Sunday, October 25, 2009

Tube Quilting



I tried an exciting new block this week.
While reading one of the quilt groups I belong to, someone mentioned this technique and provided the link. I watched it, and was on to another challenge.
It was so fun and easy I pieced this quilt in one afternoon. My grandson's "Tiny Mite" Football team needed to raise money, so I quilted it and gave it to them for a raffle. Click on the "Tube Quilting" title at the top and give it a try.
One warning I would give, is to remember when your blocks are complete you are dealing 100% with bias edges. That means you have stretchy edges. I was in a hurry to do this quilt so when I added my borders I just cut strips and add them.... Now... I know better than that. I think all of the blocks finished to 10 1/2" I should have calculated the exact length and made them fit. Well..... I paid the price with wavy borders when I started to quilt it. I ended up having to take the quilt off the frame and remove the borders and do it the right way. It pays to do things correctly from the start and not try to rush and do it wrong. LESSON LEARNED!!!!
I did like that this was a fast an easy block to do. With I think a more complicated look when it's finished.
I have been very busy lately quilting for others with my Bailey 15" quilter. I am constantly seeing and learning new things. Talking of "Wavy Borders" I do run across a lot of them when quilting for others. I try to stay aware of it and work them along a little at a time so I don't end up with a pleat toward the bottom. There are many small tricks to work them in. I finished a group of 7 quilts yesterday from one person and they were the BEST pieced tops I have ever done. All of them were PERFECT! This person must have taken a lot of time to cut all her blocks square and of the same size.. and measure all of her borders. I never turn away any one's work. And will look it over and kindly explain what I see and what I can do. I get of people who know nothing of quilting that have old pieced tops from family members that they want quilted. I love to work and help others so I do my best and make them a quilt they will be proud of. But even doing my own work. I have NEVER had them quilt as smoothly as the ones I just finished. HATS OFF the Faye.
This year I have branched off a lot with my quilting and met many new friends. I have enjoyed quilting for all of them I learn a lot, see new blocks I want to try, and am so amazed at some color combinations. I think I am beginning to believe there is no such thing as an UGLY fabric. I have seen color combinations I would have been afraid to attempt, but they are absolutely beautiful when mixed together. Well here I am rambling...
This week I have to get busy. I will going to visit my Mother and help her celebrate her 80th birthday in 10 days. I have been working on making a picture quilt for her. I have gathered many old picture and have printed them on fabric. Many family members have signed blocks to her and they will put them around the border. I plan to leave many blank blocks around the edge. We are having a party for her and each person that attend will be encouraged to sign a block while they are there. I hope it will be fun.
That's it for today. Happy quilting to all...

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Quilt Show

I went to the Red River Quilt Show yesterday, located on the Red River in Shreveport, La. There were definitely some beautiful quilts to see. Just imagine the many many hours that were put into such beautiful quilts. My Husband went with me. He really enjoys looking. He talked to every person that would listen to him. He wanted to know why I never entered any quilts... And all is I could say is. I make quilts to used... Not just to hang and look pretty.

I have finished 3 quilts this past week. The first one I just call a quilt of many colors. It is just made out of reproduction fabrics. I made that for my cousin that is going through a hard time just now battling cancer. I hope it will comfort her as fights the disease back. The quilt design was once again the "Angel wings pattern. My favorite.

The Next one is called Pink country rose. I think the fabric is just beautiful. and the quilt design on that on is the Angel wings.

The Next on is a Christmas Poinsettia design and the quilt pattern is Poinsettia & Holly that blended so well together. I tried to do them a little fancier with the scalloped borders. I have offered the quilts for donation and raffle. Hopefully the organizations getting them will will be able to make some cash for their upcoming adventures..

The weekend is late. I better get on. Have a wonderful week and Happy Quilting.
Holly

Thursday, October 1, 2009

October is here!



Fall is in the air. It feels so good to have the windows open and listen to the cool breeze blow through. I have been very busy quilting. This week I have quilted 4 quilts and will post them as I get the binding on them. This quilt is for a friend up north. I used a vintage baby fabric I had and I just love it. I tried to make it look very dainty for a little girl. The back is flannel so it will be so comfy. I quilted using the "Angel Wings" pattern. Most people think it is butterflies, but it is called Angel Wings. I like to think in using this pattern that the angels will watch over this little person. I am trying to be a little more detailed with the borders, so I did a scalloped border on this one. I have two more I am currently binding and I have used the scalloped border on both of these also.
I have one ready to border that I am going to try the prairie points on... So wish me luck...

Thank you for dropping by.
Happy Quilting