Christmas 2013 Quilt

Completing projects is always satisfying, so when my friend Nadine shared that she had pieced a quilt top 2 years ago, but hadn't quilted it yet I couldn't refuse to help get it done! She had seen a strip quilt I'd made with the students at school. It was quilted with a basic, yet effective meandering stitch similar to what puzzle pieces look like when joined together to form a picture. I told her if she didn't mind that same pattern (the only one I've mastered so far) I would take on the project. She wanted it before Christmas so she could give it to her daughter Karen who plans to visit from Oregon this Christmas. So, that's what I did last weekend. Using my New Home table top sewing machine:

 Yes, this little machine quilted a 80" X 90" quilt. It takes a lot of maneuvering and patience, but it is possible.

It's an amazing quilt. Nadine used fabric from her family's past and every square has a special memory.

 It wouldn't be complete without a label so I embroidered one and hand stitched it on the back. The label reads "Christmas 2013" because Nadine finished the piecing back then, and gave it to her daughter with the promise of completing it one day.

I am honored to have been a part of this wonderful keepsake!

Bazaar Success!

Thank you!! To everyone who made our BGLC Christmas program and Bazaar a success! It was great to see friends, families, and co-workers visiting throughout the day. From the class programs........... to the choir.....it was a great performance for all to enjoy!

Holiday Bazaar 12/10/2015

Just a reminder of the Holiday Bazaar this Thursday, 12/10/15, 9:00 a.m. at the BGLC! (Program begins at 9:30 a.m.) Here's a quick peek at some of the items that may be available for purchase:

Olaf pillow cases....

Team pillow cases....

Owl pillow cases......

Oink! Oink!

Frog bean bags!

And lots more........Come and visit us Thursday!

Project Linus

Received a request to make a blanket for "Project Linus" (Linus the Peanuts character) from a class at the Van Buren Tech Center. The blankets will be donated to local hospitals. This is what I created with help from some wonderful students at the Learning Center:

And again, the fabric was donated. Thank you Mrs. Getty!!

In the beginning there was........

COLOR:

My first "strippy" quilt. One day I will explain how this is created from 2 1/2" strips - another fun, quick project. But for now, it will be used to display my practice free motion quilting. Each row has a different pattern repeated from edge to edge.

The purple row is a traditional stippling pattern, while the dark blue row is something I created.....I call it "City Scape."

The dark blue flower strip is again, my own creation. It's like drawing with thread. The lime green strip was quilted with stitches to mimic ripples on a lake. 

Until next time........Enjoy!