Quilter Sandy

Quilt Auction

2011-12-06T10:34:00.000-08:00

Remember I told you about a quilt that I quilted and was waiting to hear how it did? Well, it won first place and is up for auction. The auction ends today...but it is sitting at $700 as I write this.

The quilt is beautifully pieced and quilted with a rustic charm look. The block motifs are canola flowers, in the small ovals are a bumblebee motif, then in the outside border we have piano keys and the inside border is feathers. Oh and stitch in the ditch till the cows come home! It took forever for the SID... :)

Here is the link to the auction. Would love to know who ends up with it!
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Airport-Colony-Quilt-/200680833899?pt=Quilts&hash=item2eb982836b

Happy quilting everyone!

Other quilts to view

2011-10-16T12:31:00.000-07:00

Here are some more quilts to see. Most are pantographs. There is one more custom quilt that I did, but I am waiting to see how it did in the contest before I post it :)

This is a quilt by another Andrea...who has been one of my best customers :) I love this quilt and wish I could have done a custom job on it but I just didn't have the time. It is a pantograph I have used before. It is called Novoya Zhisn

Another quilt by Andrea which has the Raindrop pantograph. I love this pantograph. It is so simple, but the quilt looks so lovely when it is done.

The front and then the back. Doesn't it look elegant?

Catching Up

2011-10-16T12:08:00.000-07:00

So, another quilt is off the frame. I thought I would take a moment and update with some pictures.

First, a custom quilt, a native blanket. This is done in the traditional way of stitch in the ditch with dreamcatcher motifs in the four corners of the star.

Andrea made this quilt and did a lovely job of the piecing. It was a pleasure to quilt, however, I am thinking that traditional quilting of native quilts should have a little bit of overhaul, but that is just my humble opinion. We don't always want to mess with tradition.

You see, my concern is the open area around the dreamcatcher motif. It needs to be firmed up with a simple background filler. However I do like the chevron effect in the center of the star points.

Tell me what you think!

After this post, I was told that these quilts are seldom used. They are hung on a wall to admire. Maybe the open spaces are not a concern after all. :)

Quilt Show in St Francois Xavier, Manitoba

2011-09-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't kept up with my blog...I have been quilting like mad, after suffering with tennis elbow. I have finally caught up. I did take pictures along the way and will share them shortly.

In the meantime...please know that the guild I belong to is having a quilt show on Sunday, September 25th. The raffle quilts, and yes, I said quilts, are gorgeous. One is sunflowers and one is maple leafs. Tickets will be available at the show.

The location is the Community centre on PH 26 in St Francois Xavier and it is open from 11 am to 4 pm. Tea and Cake will be served. Please come and visit us!

Happy Quilting! Sandy

Working on my blog

2011-03-30T10:38:00.000-07:00

I haven't been able to update my blog lately...I apologize...
I have since lost all my pictures due to a computer virus and having to reformat my hard drive...very sad!

I am trying to get some images from an external harddrive, but having trouble uploading...
So, it is a work in progress and hope to be updated soon!

Check out Blue Moon River Blog - giveaway

2010-12-17T10:19:00.000-08:00

Here is a great giveway for the holiday season! Check out my favorite quilter's blog and leave a comment to win.

http://wwwbluemoonriver.blogspot.com/

Season's Greetings everyone :)

Sandy

Here is Custom Quilt #2

2010-12-16T20:28:00.000-08:00

This is Giselle's quilt. It is her first quilt and obviously has some meaning because there were wonderful pictures of her family. She didn't want the pictures quilted, which is fine and I probably would have only outlined them which would have meant alot of starts and stops. The result was a meander around the photos to stabilize them and then I took a hint from the fabric and in the pieced blocks, did a funky flower in the center of each.
The border is piano keys with the corners showing the same little funky flower, but smaller, with a meander around it.

I used Signature thread for this quilt, all in black. I did stabilize the yellow sashing with a monofilament thread.

I think it turned out pretty cute!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/57105519@N07/sets/72157625482937543/show/

Sorry, I tried to get the slide show embedded in the post. It comes up in the preview window correctly but when I try to publish it, all I get is the square with the dreaded red "x" in the corner. Will try and find out how to get it within the post so you don't get forwarded to flickr. This will have to do for now :)

Okay...1st Slide show

2010-12-16T20:05:00.000-08:00

Let's give this a try. Here is the first custom quilt done on my new system. This is Jan's quilt. Large vertical panels with applique. The top turned out great, however with the lack of vertical seams, it was hard to stabilize enough of the quilt to get a smooth back. Unfortunately unless I had basted the quilt before I started quilting it, I don't see how I could have avoided it. Unless I did the can trick which probably would have caused folds near the fish border which I had already stabilized before I started doing the centre panels.

If anyone else has a suggestion or trick to avoid this, please send me an email.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/57105519@N07/sets/72157625614809492/show/

Pictures...so many Pictures

2010-12-15T20:57:00.000-08:00

I was going to load some pictures tonight, but it is taking forever to get them uploaded. I will set up a slide show for you and post it on my blog tomorrow.

