A Few Client Quilts

So many things are happening in my world I don't even know where to start!  First, I have another article coming out very soon in Machine Quilting Unlimited.  This time I wrote about using pantographs, focusing quite a bit on ways for those of us hand guided quilters to use them more efficiently.  Some day I completely want a computer for my machine, possibly a second machine too - but for the time being I'm quilting those babies out as carefully and neatly as I possibly can by hand...with good results I might add that folks often cannot tell is hand guided!  That's definitely the goal for me.  :)

Here's one panto quilt I just finished up for my client Jane...the pattern is Scenic Bypass by Antler Quilt Designs.  It measures approxmiately 86" x 66" and we used Deja Vu by Patricia E. Ritter and myself for the quilting, Glide thread in Light Olive, and one layer of Hobbs 80/20 batting.

Originally Jane had requested a deep purple shade of thread.  I have a handful of purple thread on hand but none looked quite right so instead I suggested this pretty deep green to pull from the green in her fabrics, and also the green leaves on her backing fabric.  I think it turned out so great, now I cannot imagine if we had used another color!  I really like the blending look of the green in the lighter fabric, the only other shade I think would have looked equally as nice would have been a golden/honey color.

People often ask me what to use for their backings.  My suggestion is generally a medium tone (unless your front is all very dark fabrics) that will look good with whatever color thread is going to be predominant on the front.  I tend to use the same or similar shade thread in the top and bobbin, so you want something that will compliment the thread used to blend with the front.  Many times folks like to send an all white or all dark colored backing - this is fine so long as there isn't going to be a lot of backtracking and you don't mind high contrast thread against it.  No matter how impeccable my backtracking or how thin the thread, a couple of passes in white against navy blue is just not going to look as nice as a lighter blue.  While the quality of the quilting is extremely important, I have really learned that color choice and quality of fabric matter just as much for the best possible outcome.

In the case of Jane's beautiful quilt, I think the green really worked beautifully with both the front and back of the quilt - she chose well!  :)

Another recent finish that I have been itching to share is my client Michele's Gravity quilt!  Michele is the cousin of my neighbor and I'm super excited about the quilts she is going to have me work on as she is a big fan of solids.  To me that means I get to have some SERIOUS fun! 

I had been just WAITING for someone to send me one of these! I'm not sure if just quilting it has satisfied my urge to make one or not...there never seems enough time to make all that I want to make, and because I really get my kicks from making and entering show quilts I'm not sure how soon I'll actually get to it. This certainly was fun to play on though!

We used one layer of Quilter's Dream Cotton Select for this one as this is Michele's batting of choice.  We opted for Bottom Line thread in the top and bobbin in a light gray shade.  Her backing was a black and gray print so much of the detail shows best on the front.

I just cannot get enough of those colors!  There were a lot stretchy bias edge triangles to the outer edge of the quilt with this one but they did not give me much issue.  Luckily much of the quilting allowed for me to pull and extra fabric in and (hopefully) we tucked it hidden pretty well.  No pleats or tucks but some creative quilting happened here.  :)

The Gravity quilt pattern (by Jaybird Quilts) measured approxmiately 96" x 95". 

One more show and tell piece...this is Wanda's quilt.  The center pattern is called a Stargello and she created it using a Stargello ruler tool - the borders were added by guild members to create one beautiful and awesome quilt!

This one was somewhere around 85" x 85".  We used two layers of batting - I believe she sent Quilter's Dream cotton and I used a layer of Hobbs 80/20 overtop.  This one I approached a little differently.  I stitched in the ditch the entire quilt first.  Then I went back and filled in.  I have been hesitant to do that with quilts that do not have a significant amount of piecing in the past but I really think it made for a neater, crisper finish.

My favorite part is the quilting in this open space around the star...

I also really enjoyed quiltnig in the snowball border!  The sort of curly cue design was something different but really effective I think.

The back is where I think stitching in the ditch prior to adding filler quilting really made a difference.  If you look carefully the ditched lines show little to no backtracking - not because there wasn't any backtracking but because it was very little.  Long continuous lines were done all at once in one long smooth motion - where as often when you ditch as you go, things don't always line up and look neat.  The difference is small - but overall it really adds to the polished look of the quilting.

I think there are always things you look at after and say, "oh, I could have done that better or differently".  I'm pretty pleased with this one!

I have been so fortunate to work on some very lovely quilts lately!  I have started a new show quilt and I'll get to that in an upcoming post, along with some of my thoughts on MQX.  I did not place this year but I'm happy to say I DID receive a teacher's ribbon from Angela Huffman!  How exciting!

