Thoughts about quilting - fabrics and color, and putting them together; and about the people we do it for.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Rain, anxt, crabs, and new tools
My oldest heads back to college tomorrow. Today is filled with packing, last minute laundry, and anxt. (Maybe that is just cloudy skies and rain on the windows.)
None the less, I have gotten some quilting in....
I have finished this quilt....but have been waiting for a sunny day to take it's picture. (What was I thinking?)
I quilted it in Deb Geisler's Swirling Crabs....isn't it cute?
This is the back. I think it is just a pretty as the front.
I've also gotten some new equipment "installed". Remember, I told you that I was going to a quilt show? What I didn't tell you is that I took my dh with me. He is such a geek. (I say that with great affection.). He fell in love with the Martelli cutting system. (Yes, he does help me with my quilting projects. He won't use the longarm, although he will do manly mantenance type stuff. But he does cut, and iron for me.)
I have a new cutting mat! Yeah! This one doesn't warp when you put your hot cup of coffee or lap top on it. We are told that you can even iron on it....but I won't be doing that...not even with these lovely irons. (Although they would do wonders towards increasing my cario work out while I am working on quilts.)
He also bought some great cutting tools. This 8.5" square has a sticky side that keeps the fabric from shifting when you cut. My trimmed squares came out looking like they were lazer cut. I do wish the rulers were see through, or had guide lines on the back to help line things us....but even without them they are amazing.
To give dh a chance to play with his toys I got out an old project and had him cut for me. On Saturday and Sunday, while doing laundry, watching the Little League World Series, and doing last minute school shopping, I worked on this.
Sweetwater's Reunion...and my "#Shit Doc Says" pattern. This is the way I envisioned the quilt to begin with. I have to say.....LOVE IT!
Did you notice the design wall?! Another step in the evolution of design walls without walls! One of my brothers is closing down his business....a photography studio...and was selling off his gear. Dh purchased a z-rack and moved my curtan design wall onto it. The result isn't as large as the other was, but it is much easier to use. I think it might also come in handy when taking photographs....drap quilt over rack....roll into spot lights...you get the idea.
Aside from all that...I've been contemplating the start of a design company....to sell my quilt designs via PDF files. I love giving things away for free....but I need a bigger challenge....
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Get Set
I've got my projects cut out. I decided to cut only the large pieces I need to make the blocks. I'm leaving the border strips to be cut when I am ready to attach them. I'm leaving the setting blocks for then too....they're so small that I would either loose them or they would unravel before I get that far.
I have my machine, cords, cutters, mats, rulers, thread, scissors, iron, pencils, pins, OT light, design wall, and the kitchen sink (Not really, but what a list.) all packed up and ready for my slave boys children to come load it into my car. (Toting things builds muscles.)
Now...to think about toiletries and clothing....like 30 women really care what I wear. I suppose smelling nice would be an advantage. So, must pack the deodorant, and clean socks.
Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. 17 hours until the doors open and the quilt ladies gather.