There are 2 custom quilts and the others are various panotgraphs. The custom quilts were done mostly with Signature threads and the pantographs are done with King Tut...
However, there is one Jenny Beyer quilt that was done with Lava thread, again by Superior. The thread was just perfect for the quilt. It took alot to get it to work, but once it did..WOW...it turned out beautiful. A simple pattern for a very elegant quilt.

I will try and put captions with the quilts. Not sure if that works with slide shows, but I will try anything at least once.

Until tomorrow :)
Nighty, Night!
Sandy

Xmas Rush

2010-12-06T14:15:00.000-08:00

I know it has been a while since I have posted, but I have been busy with the Christmas rush. One more quilt that is promised before the big day....
I will be posting pictures soon!

I did my first couple of custom quilts on my new system and understand the term "bread and butter" now. Maybe I will get a chance to sit down tonight and give you some eye candy. There are some really pretty quilts landing up on my frame. :)

Stay tuned...I promise it will be worth it!

ttfn
Sandy

So, what is on your bed?

2010-10-09T08:18:00.000-07:00

I finally have a quilt on my bed that I can sleep under :)

This is a jelly roll pattern, I believe it was "Quilt Magazine" and it went together so quickly. The quilting design is Mariposa by Patricia Ritter, Urban Elementz, which is butterflies and flowers. Very pretty, but your tension has to be pretty accurate because the small bends in the pattern can cause some puckering.
I used King Tut Parchment and bottom line.

Are you seeing a pattern to my thread choices?
Of course, you have to see it on my bed. The "girls" weren't too sure what to think of it as it is not as puffy as the duvet that used to be on the bed.

You will notice that they are sleeping on the quilt and NOT on the mat that is specifically for them! GRRRR!

Here is a picture of the quilt that I did for Kelly at the local quilt store, Quilt as Desired. This is the quilt that I had to frog (rip it, rip it). If you know any particulars about Thimbleberry quilts...they are always BIG!... Rob gave me permission to post this!

The pantograph used on this quilt was Novaya Zhizn by Beany Girl Quilts available through Willow Leaf Studios. The thread is again, King Tut - Bedouin which is very similar to Signature - Mother Goose, but a bit more blending IMHO. Because I was having tension issues at the time, I used Essentials from Connecting Threads in the bobbin, just to balance the weight of the threads.

Well, my order came from Superior (do you believe that I did not have a blue thread that I could use as bobbin thread?).

At least I can get back to quilting :)

Have a great Thanksgiving to all the Canadians. Enjoy the Turkey!

Sandy

I am in Business!

2010-09-25T09:13:00.000-07:00

Okay, so it has been a while since I posted...and yes, there are reasons. First there was a quilt where everything that could go wrong did. Mostly it was tension issues. I should have stopped...but I didn't and it took me a long time to rip out all the quilting. The tension demons were resolved (I stopped using the pigtail on the bobbin case) and I finally got the quilt back to the customer, and she was happy. Of course, it had to happen with the owner of the local quilt store...I haven't got her permission to post a picture, but I will...

Morale of that story, next time, stop....

After that I got 3 more quilts off the frame, with a stop in between to celebrate my 50th birthday. Hubby got me an IPod Touch which will keep me company or in the groove while I quilt...THANKS HONEY!! ....

Here is one of the quilts I did...my own for my sister. Thought I should do one that wasn't a customer's quilt ;)

I used Superior King Tut thread called Riverbend and the panto was Feathered Leaf from Jodi Beamish at Willow Leaf Studio. I loved the way the pattern flowed. If the customers wants a feathery type of pattern, I would certainly show them this one.
Just have the binding to do and I can get this to my sister. She is excited to have a quilt for herself.

This quilt was made by Gail Peterkin for her sister...it is called Bent Pieces by Maple Island Quilts. She added some extra borders to increase the size and the fabrics she used just made it sing.

We used the Feathers with a Twist pantograph from Lorien Quilting and the thread was Sand Dunes from Signature thread. The end result is quite stunning. I think her sister will just LOVE her present.

I also did a baby quilt for another customer. It was so cute, but I really need to get into the habit of getting permission to post pictures on my blog. I always get wrapped up in the excitement of delivering the final product, that I forget to ask.

Well, I have to get MY quilt off the frame so I can load a rush wedding present that is being dropped off this afternoon. Hopefully I won't have any gremlins show up during the quilting...

Will post again soon! Have to show you this quilt, because I will finally finish one for my bed! It is a jelly roll quilt made with Moda Fresh Cottons and turned out so nice. I can hardly wait to sleep under it.

Happy Quilting everyone!

First off the frame

2010-06-01T21:06:00.000-07:00

The first of the quilts are now off the frame. Before going to Kansas, I was having tension problems galore, however after returning I was able to make friends with Kiwi...

The trick was starting to use the same thread on top as I did on the bottom. Before I left, I was trying to use Superior Bottom Line and King Tut. When I came home, I used Signature thread top and bottom and really loosened up my bobbin thread. The result?, well I think it speaks for itself.

