A good Memorial Day!

Today was a very busy day.  I slept in until almost 8, and then machine quilted for an hour (using up a single bobbin). Then, it was time to head to the VA Hospital to help serve meals to the veterans at the nursing home there and to take the opportunity to talk with them. 

And, a special shout out to all veterans:  Thank you for your service!

Once home, I again hit the sewing machine, once again using up a single bobbin (bobbin #2). After some laundry and housework, I went for bobbin #3.  I tried to finish bobbin #4 this evening, but my shoulders are simply tired out.

The good news is that the center area is now all quilted, as is the first of the four border panels.  And, I'm about a third of the way on the second border panel.  If I had to guess, I'd say that I have another bobbin and a half left to go.  This is a good thing.  At this pace, I should finish well before the mid-July deadline.

Starting the machine quilting on the 2013 charity quilt

Tonight, I finally started machine quilting on the 2013 charity quilt. 

Starting the machine quilting

My wonderful husband helped me sandwich (putting the top, the batting, and the backing together) the quilt last night, but I wasn't quite satisfied with the way that the backing puckered in spots.  So, tonight, we took the backing off and put it back on.

I am much happier with the backing now.

The machine quilting went smoothly tonight.  Instead of fighting with the machine, the quilting just sort of flowed.  I went through a full bobbin, and decided to stop for the night.   I am, however, quite pleased with the way that both the front:

and the back:

are looking.

May the rest of the machine quilting on this quilt go as well.

Finished the top of the charity quilt

Last night, I added the borders to the charity quilt:

Today, I found a pretty blue fabric that is 108" wide to use for the backing fabric.  I also picked up some thread.  With the batting already in the craft room (purchased when batting was 50% off at Hancock Fabrics), I am ready to start the machine quilting.  Considering that the quilt needs to be ready to head to Reno in mid-July, it is probably a good thing that I'm ready to start machine quilting!

Paisley Bird Quilt

After being inspired by the Denver Quilt Festival, I spent much of the evening last night and most of the day today at the sewing machine.  The top of the paisley bird quilt is now finished for the most part:

The top of the paisley bird quilt

I have definitely had fun with this one.  And, I'm always pleasantly surprised when the idea in my head looks similar to the end product.  Although, I'm still trying to figure out if it needs a border around the outside edge...

Regardless, I think there will be some more embroidered birds in my near future.

Denver Quilt Festival

Today, we went to the Denver Quilt Festival.  Wow.  There are some incredibly create, artistic quilters. As we walked around and looked at all the different quilts, wall hangings, clothing, and dolls, I was in awe.  The techniques, materials, and stitching were all amazing.

After looking at the finished quilts, we headed toward the vendor area.  There seemed to be fewer vendors this year, but the vendors that were there all had interesting items for sale.  My friend Sue had come with us, and one booth called to both of us.

All in all, it was very inspiring. 

I came home and sewed.  I now have all 20 squares finished for the paisley bird quilt.

Here is how the bird with all the french knots finally turned out:

Now, I just need to figure out the best layout...

Finished with the french knots

I finally finished embroidering the last of the centers for the latest quilt, which I'm calling the paisley bird quilt.  Here is the tail of the last bird:

Finished tail on a Paisley Bird

I've had a lot of fun with these squares.  I'm almost disappointed that I'm finished with the embroidery part of the quilt.  I will definitely be embroidering more of these birds.  While I'm finishing up the sewing for first the 2013 charity quilt and the sewing on this quilt, I'll likely do a few more of these for table runners and pillows. 

Each of the birds have their own personality.  I'm looking forward to seeing the personality develop on a few more of these.

Going a little french knot crazy

I've been working on another quilt.  This one has taken some time because I'm embroidering the center of each block.  I'm working on the center of the last square now.  And, tonight I think I've gone overboard on french knots.

French knots and blanket stitching

Normally, I don't have the patience for french knots, but tonight I'm finding it relaxing.

I may just have to create more of these once I have enough for the quilt.  I can picture a couple of pillows and perhaps a series of patterns.