This & That

I'm always thinking about the next quilt project. One of my favorite ways to explore the possibilities is using a program called EQ5 or Electric Quilt.

Here's one of my Electric Quilts:

I identified a quilt block that I wanted to try called Picnic Bouquet. One thing that I've determined is that the next time I use the pattern, I'll make it larger. However, this size did make a nice potholder.I enjoy seeing the garden spiders this time of year. Here's one that's living outside our window. I work with someone that reported that when they were a kid, they called them "writing" spiders.

I also tried to capture a picture of several butterflies (without any luck) over the weekend. I've been on the lookout for butterflies for several weeks now because earlier this summer, my parsley was invaded by about 1/2 dozen tiny black worms with a bright orange stripe. A couple of days later, they had turned into fat bright green and black caterpillars. Then, they disappeared. After searching online, I've decided that they were swallowtail caterpillars given their appearance in addition to the fact that their host plant was parsley. I hope that they turned out beautiful given that the only thing left of the parsley was a bunch of stems. Maybe I'll purchase some more parsley next year and capture the caterpillars on film.

The Quilting Continues

My weekend was consumed with quilting. It's a good thing that it's a relaxing activity. One of the big challenges associated with machine quilting a queen size quilt is getting the quilt rolled tightly so that it will fit in the sewing machine. If you look closely, you can see some of the quilting lines in the back of the quilt. The quilt must be re-rolled each time the direction that is being stitched changes.





The second challenge is controlling the quilt as it moves through the machine. I completed machine quilting the diamond star. I was pleased that I purchased cotton batting from the sewing shop in Raleigh. It was "needle-punched" and much easier to manage that the cotton batting that I've used in the past. The experience makes me wish for a sewing cabinet that would allow the bed of the machine to be set at the same height as the table top. There was a reason that sewing machines in days gone by were sold with cabinets. Do you think Buddy could find a space on his future sailboat for a sewing machine and cabinet? I'm guessing that I best learn to enjoy sewing by hand.



Next, I'll do some free motion quilting in the big squares but am waiting for the special stencil that I ordered to arrive. The good news is that the 84" square of fabric is beginning to resemble a quilt.

Yet Another Quilt Project!

For my latest project, I've committed to completing a quilt that Mom started a couple of years ago. Mom sewed a lot (288 to be exact) of small diamond shaped pieces together to make 8 large diamonds and then retired (at least temporarily from quilt making). She purchased the fabrics using a gift card that Kevin, Debbie and the kids gave her for Christmas a few years ago.

I determined that the light gray paisley background fabric that we originally picked out just didn't do the quilt justice and decided that it was time to find a solution. So, Buddy and LH were nice enough to ride with me to Raleigh on Saturday afternoon so that I could select fabric for the squares and for the border. They hung out and enjoyed lunch at a local restaurant while I went to my favorite fabric store. Hopefully, Mom will like the fabric that I selected on her behalf. I think it looks like a shade of pink that she would like. The border is actually a dark green with pink and cream flowers in it. Dad might appreciate the dark green accent. After a few relaxing evenings, the quilt top is complete but now I've got to actually quilt it, by machine of course. Since it is a queen size quilt at 84 inches square, this will be an adventure. It's the largest quilt that I've tackled.

Here's one more rose that's somehow blooming in the 100 degree weather that we've endured this week. Chosen because it looks like the roses in my wedding photo. One day I plan to use the pixels from some of the flower pictures that I've taken to develop a color scheme for another project. For example, this one might help me choose a lovely pink and cream combination.

Here's my little helper, Capi Lou, carefully monitoring household activities. In her opinion, it would be a tragedy to miss an opportunity for a treat.