Saturday, January 4, 2014

Happy New Year...and The Quilt That Never Ends!

Happy New Year!  It's hard to believe that it is already 2014!  A year ago today I was eagerly awaiting the arrival of my long arm...and I could barely do a decent stipple when it first came home.  While there are still imperfections and things I will need to improve and work on, I'm really thrilled with how my "vintage charm" or "looks like a stinkin' wedding quilt" or whatever it will be called is coming along.  A sweet quilting acquaintence asked me if I was going to enter this in the local quilt show, and while I would like to, the deadline is in four days and I have a mess of beading and embelishments that will still be added to this so I just don't think I'll make the deadline.  I have dreamed since I started machine quilting of entering something in one of the MQX shows so that's what I'm hoping for.  The deadline is February 1st and I have a slew of things left to do, plus customer quilts, so - fingers crossed!  I do really want to put this out there to share and there are lots of really great shows out there looking for entrants so when it is done it will go somewhere.  LOL!  ;)

I've got only 6" at the bottom of the quilt left that as soon as I'm finished with some other priority work I'll finish up and finally be done...

Here's the center.  I literally cried over this.  LOL!  The pressure got to me a little bit and the lack of sleep too I think.  The first time I'd marked off that center square it was TERRIBLE!  It was off cneter and wobbly and just terrible.  I marked it again and stitched it out and - wheew - it turned out really pretty.  :)  The stripes are stitched...it's looking a little like a popcorn box though so I thought beads - BEADS SOLVE ALL PROBLEMS!  LOL  I thought maybe I could do something creative in there...  :)


Up close in the sun yesterday afternoon of the bottom left corner...almost there!


Today I got brave and took a shot of the back.  There is no mercy with white thread on a mauve backing.  Every hiccup shows but, at the same time, I've learned many lessons.  :)


 
So I'm very very happy, despite the years this may have taken off my life!  :)  I am already thinking about my next project...

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

The important thing....what was learned!!!! Only a year! Me, too! I think we both have a lot to be proud of/pleased with!!!! 2013 (looking back) was a "I can't believe it" year in the quilting department for me!! If this is what is accomplished in the 1st year...what will year #2 look like????? WOW!!!! Hugs......

Mandy said...

I just got my longarm a month ago. I'm glad to read you were challenged when you got your machine, it gives me hope. Your quilt is beautiful!

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

There are no hiccups in this quilt!!! heavens; I wish I could come close to your work...gorgeous!
You need to get that in a show...lol

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Ah sweetie - that is why they make hair dye - to cover those grays that stress gives us! You are just doing a spectacular job on this piece.

Michele said...

I'm floored by how terrific that looks. And I'm hoping that after 1 year of using my longarm that I'm that good. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Teresa in Music City said...

It's a stunner! I'll be pulling for you to have it done in time to enter... it would be a shame to not be able to share it with so many others :*)

Sewing Junkie said...

You talk about time. All good things take time. Enjoy the process. All in good time you will be competing with your peers. Don't rush. Be positive and not to hard on the little things. You are evolving greatly. Chris

Diane E W said...

Wow, you conveyed my thoughts exactly, I too have been longarming for a little over a year and have learned so much and have found to have fun. This is a beautiful piece, take your time there will always be a new or different quilt show. If you rush it will you regret it after the show?