First off the frame

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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!