More to come...happy quilting!

The Millennium is HERE!

Well, my Millennium has finally arrived!  Truthfully, it was shipped out far quicker than I had ever anticipated it would be.  To say that I am excited, in love, over the moon - not only is a given but the understatement of the year!!!!!

For curious minds - this is a certified used 2000 APQS Millennium that I purchased directly through APQS.  I have for the past two years been quilting on a 1999 Ultimate 1 that had no stitch regulation - really no additional features outside of the one stitch button.

I am not going to lie I am in love with my new machine...but the Ultimate I was really good to me.  There are not a lot of companies I will stand by in this day and age...but I must confess to you...and I tell you this in the spirit of total truthfulness as other than being a loyal customer (and somewhat of a forum stalker LOL) I am not affiliated with APQS in any way...I get no kick backs or payments or benefits for liking their brand...but they have been nothing less than AMAZING.  I bought that Ulti from a private seller - I was the third owner of the machine.  When APQS says they offer lifetime support, no matter what number owner you are or where you bought it - they really mean it.  Even though I didn't buy directly through them and was a total nobody special in the long arm world when my machine came home...they answered my questions and took their time to help me...I never felt as if maybe I wasn't as valued as any of their other customers.

I bought the Ulti 1 because it was what I could afford to get started in long arming...and I really built a foundation on it.  Now that it's been a few years I could afford the upgrade...and I am SO happy I was able to do that directly through the company.  I was able to get a warranty which is a HUGE relief for me buying a used machine.  Also it's come directly from their factory so I know it's been given a good testing to make sure all is in good working order.  I am now familiar with the machines so I know there are many repairs I can make myself...but I can sleep at night knowing the big scary things that I cannot do myself are covered by APQS.  I also now have experience shipping a machine and it's really taking the fear out of that for me or ever having to send it in to Iowa.  It's always a gamble buying independently...and if you can buy direct, even used, I 'd say DO IT EVERY TIME!

In any case I now have features I only dreamed of having.  I feel like I've graduated to a big kid machine!  I plan to continue upgrading as I can afford and I will not forget the over the top customer service APQS has given.  I have never felt alone with this company even though they are several states away!  That's a big deal in 2015 where it's hard to say that about anyone really.  Is there a company you could say that about anymore?  Though APQS is well known and highly respected in the realm of quilting...we're talking  a small handful of folks who handle the day to day operations.  It just says a lot about them - and it's something I'm willing to pay for and really give my loyalties to.

Anyhow enough of my love affair with APQS.  I'm just one very happy girl.  Here are some of my first stitches on my "new to me" Millie.  We have named her...Millie Mouse!

The accuracy I now have with a stitch regulator is amazing.  It's not that this kind of work was impossible on the Ultimate 1...but now it is just SO much easier.  I have the ability to move in a way similar to how I move no my sit down machine and oh...it's just wonderful!  I am also really impressed with the quality of the stitch regulator.  I nearly purchased a Handi Quilter the first go round - and even considered it again before buying the Millennium...I think HQ machines are wonderful and I certainly don't want to diminish their quality...but I do think the stitch regulator on my Millie is far better (at least to the Avante that I tested when shopping).  I would be sad to pass that up had I gone to HQ.

Here is my Ultimate 1 getting ready to be sent back to APQS...she will be pieced out and become a part of making someone else's dreams come true!!  I will never regret this machine.  It toughened me up, made me brave, and opened up a whole new world of quilting.

Oh and the best part...Millie came with a bow!!!  I have seen them on the new machines but didn't know if they'd put it on my used one...they did! It made it so special!!!  Quilting is my business and my absolute passion.  I am keeping the bow forever with my quilting ribbons!  LOL!  I so appreciate that they do that!!!!

So that is my exciting news and I am so tired from a very busy long day getting Millie set up that my brain is a bit mushy today.  I have a bit more playing planned and then I'm loading up customer quilts and getting back into the routine of things.  I will try and share a video in the next day or so with a little more detail on Millie's features and some of the new advantages I now have!

My Favorite Rulers and Some News!

Oh this is going to be a jam packed blog post - and I'm going to try and not get TOO long on you - but you all know I rarely have a shortage of things to say on any given subject!  :)

First I have two important things I want to share - probably the biggest thing next to baby happening in my life right now...is that as of yesterday I am the owner of a "new to me" APQS Millennium that will be arriving in about a week!  Woohoo!  So that much desired stitch regulation along with quite a few other bells and whistles are soon to be in my reach!  :)  I will elaborate on the story in another post - but very much wanted to share the exciting news with my quilting pals!

