Machine Quilting Time

Hello Everyone,

Yesterday I made the backing for the yo-yo quilt and got it on the quilting machine.  I'll try to get out to the quilting room over the next few days and quilt a row or two a day.  All of the time will start adding up to a quilted quilt this week.....I hope.

I'm echoing around all of the yo-yo's and then move to the inside and quilt around the large yo-yo.  This quilt is very heavy and most likely I'll have it hanging up somewhere, so I want to make sure that it all stays in place.  I may, just may go back and stipple between the rows.  I'll make that decision when I take it off the machine and get to see and evaluate the whole quilt.

I'm off to the quilt shop this morning to work.  Quilters are starting to bring in finished projects for us to see. I can tell you there are going to be lots of quilted projects under Christmas trees this year and many happy recipients!

As always,

Lynn

Christmas Quilt Along

Hello Everyone,

Today is the last QAL for 2011. Thank you SUE for hosting the day and the year.  Thanks also go to CATHI for hosting throughout the year too.

This is my unfinished version of Scatty Christmas Stars.  If I have time today between other Christmas preparations, I may.....just may put some borders on.

But it looks so good just as it is....as a skirt around the Christmas Tree.

Once I get some presents wrapped and under the tree, no one will notice that it isn't finished unless YOU tell!

Another Christmas project that I worked on and FINISHED this year during the QAL is my Country Charmer quilt.

It is on display at In Between Stitches so it won't be incorporated into this years Christmas decorations.

I got up early this morning to see the total eclipse of the moon.  Zinny thought I was totally crazy, standing outside with her while she was taking care of business and I was singing "Baby It's Cold Outside."  My coffee cooled off in a second and did nothing to warm me up.   Mother Nature is pretty impressive and it was worth seeing. 

I hope all of you have a fun weekend preparing for the BIG day.  Remember to take some time for yourself, and stop and smell the Christmas tree.

As always,

Lynn

Holiday Treats Class is in Session

Hello Everyone,

Yet again, another wonderful day spent in the classroom at In Between Stitches with a fun group of talented quilters working on Holiday Treats Table Runner by Laura Nownes.  Here is my first version of Laura's pattern.  I've made several more and given them all away.

It is very easy to change the length of the table runner by the number of packages.  It is a great pattern, well-written, and easy and fun to make.  So much fun that it is just like potato chips.....you can't eat make just one!

I had a full house in the classroom yesterday and we had an explosion of Christmas fabric on every table.

After a bit of instructions, packages and bows started appearing.

You know me, I was lusting after several of the plaid fabrics in the room!

Marie decided to use her legs to layout her packages!  This was just too funny and had to be captured for posterity. 

Beautiful packages graced the wall in the classroom.

Along with Gingerbread men and hearts.

The group will become experts in the buttonhole/blanket stitch when their packages are completed.

Then we started laying out the center sections along with the packages to get an idea on what the final table runner would look like.

Mary dropped by to display her finished runner.  She cleverly used an apron panel for the center section.

At one point in time during the session, I just stepped back and enjoyed seeing all of the fabrics, the packages and the beginnings of beautiful projects and friendships.  I also just listened to all of the chatter, laughter, the sharing of ideas and inspiration.  That is what quilting is all about.  Thank you ladies for such a wonderful day.

As always,

Lynn