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!

More Progress on Cindy's Quilt - and GIVE AWAY WINNER!!!

What, you think I'm going to announce the winner that easy?  LOL  No way!  Let's talk quilts first!  :)

I have received a lot of inquiries from long arm quilting pals on how I created this design on Cindy's quilt.  Well - first I should explain that every quilt that comes to me for quilting goes through a stage of planning long before I load it up on the frame.  I use a graphic design tablet to doodle directly onto the digital photograph of the quilt - and I doodle away until something fun and exciting shows up!  For Cindy's quilt, the outer geometric sashing screamed feathers to me.  I had seen Renae Haddadin's arc ruler around the blogs and thought it would be great for creating the circular movement in this quilting plan.

 

 

For the pinstripe border at the top I just used your basic ditch ruler.  I bought mine from the Sewing and Quilt Expo in Cleveland last spring - but it is just a small simple ditch ruler that can be purchased from Quilter's Rule.  Truly - it is probably my most used ruler too.

 

 

 

For marking I use a purple disappearing ink pen.  I pretty much only use disappearing ink, blue water soluble markers, and white chalk for darker fabrics.  The only marking on this quilt was for the arcs, the curved cross hatching before I stitched it, and a few registration marks so that everything was neat and even.  The feathers are all free hand.

 

Here are a few more angle shots of the quilting so far...I'm about half way through and then this quilt will be ready to go home!  :)

 

 

 

This quilt has particularly fun to work on!  Of course - it has been a learning experience in design execution as well - but a joy in every aspect.  Some days I want to pinch myself because I cannot believe that I get to do what I love every day!

 

So - almost there!  I will ask you to endure likely one more photo shoot with this quilt once it is finished, and then a quick charity quilt before I load up Barbara's quilt.

 

 

Ok...ok....ok...would you like to know who won the give away? 

 

I thought you might!  :) 

 

I have to say... THANK YOU to all those who entered!!!  There were a few comments that really  hit home with me...many of you have been hanging around for years and watched the progression of my quilting journey.  I am SO very blessed...every day I am grateful for how fortunate I am to be home with my children, my wonderful family, and doing what I am truly passionate about each and every single day.  I am also SO VERY grateful to those of you who trusted me long before I had anything to show for myself...those first quilts that were sent to me with pure trust.  Thank you so very much!!!

 

With the help of a random number generator a winner has been chosen...a the winner is...

 

Jan E

 

Jan I will send you over an email and we will make arrangements for your choice of paper pantograph or free quilting!

 

Thank you all again for participating!!!  :)