Second, I wanted to share that author, teacher, and award winning quilter Karen Neary shared a very kind post on her blog about the quilting I did on Darlene's New York Beauty quilt!  Karen is the designer of the pattern called New York Roundabout Again - and a while back Darlene had tested the pattern for her.  I am honored to be the one who was able to work on this beauty...and so very flattered at the kind words Karen had to share about my work!  Definitely stop by her blog and check it out!

Sew Karen-ly Created
http://sewkaren-lycreated.blogspot.com/2015/02/eye-candy-for-quilters.html

Ok!  Now with the fun news shared - many of you have been asking me about RULERS!

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Long arm rulers (often referred to as templates) are as much like candy for quilters as thread!  For the past two years I have been having a blast using rulers on my Ultimate 1 - without stitch regulation and with the older APQS style spoon foot.  It has taken some practice but I am convinced no matter what machine you are quilting on you will want to take some time to experiment...but it is SO worth the effort!

I am going to share with you my MOST used rulers...in descending order as to HOW frequently I use them.  There are just TONS of options nowadays for long arm rulers and new ones are popping up all the time...so keep on the look out for new ones!

Ditch Ruler from Quilter's Rule

My absolutely MOST used ruler is - the ditch ruler.  This one is made by Quilter's Rule and is just your average ditch ruler.  This one just happened to be available to me - I believe I purchased it from a vendor at the Sewing and Quilt Expo in Cleveland the year I bought my long arm.

The groove along the edge of the ruler is for your machine foot.  The straight edges of the outer ends is lined up with your "ditch" seam, and then you guide your foot along the edge within the groove.

Now - that's how you're supposed to use the ruler, but I'll be honest, I never do.  Why?  Not because I'm lazy...but because even the best piecer's don't necessarily sew a perfectly straight seam.  So a ruler like this doesn't allow for womples!  LOL  I like this ruler because I don't like to use most rulers from edge to edge...and I feel like the center most portion of the ruler is what I use the most.  Like with all things it takes getting used to - but I probably use this ruler on just about every quilt that comes to me!

Here's a video I took recently of me using the ruler on my APQS Ultimate 1...be forewarned that you may have to open this video in another window or view directly through YouTube for it to be viewed properly.

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Judy's Applique Gem from The Gadget Girls

My second most frequently used ruler is Judy's Applique Gem from The Gadget Girls.  This ruler literally changed the way I ditch around appliqué.  Now - this could have something to do with not having stitch regulation...most appliqué rulers were very difficult for me to use - this was the only ruler that really  helped me get up and close with unusual shaped appliqué.  I use this on ANY and EVERY quilt that has appliqué elements!

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12/13" Arc Ruler from Quilts on the Corner

My next most frequently used ruler is my 12/13" arc ruler from Renae Haddadin's online store, Quilts on the Corner.  She has full sets of arcs that I have just yet to invest in - but this one in particular is sold on it's own and EXTREMELY useful.  The inner arc is 12" while the outer arc is 13".  I use this one for almost all of the curved cross hatch I do no matter the size, and lots of other curved stitching.  While every quilt doesn't require a ruler like this, it is definitely one I could not live without!  The design possibilities are really immense with this ruler!

Here are photos of some recent client work where I used this same arc ruler to create curved cross hatching:

Curved Cross Hatching on Client Cindy DeUnger's Quilt - Created with 12/13" Arc Ruler

Curved Cross Hatching on Client Darlene Gerber's Quilt - Created with 12/13" Arc Ruler

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QP Curve Template #10 by Linda Hrcka from The Quilted Pineapple

This ruler is new to me but I am finding more and more uses for it.  I purchased it directly from Linda, but I see she has an online shop now - and if you are not familiar with Linda's work you SHOULD BE!  Visit her blog The Quilted Pineapple and I promise your won't regret it!  

Because this ruler has a half circle/moon shape unlike any of my other rulers I have found it to be extremely useful.  In the short time I have owned it I have already used it on several quilts.  I use this for circular appliqué, swags, and curved cross hatch.

This is a larger ruler than I normally work with.  Generally I prefer smaller rulers because of the awkwardness and difficulty to handle large rulers.  The way I have found I use this ruler is to mark first - then use the shape of the ruler to stitch along the pre-marked shape.  I anticipate this is going to become one of my "never let it go" rulers!