Remember the frame shot from my last post? This is my disappearing Nine Patch made with Fig and Plum charm packs. The pantograph is Fancy Free from Willow Leaf Studios.

Then there is a quilt made with the Moda William Morris fabric for a friend's wedding. The pantograph is Heartstrings.

If you click on the actual picture...it will come up with a larger view and you can see the quilting better ;)

It is finally here! Meet Kiwi

2010-05-04T20:52:00.000-07:00

Well, I have officially become a longarm quilter! My long awaited new machine is safely tucked in its new home...hooked up and working :)

Feast your eyes!

Of course it took alot to get it here...like a fork lift and tilt trailer

That is Dear Hubby, supervising...who is also certified to use a forklift, so he was watching very carefully! :)

It did spend its first night in the garage tho!

Anyways, at least I got to practice a little before I head down to Kansas.

Will try and be a little more regular in my posting...especially since Peggi is a loyal follower and gives me heck occasionally! Right Peggi? ;)

Well, time to hit the sack...more practice tomorrow!

New Year, New Quilts

2009-03-11T17:15:00.000-07:00

Okay, by now you realize that I never kept a diary when I was younger...and I am not keeping a journal now. Postings have been sporatic and almost non existent. This is because I have been so busy...working, vacationing, and yes, quilting.

I made a new years resolution that I would not start any new projects until I finished some of my PhDs. I am happy to report that I am doing quite well, but the new projects are piling up and calling my name. Does that sound familiar?

I have finished my mother's quilt...finally...

And I have finished a quilt for me. Here is my first quilt that I own (actually it is my second, but we won't talk about the one residing in my DH's trunk)

It was a mystery Suduko quilt done the CQOL, a yahoo group for Canadian Quilters!

Both have my new favorite panto...Gingko Leaves...a pretty clamshell pattern!

AND, I have another quilt for me on the frame. My mystery Border Creek Station quilt - Road to Minnesota. I am quilting this with Dusty Miller, just wait until you see it!

Upcoming projects include...2 baby quilts...teaching a tote bag course at my local guild...AND is it May yet? I am going to Kansas for the International Machine Quilters Showcase...workshops with Karen McTavish, Sally Terry and Dawn Cavanaugh...and lots and lots of shopping and trying out new machines...

Do I sound excited? I can hardly wait...

Okay, enough for one evening...I have to go quilt...LOL!

Enjoy the moments...you just never know what will happen ;)

Silly Me!

2008-06-16T18:46:00.000-07:00

It has been so long since I changed my blog...I forgot how to sign in...

Have been too busy working and quilting. My latest quilt was for a wedding yesterday! It is from the Melon Patch book and when I saw the picture, I just had to recreate the quilt! That and finding a quilt that works in black and white is difficult at the best of time!

Promised pictures

2008-02-09T10:34:00.000-08:00

Here are the promised pictures of the quilts that I finished piecing during my retreat. I am working on getting the chocolate one on my frame today. Along with doing laundry and coping with a mini blizzard here in Manitoba.

It is not very pretty here when the wind is howling and the temperature without the windchill is -25c.

New Month

2008-02-01T10:44:00.000-08:00

I thoroughly enjoyed the retreat last weekend. The inspiration and support from 71 other ladies was amazing. Came back inspired and renewed. Unfortunately, I did forget my camera...silly me! Worst thing I could have forgotten!

I almost got my two quilts together. I will be finishing the borders on the second quilt tonight! Then get the backing ready and onto the frame.

I do have to say, there was alot of talk about this quilt pattern Exclamation. Everyone was thinking of the kind of fabrics that you could use with it. Talk of oriental prints and batiks was on everyone's lips. It is the kind of pattern that one can use for showcasing fabrics. And so easy to construct. The fun thing was, another quilter was making the same quilt. Different colours of course, but the same pattern. It was interesting to discuss the pattern and different techniques.

I will of course post a picture after I get the borders on the last quilt tonight.

Oh, and I found a quilter to show me back basting! It will change my life....

However, I can't start anything new until I get more of my WIPs done.

Happy Quilting Everyone!

Planning for Quilting Retreat

2008-01-21T11:28:00.000-08:00

January 21st, 2008

It is so cold here today...just want to be at home quilting!!!

However, have a weekend retreat planned, so I am looking forward to getting out to the country and quilt with a whole group of quilters.

I am planning on making the Exclamation Quilt from Blue Meadows Design. One in Pink and Blue and the other in Chocolate and Blue. This pattern was published in the Quilts and More Magazine http://www.bluemeadowdesigns.com/press/quiltsandmore_fall07.pdf

I am looking foward to seeing it together in my colour combination.

The dots are being made and there are pictures here...

Have to go and handsew some more. I need 13 for each quilt and I am just over half done. Then to cut all my fabric so I can spend less time cutting and more time quilting!

Colour Quilt #1

Colour Quilt #2

Hopefully I can get this all ready for Friday and
work full time as well!

Wish me luck!