Spring has started to arrive and it is so wonderful to be outside again. We had our first grilling of the season tonight and we enjoyed the smell of the coals and the warm breeze as we ate. The winter can be rough here in the midwest, but it makes the spring so sweet!
The last couple days I have been wrapping a couple quilt projects up. Pictured is my quilting frame. It is a wooden contraption that I set my sewing machine on and then I just roll around stitching the 3 layers together. It’s not ideal, but the frame was a good price and we get the job done. I’ve got about an hour left of quilting time for tomorrow and then I get to bind it. I really enjoy binding. I can just sit and relax and yet I feel like I am getting something done. This quilt is 60″x80″ and it probably takes me about 3 hours to quilt. It is a wonderful feeling to get to the end and take your newly done quilt off the frame. The second wonderful feeling comes when you take it out of the dryer when you are completely finished. It gets that old wrinkly look and it is so warm and cozy.
Hope you are enjoying the spring wherever you are!
I had an absolutely wonderful Thanksgiving vacation. Tony and I spent a couple days with my family and then a couple with his. This was a true vacation–no agenda, no plans, just whatever. I spent every night at my parent’s lake house in front of a crackling fire. Fire burning, good conversation, and binding my latest quilt…what more could I ask for?!
This new quilt pattern is called “Northern Tradition.” It is made with brushed wovens…a very snuggly material for the season. After I was done binding it, out lab promptly curled up in it. She’s a quilt lover too!
Yesterday I filled another large order from a shop in Madison WI–Stitcher’s Crossing. They made samples of Boxed Blessings and have gone through hundreds of patterns! A huge thank you to them for putting together their own samples!
This is such an easy pattern that really shows fabrics well. A fast quilt for the more advanced quilter and a great beginner quilt for those who have never done a quilt.
Yes I think you should all try a quilt! What a gift for you and your family. However, my thinking is if you put in the time to make one, you better use it, use it! Nothing like cuddling up in a well worn quilt in the fall.
On another note…Tony’s birthday is coming up on Thursday. hmmm…better start thinking about what I am going to do to make the day special. I already have a little gift, but I’m thinking I should do something out of the ordinary. Maybe a home style massage…I’m way cheaper than a professional and I make a mean massage table out of the coffee table and blankets.
Weather is getting cooler here–love it!
Getting pattern orders out today! Sending patterns to quilt shops and individuals is definitely a big job, but such a good feeling when you get orders on their way. The process includes receiving orders via phone and email, checking inventory, getting the patterns put together, preparing invoices, and packaging for shipment. It’s so much fun as a designer to imagine what everyone is doing with the patterns they purchase…what fabric are they using…will the finished quilt be a gift for someone…what will the quilts purpose be…
Tonight Tony put up my new clothesline!! I am so excited! I think it is somewhat a waste of energy to run my dryer on hot days when hanging them outside would work just as well. Not to mention the smell of air dried sheets and towels! So tomorrow morning, the plan is to get up and get the laundry started. I have a small mountain of bedding waiting to be done, since I was stalling for my clothesline. One thing I can promise, with the use of my new energy efficient “dryer,” you won’t ever see undies swinging on my line!! Using a clothesline is one small way I can be a little greener and that alone makes me smile.
Here’s something that I couldn’t resist picking up at a shop. Not sure what I’m going to do with it yet. It’s a wide burlap trim with red woven in it. I’m sure I’ll think of something life-shattering to do with it… I really did have to have it…
The newest quilt pattern release! This is a great one for all you young ladies that are just waiting to try your hand at quilting. It is so easy and it goes together fast. Don’t worry about having a fancy sewing machine–the oldest, most simple machines will do! You can be totally mod or more old fashioned…whatever mood you are wanting to snuggle up in. I must warn you though…quilting is very addicting!!!