Here is an example of a recent client quilt where I used this ruler to create a swag design:

Swag Quilting Design Using QP #10 Template - Client Joyce Coburn's Quilt

Swag Quilting Design Using QP #10 Template - Client Joyce Coburn's Quilt

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Creative Grids 1" Ruler - NOT a Long Arm Ruler

Now this last ruler is NOT a long arm ruler/template.  The difference is the thickness.  Long arm rulers are generally about 1/4" thick to accommodate our machine foot.  You would never want to use a traditional cutting ruler on your long arm except for marking.  That is exactly how I use this ruler.  I thought it was worth sharing because it is absolutely invaluable.  I use this for measuring out small sections to quilt or creating geometric shapes.  I also use this to create registration marks for creating feathered borders (something I do frequently) or just lining up shapes and designs so they are neat and straight.

This one was actually gifted to me from the owner of a local quilt shop in exchange for some work I did.  I'm so glad I have it because I use it ALL the time!

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Some Things to Note and A Few Resources:

- Long arm rulers are THICKER than regular cutting rulers.  You never use a cutting ruler on your long arm as it could slide under your foot and cause damage to your machine or YOU.  That does not mean you won't LOVE traditional rulers for marking...and using them in combination with a good long arm template for carrying out your design.

- There are absolutely TONS of people who sell long arm rulers.  Do a quick google search and be sure to check at your local shows - particularly ones that will have long arm dealers with machines to test.  A great place to start is with the brand of whatever machine you are long arm quilting on.  Handi Quilter in particular has many rulers available that can be used on any long arm.  Also many of your favorite quilting artists and teachers have rulers available for purchase (Jamie Wallen, Lisa Calle, Deloah Jones, Linda Hrcka/The Quilted Pineapple, Renae Haddadin - just to name a few).

- Using rulers on a sit down machine is possible!  The way that free motion quilting has taken off with quilters on their sit down and domestic sewing machines - now is ruler work!  There are a number of great online resources to get you started with this technique, but a wonderful place to start is Patsy Thompson's YouTube channel.  She is an author and teacher who also has some wonderful free motion quilting tutorials and classes available.

- If you subscribe to or can get your hands on the latest issue (March/April 2015) of Machine Quilting Unlimited there is a fantastic article by Margaret Solomon Gunn on curved templates with some great examples of how to use them creatively.  Just another resource available to get you going with long arm rulers!

-  This is really just the tip of the ice berg in terms of what is available out there.  I do have many more rulers all of which I use some...but those shared above are my absolute use every day - cannot get by without them rulers!  :)

A Fine Example of My Lack of Organization - Ruler Storage

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I think this is a good starter list of the rulers I use the most!  If you have an absolutely "I can't live without it" long arm ruler I'd love for you to share!  I am always looking to add to the collection!

A Snippet of Joyce's Quilt in Progress

I feel like things are moving slowly this January - but in a good way.  After an absolutely crazy and hectic November and December, I am really enjoying the slow down.  I think part of it is pregnancy - I just move slower right now!  :)

Joyce's quilt is - magnificent - all on it's own!  I'm beyond honored to have been asked to quilt it for her - and to know there are many very good and talented long armers in our area, Joyce was asked to be put on my waiting list and has had this quilt ready for months for me to work on.  I'm feeling very special and doing my best to take my time, do it right - and do it justice.

I have grand plans for this beauty!  She asked for double batt and I think that was really a great choice for quilting definition.  I've layered Hobbs Tuscany Wool over Hobbs 80/20 and that always seems to give a gorgeous lofty look.  Wool also has this fantastic filling quality where it really fills out the quilting designs.  It is just lovely to work with.

I am using my new rulers that my Husband bought me for Christmas from Linda Hrcka of The Quilted Pineapple fame.  I'm thrilled with her new long arm templates - she is a fantastic quilter whose work I have admired for years.  When I first started quilting I would go to her web site and drool over her quilts - and try to emulate her gorgeous quilting.  If you haven't visited her blog before - prepare to be glued to your screen for a good portion of the day!  :)

I'm taking my time but moving along.  I am almost 5 months along now if you can believe it!  I am feeling good but definitely have begun to waddle.  LOL  Everything takes a little longer and I'm nesting terribly.  Looking forward to baby's arrival in a few short months!

