Saturday, February 20, 2010

Actually, I do not restrict myself to quilting Lone Star quilts. I love quilts made from traditional patterns using today's fabrics. I've been quilting for close to thirty years. I've taught beginning quilting, helped to found two quilt guilds, and a Midwest quilting association that brought teachers and guilds together. I host a small quilting bee on the first Friday of each month.

I love to piece designs. I recently had the opportunity to create a studio in my home, and I moved (almost) everything related to my quilting into one room. What a rush!! Great light, a design wall, a wall of fabric, and another wall for all the equipment. It's been quite a joy. The only thing I didn't move was the collection of unquilted tops residing in the guest room closet.

Two weeks ago I decided to prepare many of those tops for quilting. I matched battings to the tops, and then chose backings from my stash. There was only one quilt that required the purchase of fabric to complete. I have four baby quilts and four small color studies ready to be quilted. I contacted my favorite long-arm quilter to see if she would take on any of the projects, and as soon as I hear from her, I'll send off those that she will take.

I sew on a very old Singer sewing machine. It's not a Featherweight, but almost as old. I can do simple quilting, such as in the ditch, or stippling, and those projects the professional quilter doesn't care to do, I'll try to do on my own. I have a top put together for my cat (don't laugh). Since he seems to love fabrics, I thought I'd give him one that he could leave his fur on, and up-chuck over. It gives me the chance to reacquaint myself with machine quilting before I work on more serious projects.

I also have a set of pieced placemats that I'd like to quilt for use this summer, and a table runner to finish for my sister. I need to free hand quilt around ivy leaves on the table runner and add a few beads, and it will be done. I rarely applique, but I want to add a fall of leaves across one corner of an over-sized lap quilt. If I get the leaves cut out, I can work on the layout and have some hand work for bee.

I'm sure you see the trend here......finish it up so that I can start something new!

Do you quilt? If you do, tell me what you're working on now.

Star Tribune Crossword Corner

Two years ago, I discovered the Tribune Crossword Corner blog. CC, the owner, solved the daily crossword featured in the Chicago Tribune, and posted the answers for blogging aficionados.

Unfortunately, the quality of the Trib puzzles waned, and the decision was made to change to the puzzles offered by the LA Times. CC has developed quite a following, and many made the change to the more difficult puzzles with her.

If you wish to participate, it's best to complete the puzzle on your own, and then visit L.A.Times Crossword Corner (a Blogger blog) to check your answers. You can comment on the construction of the puzzle, or participate in the discussion in the comment section of the blog. It's astonishing what you can learn!