My niece's quilt is finally finished. Well, I am guessing it is finished since I attached the binding and gave the quilt to my sister to sew down the binding. I swear, as soon as I get some time I am going to learn how to attach binding the Sharon Schamber way. Anyhoo...I did all the quilting on this one. I was a little nervous about FMing the flower design but I figured that if I could doodle them on paper, surely I could doodle them on fabric with the LA. The thread used was Sew Fine in the bobbin (pre-wound) and King Tut but I don't remember which one. I was a little concerned that the quilting would be too obvious on the red blocks but I think it looks pretty darn good!
I think I have used up about 2/3 of my "Vienna Nights" stash. I have a lot of the yellow colorway still in my basket and I think I can probably get another lap throw out of what is left. There was roughly 1/3 of a yard of fabric left over from the backing. It is the blue floral from "Roman Holiday" that Julie found on sale at Burkholder's. I love it so
I am keeping the scrap! I have some other pieces of Roman Holiday in my stash so if I keep it really simple, I believe I have the makings of a Christmas gift.
Which brings me to a thought. I truly am concerned about local quilt shops. Just last week, I discovered that one of my favorite shops in Pennsylvania closed their storefront and are now just an on-line operation. Our group used to go there and shop for HOURS. I never saw any evidence that they were having financial difficulties so I guess we won't know why they closed but it did make us sad. With so many of us using up stash in an effort to keep spending under control during these crazy economic times, I wonder how many shops will make it through? There is a shop about 5 minutes from where I live. I rarely go in there since the fabric selection is limited, however, I would hate to see the shop close. The shop only opened about a year ago and I know it was a dream come true for the owner. Maybe I will go there this weekend and see if I can find some Christmas fabric or something. Better yet, maybe I should sign up for a class!
Suzan, you did a great job on the FM. I need to learn to FN. I have a Bernina 440 w/embrodiery and I am suppose to be able to do it. I guess I need to buckle down since my fav LQS is closing.Keep up the good work!! They will not have an online store though.
ReplyDeleteThat's the thing, some shops just won't make it and that's horrible. All of them are a great resource to us. Not just for shopping. For many it's like being part of your own secret society. One of the best things about working at a shop is the people that I've met and become friends with.
ReplyDeleteHow do you like So Fine in the bobbin? I've never tried it. I LOVE it for the top.
Your quilting is great. I tried flowers on my last quilt, but I'm not very good at them. I hate to see quilt shops close too. I try to support all the ones in my area. Taking a class is a great way to support the shop and get to know other quilters.
ReplyDeleteWow!! I love the quilt, you did a great job!!
ReplyDeleteWhich shop closed? I hope it wasn't Burkholder's... I Love that place.
Hugs,
Nancy
My LQS is truggling and the owners have stopped taking a wage. the only thing keeping them going at the moment is the very full workshop programme. When that runs out who knows?
ReplyDeleteLove and hugs Gina xxx
Suzan,
ReplyDeleteI love your quilt,and your fmq is wonderful! I mostly do doodles, or stippling, but I would like to do flowers like you did.
Great work!
Michelle
You FMQ turned out great .I love to do binding it gives me something to do while watching TV in the evening .I've been using the Sew Fine thread for a while and really like it .
ReplyDeleteYour free motion work is lovely - you are very talented.
ReplyDeleteI do worry about the quilt shops. Since I have lived here there have been several shops open and fail. I patronize the closest one even though the prices sometimes make me wince, because I wouldn't want to see it go under too. And sometimes online shopping, as much as I love it, won't do. You have to handle the fabric, lay the bolts together and get a real feel for the combinations.
Love the fabrics - you quilting is pretty too - matches the theme of the fabrics.
ReplyDelete