Wednesday, November 28, 2012

I had my latest project quilted by the time Pat finished his first class – it helps when you start at 5 AM. This project was from the Christmas Tree Skirt class I took shortly after I got home from my trip. I took the class so I would know how to make one of those slits it the middle because then I could make a summer tablecloth that would work with the umbrella on the deck.

Several years ago we bought a nice tree holder in the shape of Santa and his sled so I decided early on that the tree skirt would be a gift for someone. When we looked at the quilting I did yesterday (with the metallic thread and the fancy stitches) we started thinking it might be a “keeper”. I did a bit more fancy stitching today and the piece is now going to be a wall hanging that will hang in our house this year. That is assuming I get the binding attached.

When the wall hanging was done (and since the quilting was going well) I started the quilting on one of the Olive Devaud door hangers. I used a straight stitch in the ditch for the center of the piece – I do believe my stitching is getting better. The piece has quite a wide border so I decided to try some free-motion quilting. I almost talked myself out of it, but if I don’t practice I will never get better. The border is floral fabric so my stitching barely shows – perhaps that is the key. I will continue doing free-motion quilting in any borders or small pieces I have so that I get more comfortable with the technique.

To add to my already growing pile of “needs to be bound” pieces I volunteered to bind two Community Quilts. They were dropped off this morning but aren’t needed until the Quilt Show in March. I took a quick peak at them and they are beautiful.

I headed out to see Margaret about the same time as the rain arrived. Her niece went home today so I need to get back into my more regular routine of stopping in. I took her some fresh grapes – she was saying all they get is canned fruit with their meals. I bought a box of Mandarin oranges today so I can also pass some of those on in the next few weeks.

I am almost finished my second mitt and with a little TV time tonight it should get done.