Almost Done

I should be done with Sream Big quilt today... at least that is my plan! LOL I'm on the final side of borders...

I decided to outline quilt the print in this fabric... easier said than done. It's really hard to see!

But... I'm in love with the way it looks!!!

Feathers and Fills

Sometimes it takes me longer than anticipated to finish a quilt. Well...  a lot of times. Maybe more often than not.

I showed you the blossom pedals I've been quilting on this Dream Big quilt but let's not forget about feathers! Not just your average traditional type of feathers... feathers with a bit more flare! Feathers within a feather

And then there are background fills...

All the hours I've sat at a machine doodling with thread has really paid off. This quilt is giving me the opportunity to show what playing with needle and thread can do!

Missing in Action

The other day I realized that I hadn't posted on my blog in quite some time.  I get so busy I forget...  I'm alive and well and working like a crazy person!

At the moment I'm working on a Dream Big panel quilt for a customer. Trust me... it's harder than it looks!  LOL. 

I spent many hours on Pinterest looking at what others had done. I wanted this to be different than what I saw...

So here's a peek at what I'm doing...

I don't know what to call these blossom like designs... but I really like them!

In the Road

I just got back from Eastern Washington where I was visiting a few quilting friends over the weekend.  

I love this view of Vantage... I spent many summer here water skiing in my much younger days.

These long straight roads just calls out to be driven as fast as my car will go! Knowing better than to do such speeding.. I set my cruise and enjoy the scenery. 

TaDone... One Of My Own

I took a break and quilted on of my own quilts. This is a quilt I started several years ago.... I get everything done except the border and stop. I have no idea why I do this. Crazy!

The pattern is called Lightening Strikes Twice .It uses 5" charm squares to make the chevron design....

I decided it was time to get it out and finish it!

More Couching...

More couching.... more bags...

I never really intended to go into business making bags, but that is exactly what has happened. I started receiving request for bags soon after my first post!

Right now I'm working on several orders... once I've caught up I will be making bags to take to Sew Expo in Puyallup to sell. After that I will be listing them here for anyone who is interested. At least that is my plan!

Looks like I will need to find a new backdrop for my photos!  LOL!!! The laundry room has the best natural lighting. We have more gloomy grey days than not here off the coast of Washington so finding good day light lighting is sometimes difficult.  This means I need to take advantage of the big widows that reflect light off the washer and dryer. Anyway... I think I have a white sheet that will work for a backdrop.

I find the back of the couching just as interesting as the front.  You can really see how much thread goes into the design!

Couching

About 2, maybe 3, years ago A1 Quilting Machines came out with an accessory foot kit that includes different couching feet. I've played with them several times and have demoed how to use them at quilt show but had not made anything with couching.  I decided to try to make a couple cosmetic bags that were couched.  This was just a couple weeks before Christmas so I thought they would make great gifts!!!

First I marked an outline of the bag. I didn't think I wanted the bulk of the yarn in the seam so I marked a 1/2" seam allowance.  Once that was done I load my machine with fabric and started playing!

I have a huge stash of sock yarn...  self striping sock yarn.  I found it fascinating to watch how the colors change. Anyway, this is a great way for me to use up some of the yarn I've been hoarding!!!   LOL

The back comes out a little messy, but the bags are lined so no one will see it...

And just like that my first bag was done!!!

Then 2 more....

Before I knew it I had a whole heard of them...