Update: What's Been Going on in the Smith Kingdom :)

My report is going to be kind of random and boring today.  I did finish Cindy's quilt which I will be trimming and boxing up to be sent home today.  Here's a quick shot I took for Facebook...

I always love all over feathers on a scrappy quilt like this and she sent the prettiest backing that will really show off the quilting too.  Bonus!  :)

Other than that we've had a string of sickness in the house, that achy shaky flu has hit and hit the local schools even harder.  My middle daughter came home yesterday with a fever of 101 and is still trying to kick a high fever this morning so another day of nursing and caring for her.  Hopefully she feels better by tomorrow and we don't have to go into the Dr.

I'm working on a project with some pretty batiks - some of which my kind friend Marci sent me.  I don't really have time or a need to start a project right now but it was fun playing in the fabric yesterday.  :)

Trying to gear up for Christmas but I just can't seem to get into it this year.  I think because I'm so busy and backed up with work.  My tree is up, the lights are on but nothing else!  I have wrapped presents ready to go under it even but it's not quite ready!  LOL  I will get there - apparently Christmas comes and goes whether you're ready for it or not!

I hope all is well with my friends in blogland!  I'm hoping to sneak in some time to visit you all and see what you've been up to soon!  :)

Monica's Christmas Quilt

I finally finished Monica's 12 Days of Christmas quilt!

I am so happy with how it turned out!  Next on the frame is Cindy's scrappy BOM!  :)

Pamela's Baby Quilt

I have sooo many exciting things to share, I'm going to have to space it all out within a few posts.  First, I want to share Pamela's baby quilt - she sent this to me recently for quilting and I just finished...I think it turned out so darn cute!

 

I am always very concerned with fusible applique - depending on the fusible you use and the method you use to secure it, quilting can damage it.  Fortunately Pamela's quilt was able to hold up to some additional detail.  Not something I can always do - but this time it worked out really well.  I think it added a lot of character to her already adorable quilt too.

 

I used my favorite Glide Thread in five or six different colors on this - and a single layer of Hobbs 80/20 batting.

Here is a closeup of the monkey with a little light manipulation so you can better see the quilting - I quilted that little belly button onto him and I just thought it turned out adorable!!  It was on a whim too as I hadn't included it into the mock up but I knew once I got into the quilt that it needed something else to secure that tummy down.  DETAILS are my absolute favorite part of quilting!

I also received some fun mail today!!!!  Four of the pantographs I have designed with Patricia Ritter over at Urban Elementz have arrived!!!!!  I will share them all next post...yay!

I hope everyone is getting some quilting done out there in blogland!!

Vickie's Sew Spooky Quilt

Here I am!  Things are getting C-R-A-Z-Y here!  This past week I have been avoiding the computer somewhat as Hubby came down with that yicky flu that the girls had, and we keep our computer in the bedroom.  All I could think was - GERMS!  It's been a full 7 days now since he's been sick so I'm feeling like I may have gotten a free pass on the flu this time.  *fingers crossed*  In any case - back to the computer as I have a lot of work to catch up on!

First I want to share Vickie's quilt - it is called Sew Spooky by The Quilt Company.  Visit Vickie's blog and send her some nice comments about her lovely quilt!  http://vickiequilts.blogspot.com

This quilt is so adorable and was so much fun to work on.  I really think the McTavishing with swirls was perfect for the pattern.  I tried to add sweet little details anywhere I could - this quilt is definitely a feast for the eyes...something everywhere to look at and interest you!  :)  Thank you again Vickie for allowing me to work on your adorable quilt!  It is headed home today!

I also wanted to share that new patterns are up now on Urban Elementz!  I am super excited to say - I have my own little Designer Page even!!!  I'm so excited and honored to be involved with them - it is a dream come true, truly! 

 

 

 

In other news - I turned 33 on Friday!!!  I don't know if I am excited about this or a little scared.  I'm that much closer to 40 - the age that my parents will forever be in my mind...even though now they are well into their 60's.  I had such a wonderful day though - my Husband spoiled me rotten, and I'm not going to lie, I enjoyed every moment of it.  He and my parents bought me gift cards so I could buy what I wanted at the craft store, and I bought a hoard of art supplies.  I have been scrapbooking and making time for paint and art.  :)  If you would like to see my artsy endeavors, I have decided to keep them seperate from this blog as I know many of my pals here are here for the quilts - you can visit my artsy/nonsense blog at http://valeriesmithartstudio.blogspot.com

 

 



Happy Quilting!! 

- Valerie :)