Winter III

We already have a couple of inches on the ground and are expecting more throughout the day. It's a GREAt day to stay in, put on some mellow jazz, and quilt, quilt, quilt. 

Bernadettes quilt is not done (yet) but will be today if the quilt fairies are with me. I'll work on the Jacqueline deJonge on DW while frame ironing for the next Bernie quilt. I have most of the quilting decisions done on that one, which I swear, takes the longest when actually quilting. 

Have already poly'd the door this morning so only one more coat on one more side. That'll be later tonight. 

Today's Instagram Quiltfest question was your favorite quilt. The one everybody, the dogs, and the visiting family members snuggle up with. Well, it's definitely this one!

As Lucy is demonstrating

It's nothing detailed or elaborate. It's just quilted with a wool batt, and quilt shop quality fabrics. THAT makes the difference! Batting more than anything is what give a quilt its drape and snuggle factor, yet folks always want to skip spending money there because they feel like you can't see it so what difference does it make? 

ALL the difference! Fabrics with a good hand are also important but the batting, despite the hidden value of it, is the key. And, quite honestly, the difference between a good batt and a discount batt is about $20 on a queen size quilt. I think I've sang this song before, but it is something I'm passionate about and want to share. Don't skimp on your batting people! Seriously!!!

Post Retreat

I love going to retreats. I guess I should otherwise I shouldn't be going, right? I get so much piecing done and get my current WIPs closer to being finished. Here's what I was able to accomplish...

I started with this one.

This needed blanket stitching, binding, and a hanging sleeve put on. Check. All Done!

This one was next

This was left in block format when I left the retreat back in January. Now it's ready for long arming. 

Puff!

This only had four rows done when I left the retreat in January. It still needs a backing and then to be tied, but it's at least put together. 

For the book worm

This was in pieces when I left the November retreat and found it in the pile. It's now ready for the long arm.

And then I was out of WIP's except for Farm Girl Vintage. I was able to construct five more blocks and now I'm at the half-way point on those. I'll not start anything major until all of them are done. 

It'll be good to get back on the big machines today. I miss both the guys and I think something like a retreat is just the thing needed to recharge batteries. 

I'll be working on Debs and Lindas quilts for today. I'm not expecting any customers; we have a winter storm coming in and should think my day should stay pretty clear. 

Yay! Long Arming!

Didn't realize how much I missed the big guy until he was fired back up yesterday. One of the tops completed during the virtual retreat begged to be finished. Or, it was one of the tops that just didn't fit into the tote of Flimsy's. Either way, it's on the frame and half done.

Getting back on the frame

After long arming, work on the reunion Cross commenced. Sections one through eight are completed. 

Laying out section eight

More long arming and Cross building today; and anything else I can find to get into between now and later.