Monday, July 30, 2007

Monday Miscellaneous

I worked on pinbasting much of the weekend. Here is one quilt that now has the walking foot grid quilting done and is ready for the freemotion. Scary. This quilt will go to our guild's Quilts in Force (quilts that are donated to the local police forces to distribute to children in traumatic situations, often domestic violence.) It is suggested we donate at least two a year to the cause. I have one with teddies almost done and this one will hopefully be finished in the next week.


I found this backing fabric with the flying cats and dogs on sale at Hancocks and just loved it. I went through my stash to find some coordinating novelties. Hopefully it will be loved by some little person. And, thankfully, little persons aren't too picky about freemotion quilting!
One of my longterm goals has been to improve my freemotion quilting. I know I need to practice, practice, practice!!! One book that has really been helpful is Pat Sloan's new book. I probably have 7 or 8 other books on machine quilting, but this one has been the best so far. In addition to the book, Pat has been offering tips on her blog since early July. I've been printing those off and keeping them alongside the machine. I love Pat's down-to-earth machine quilting--well, quilting in general. She gives such practical tips. And I especially like her no-mark quilting suggestions. I have always hated marking my quilts and have had a couple of bad experiences with some marking tools that were "guaranteed" to wash out.
On Saturday my LQS had a little Christmas in July thang! Kits for ornaments and pins could be purchased. Since I was looking for some handwork to do while my husband has a thyroidectomy next week (I am always a nervous wreck in such situations), I purchased two cute stitchery kits and a yoyo wreath ornament kit. Will be so cute when done! And I couldn't resist the Thimbleberries charm packs, Mr. Halloween's Party--I bought two! I would love to have a Halloween wallhanging for the dining room. I'll look for a pattern--or maybe devise one. I have quite a bit of other H fabric so hopefully some of it will "fit in" with this. Oh, dear, more projects.




17 comments:

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

Love those Halloween prints. The police car quilts bring such comfort to those in situations we wouldn't even want to imagine in our worst nightmares, they will be deeply appreciated; well done!

Silverthimble said...

Your donation quilt looks like it rates high on the cuddle factor! I am sure it will be appreciated by some little person in crisis.

Elaine Adair said...

Such a cheerful little quilt! Simple, yet charming. Someone will love it!

Now, I'm going to visit the blog you mention. There might actually be a blog I've not seen! LOL

Angie said...

What a sweet snuggle quilt!! Love those colors, and your pieced backing is as precious as the front! :> And oh, Halloween fabrics...yum...I love everything about Fall, including but not limited to, Halloweeen!!!! Can't wait to see what you make with the Charm packs. :> I just received the latest issue of Am. Patchwork & Quilting magazine today and it's chock full, including some Halloween patterns. :D

sewprimitive karen said...

I LOVE Mr. Halloween's Party!

Libby said...

Oh puppies and kitties - the perfect combo for a cuddly kid quilt *s*

Tazzie said...

Those Halloween prints are very cute Vera, I'll look forward to seeing what you make with them. I didn't realise until you mentioned it that they were Thimbleberries, not what I'm used to from them. My kids are so disappointed that Halloween isn't a big thing here.
*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)

CONNIE W said...

The recipients of your quilts will love them. They look really soft and cuddly and pretty. Take care!

Unknown said...

Those are such cute Halloween prints! I love the quilt you are donating. I would love to machine quilt. I can do the straight lines but that free motion is scary!

Susan said...

The Halloween prints are great! I know you'll think of something fabulous to do with them.

I'm confused. I thought you had a longarm? Why would you mark your quilts or pin baste them?

Mama Spark said...

The flying cat and dog fabric is great! I like your back as much as the front!!

Jeanne said...

Love your comfort quilt and the little Halloween squares. Thanks for sharing the info on machine quilting, too.

Juliann in WA said...

Lately I have been wanting to just buy charm packs and make little quilts. So fun.

Finn said...

Great little donation quilts Vera, and an excellent way to practice your machine quilting. Not so big as to have to wrestle with them!
Great charms too! Lots of fun..*VBS*
Hope everything goes smoothly with DH. Hugs, Finn

Quilts And Pieces said...

Look at all the fun quilts you've been working on! I have a stack waiting to be pin basted too. I hate doing that! I wish I could just skip over that step!

Judy said...

Everything looks fabulous Vera!

Patti said...

OK - I'm guessing your husband has had his surgery. I sure hope everything went well. You not mentioned it in a post - I'm sure you have other things on your mind. I'll feel so much better when I know he's going to be fine.