Learning: Bonding Time

I've got a lot to learn about longarm quilting.  I've had some practice quilting on a frame with a mid-arm sewing machine, but there are so many more wonderful options with a longarm, I feel like I'm back to square one...well, maybe square two.  To get some practice, my friend and fellow East Bay Modern Quilt Guild member, Deanna Davis generously allowed me to use her quilt and a few others made for the Children's Quilts project as guinea pigs.  Deanna coordinates this huge program that donates over 1000 quilts to children in need every year!
Deanna's quilt on the frame

Deanna's quilt was made using the Daisy Janie Organic Shades of Grey organic cotton as part of an East Bay Modern fabric challenge.  Doesn't it look great with the red roses?



I'm pretty pleased with how the quilting looks on the back.  I hope Deanna likes it!

If you would like to get involved with the Children's Quilt Project, check out the information on the East Bay Heritage Quilt Guild site for the many different ways you can contribute.

*I meant to post the next couple of entries awhile ago, but I was so busy getting ready for my trip to Virginia, that I completely ran out of time trying to finish up all the orders from my Etsy shop, teaching my Split Log Cabin class, and packing!  So, here they are now...but I'll get to all the fun in VA next week!


Learning: Tricking out the Longarm


I added a couple of new accessories to my longarm!  I tricked it out with some new wheels that are oh-so-smooth.  I got some new gadgets to make loading and unloading the quilts much easier than pinning them on (I hope -  I haven't had the chance to try them out yet!).

Isn't that pin-pod the best thing ever?

But, my favorite new additions are a beautiful turquoise, oversized pin-pod and small felted orange bowl from Papaver Vert.  The pinpod fits snugly between the handle and the machine head and holds all my pins and other random pokey things - even my tape measure if I take the time to roll it up!  The bowl is attached with 3M sticky velcro and holds all the little bits of thread that I'm constantly clipping, so now, they won't get all over the floor.

Next time, I'll show you what I've been practicing on!

*I meant to post the next couple of entries awhile ago, but I was so busy getting ready for my trip to Virginia, that I completely ran out of time trying to finish up all the orders from my Etsy shop, teaching my Split Log Cabin class, and packing!  So, here they are now...but I'll get to all the fun in VA next week!

Making: Free Bee - Procrastination

I've been bad at doing my homework lately.  My blocks for the Free Bee are both being turned in late.  There's still hope that I'll be able to get my act together for May!

March's block is actually an improv strip set based on Sherri Lynn Wood's Mod Mood Quilt for Krista of Spotted Stone Studio.


April's block is a triangle based on the prints of Leah Duncan for Ethne of Flaming Stitches.

May's block is going to be based on the totem quilts of Erin Wilson.  I'd better go get started!

ShareThis