Sunday, April 28, 2013

I got quite a bit of quilting done on my project last night and I finished it this morning. I added some borders to the original block because I wanted to use it as a placemat and the size wasn’t right without them. I did the quilting as demonstrated in my lesson, and decided to duplicate one of the stitches from the middle of the project to the two border pieces. It was a smallish stipple I was using, at least that is what the instructor called it. Personally, I’m confused between stippling and meandering.

I generally go at a relative slow speed when I’m quilting but I noticed that some of my curves weren’t as regular as they should be. I remembered from my classes that this means your are going too fast and not moving the fabric fast enough, or moving the fabric too fast and sewing to slow. So I cranked up the speed and, after a few gulps, I found it was much easier. I think it looked better too. I had to stop occasionally to breathe, but the job was done so much faster. I have another placemat that I will quilt using these same stitches so, eventually, I may get comfortable with them.

When I took a break for lunch Pat already had a stew in the crock pot for dinner. I made a five-bean salad and it is marinating in the fridge. I’ll be able to take it for my lunch on Tuesday (at the bee), as well as to my upcoming quilting weekend.

I did a quick cleanup from my quilting, switched feet, changed needles and got to work prepping a couple of birthday cards. I’ve finished the two that need to go in the mail tomorrow. It’s been a very productive weekend.

I’ll spend the rest of the afternoon finding a recipe and getting a list ready for BOND tomorrow. I’m hoping to do some knitting this evening.