To Sew or Not to Sew....That is NOT the Question!
So, this past month I did not have any sewing going on for part of it, at least not for me. My daughter had decided to learn to make a rag quilt that she wants to give to her best friend as a gift when she gets accepted to a Master’s Program. It is AWESOME to see her sitting down at my machine producing her first quilt! She has done it all herself, from picking and purchasing the fabric, cutting the squares, quilting the blocks together, and sewing the quilt together. She has done a beautiful job!!! The only part I had in it was the instructional, teaching side and the support. It is one of my favorite quilts to start teaching with, as it is simple. All the while, you learn how to prep fabric, cut fabric, sewing, nesting seams, basic quilting, and design. When you are finished, you not only have learned so many techniques, but have created a fun, comfy quilt that you, or someone you love, will enjoy for many years. So, even though I haven’t had the opportunity to sew or quilt myself, during that time, I have instead spent this time watching my daughter doing what I love to do. It was such a sweet time for me as a quilting mother! She let me a take picture and share with you all. This is a moment of pride flowing through my heart!
HALO INSPIRATIONS
Tam’s First Quilt!
I haven’t even discussed a label with her yet. Do you put labels on your quilts? When I first started, I never did. Looking back, I wish that I had. Every quilt has a story and being able to see when, who, and/or why the quilt was made, is such a neat thing to experience. Can you imagine 50 years later, someone will read the label and understand part of the story? So, I will encourage her to have a label. Wish I would have forethought that out, as it would have been easier to place on the bottom layer before it was quilted. However, it is never too late to add a label!
I do have my sewing machine and room back. Therefore, I have begun to finish the Christmas Tree Skirt that I am making for my daughter. The first one I made, I quilted it on my domestic machine using FMQ. However, I am going to load this one on my longarm and use a couple of stencils. Still trying to work out in my head how to accomplish this, as it is a circle and not a rectangle shape. It is also a large circle of 48 inches in diameter…yikes! I am seeing lots of cutting of threads with it right now. But, I will let you know how I end up doing this. I first have to finish piecing the top together, cutting out the circle in the middle with the slit, applying the label on the backing, and I have a Quilt of Valor that needs longarmed with a deadline. I hope to have the skirt under my longarm needle in the next 2 weeks.
Another ongoing project I have this month is a quilt for my daughter’s sorority. Every year they hold an auction during Mother’s Weekend to raise money, and I am trying to finish this quilt in time for it. I have the topper done, just need to finish designing and sewing on some appliques that I wish to put in the center of 5 of the blocks. I only have 1 finished in the design mode. I still have 4 more to go and then add them to the topper. That is truly my main focus for the next few weeks. I will share pictures of the finished product!!
How do you all keep your projects organized and finished on time? Do you wait to the last minute? Do you work on one at time or several at once? I am always trying to find ways to keep moving forward. I am one that does not have UFOs. I see them all as projects in the working…lol… I will not start another project until each of these are finished. It is the only way I can see not getting too far behind. It is kinda driving me crazy, as I have many ideas floating in my head and listed on paper. However, I will not even look at that list until I get these out of the way. Hence why I ask you all that question of organizing projects. I am intrigued and always willing to try something new. The only thing I see needing to happen in my quilting life is to buckle down and continue to work hard!
Until next time, may you continued to be inspired, productive, and joyful! And never stop making your dreams in quilting come true!
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