FIRST TABLE RUNNER

 

I don't usually make table runners. Prior examples looked puffy and homemade instead of handmade. Two things changed my mind. One was watching the movie "It's Complicated".  Besides having incredible set design, there was a great table runner on her beautiful oak table. Number two was taking a class from Natalie Barnes at my guild. I love her improv techniques. This is a project she did for the magazine Best Fat Quarter Quilts 2012. I like to use flannel as a batting to keep it flat. The quilting still shows and no puffiness!

WEEKEND RETREAT

Just a few pictures of our first Frantastic Quilt Retreat held this weekend. Sandy and I had so much fun. We ate sewed, ate, ate,sewed, laughed and laughed. Many managed to actually complete projects while doing all that eating and laughing. Our next retreat  March 8,9,10 is the annual FMQ retreat where we spent almost 3 full days learning and stitching FMQ. There is still room available. May and Oct. are also still available. We have decided to focus on and offer a class on making bags for the Oct. session( more on that later). Hope to see you there!

DID SOMEONE SAY QUILT RETREAT?

Sandy and I are in high gear as we prepare for our first quilt retreat. We are really excited, working hard to create a stress free weekend for our guests. Each participant will get a handmade welcome bag and name tag as well as other goodies. Stay tuned for pictures later in the week.

 

QUILTING FOR TEXTURE

Sometimes with lots of color the quilting can get lost.

I find simple slightly curvy lines are the best.

Use a bold thread, 30 or 40 wt.

Pick a color, almost any color and just do it!

QUILTING CATHEDRAL WINDOWS

There are what I call daily lessons. New things to learn so that hopefully we will pass those lessons on or at least learn from them.

Today's lesson is on quilting the cathedral windows block or any block or quilt that has a fold as a design element.

The trick of course is to get your machine foot over and around them without getting caught on the foot or quilting over them.

The challenge continues as there is quilt top number two waiting, in a different color wave.