"WHAT IF" THURSDAY

This is a day of trying out blocks for different projects to see what will and will not work. It pays to do this before cutting the whole quilt ( which I never do anyway as it is too boring and I change my mind). As it turns out, I really like this small pinpoint black and white background for this project and I think I have enough of it for a decent size quilt.

This second block is very dramatic but I am not sure I can live with all that black and white with just a change in direction of the block. These are questions I am pondering today along with ....what toppings do I want on my pizza? Keep posted for answers to these and other what if's in future posts. As always, thanks for reading my blog!

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FMQ RETREAT

What happens at a retreat stays at a retreat. Yes we really did quilt...a lot! Three days of learning really happened. We also a a lot of fun. We usually have a beverage hour after class on Friday and Saturday night before dinner. This wine was really the star of the retreat. I love chocolate and red wine separately but combined did not appeal to me until the first taste. OMG you won't believe it. I really want to thank all who attended. It was wonderful to meet some of you for the first time( but not the last) and it was great to spend time with women from my guild and Wed class. I had a ball. Happy Quilting!

QUILTING DONE

Finally finished this project except for right side binding. Unfortunately you can't see the quilting as the thread color matches perfectly. I took someones advice and quilted loops. Its nice to be productive.

AMAZING NEWS

Yet another I can't believe it situation. I have just received an e mail from SewCalGal that I have been nominated for best teacher award that her site sponsors. The list of nominees is the Who's Who of quilting and I am among them! I am really excited and amazed. WOW.... I just had to share this with the people who really get it. My daughter said a quiet "That's nice" and my husband said congrats. But I can hear all the cheers from you guys who really get it. Thanks so much to whom ever nominated me. I am humbled.

RETREAT PREP WORK

 
The FMQ retreat is very soon so I'm in high gear to prepare. I have not done bump feathers on a roller coaster spine in quite some time. I'm a little rusty, but I love making them. My students will love the challenge.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST...BINDINGS

 I read a lot of blogs and look at a number of quilts. After all I am a confessed quilt junkie. Bindings seem to be an after thought when in reality the can make a real statement. It is another design opportunity. The last fabric choice for a project, although I have made a quilt based on the fabric I chose for the binding. Don't be afraid of making bias bindings when the fabric design will allow it. Bias is the longest lasting of the techniques and your corners miter like a dream. Look at antique quilts and you will see the aging process is significant on the bindings.There are lots of tools out to help make the process easier. I usually cut my width at 2 1/2 inches. The black and red shown is extra wide and finished at 2 1/2 .