I don’t consider myself a quilter, but I’ve spent the better part of the last week doing just that. In an effort to help my SIL with her nonprofit quilt center, I volunteer some time one day a week doing whatever is needed at the center. Sometimes I vacuum and take out the garbage, sometimes I cut fabric and batting, sometimes I actually sew.
This past week there was a push to create some quilted holiday table runners to have as a fundraiser for the center. So, I created my first designed, pieced and quilted project. Three different red/green/white fabrics with a center red bird picture, minimal amount of meander stitching and a self binding using the backing material – not too shabby! (oh, sorry – no picture!)
The three hand-stitched quilt tops that the center has promised to machine quilt were also crying out to be finished as they are wanted for gift-giving soon. Somehow, using the Grace frame with free-arm capabilities has turned into my job. I got so frustrated with the sewing machines that were set up to use on the frame – all sorts of tension and skipping and breaking problems. We finally got the mid-arm machine fixed – and the first top was a breeze to do with the machine working well. Wound up doing a meander and what I considered to be a wind pattern (some of the material in the top had wind-looking marks on it). I actually did a little celebration dance when I finished the first good row! Not so outwardly jubilant when the whole thing came off the frame today, probably due to the fact that I had to go back and unstitch the first actual row I did that still had all the tension problems visible. But, my part is done on this first quilt and my SIL will take care of the binding.
I think I’ve got one of the best parts of the whole quilting process – I get to play on top of someone else’s piecing without having the agony of designing it, putting it all together or finishing it at the end. Don’t get me wrong, there is still enough agony with the free-arm quilting as I don’t want to mess up someone else’s work. It’s just so fun and freewheeling “driving” the sewing machine over and around the quilt.
Hmmmmmm, I better start repeating to myself “I am not starting another fiber process, I am not starting another fiber process, I am not…..”
Think that will work?!?!?
Think it will work? Not a chance Judy. Folks, Judy has been a Godsend. She comes with wonderful open thoughts of quilting. No bad habits just new creativity. Her encouraging is neverending. Recently she had to be the only person available during the day for help; as I was not available due to health reasons.
As for her quilting fee motion style people walking in the mall stop to watch how easy she makes it look. Her “job” I think is perfect as she has mastered it quite well. Some of us never saw a design like it and they loved it. Starting another fiber process ? I think not. You are just enhancing on your creativity.
Thank you Judy for your wonderful volunteering and creativity. Love Mary aka SIL
PS . Where is the spell check ?
Mary, now you’ve got me blushing!
p.s. I think you have to edit elsewhere and then paste into comments. Sorry about that!