday and, though I'm looking forward to the flight, I'm not looking forward to no sewing. Not even a tiny sewing needle will they allow. Well I've stocked up on some new pencils for my scribble journal so hopefully I will find some interesting designs to draw at the very least. I have, however, sorted some hand work to do whilst there and, most importantly, a good list of fabric and patchwork shops to try and visit and a few projects that I will need fabric for so I know what I'm buying. Son says the temperatures have been good so don't bring any woolies. Good, big empty suitcase out.......

Hobby quilter is a long arm machine by Nolting.

Sorry to hear about your accident and hope the aches and pains start easing. One of my pet peeves is impatient drivers and inattentive drivers. Sounds like he was both. Take care. I don't know what a hobby quilter is either. Sandi in FL

What is a HOBBY QUILTER?

October has been a hell month! The well went out and we had to cough up $5000 for a new one. Last night I was in a car accident. Just sitting on the road minding my own business planning to pull LEFT into my driveway when the idiot behind me tries to pass me on the left and knock my car into a ditch. He was NOT PAYING ATTENTION, driving like a bat out of hell and I think he was a trying to sneak around me realizing he would not be able to brake his truck and prevent slamming into my rear end. Instead he drove up the side of my car from rear to front end and pushed me into a ditch. I THINK MY POOR CAR IS TOTALED. BUMMER

I had planned to do some serious sewing today but instead spent the day running around getting the rental car, talking to the insurance agents, etc.... BUMMER
Right now the ouches are setting in and I am too stiff to move.... BUMMER

I have made 50 NINE PATCH blocks this week for my scrap quilt...I love this mindless sewing. I have more strip sets ready to cut up and sew together. I have been going through all my fat quarters / stash and cutting off a one and half inch strip to use to make strip sets with... It has been fun sewing and revisiting all the fabric I have collected.


Oh well.... A HOT BATH IS CALLING MY NAME...