Two new quilts

I tried my hand at FMQ again using a 17wt thread and I like it very much. Hard to find the thicker thread though. I have heard that it is not being made and suppliers are not stocking it. Too bad, because I like the affect. I used all my Kaffee Fassett fabrics for this one.

I also made the black and red, hearts and flowers quilt. I am committed to using what I have and found all the making for that one in my stash. I wonder what else is there.

Faux mid-arm quilter

I've devised a table to pretend I am a mid-arm quilter. Here's what I did. I saw a YouTube video that looked interesting. Marguerita McManus made a portable sewing table using foam insulation on top of a folding table. I figured I can do that with some modifications. Here is the video of what she did. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAS25v3ZTk0, I hope that works. If not, search YouTube, Quilting, How to Build a Cheap Sewing & Quilting Table #1 and #2. I got the information I needed on the #2 video.

The modifications I made was to put my Janome 6500 machine parallel to the edge of my 24 x 48 table, then I put a 24 x 60 board on top. I use that as an ironing board. Placed my machine on one edge, placed my foam insulation on with a cutout for my machine, placed a vinyl on top, cut out the needle area and taped it all down. My explanation may be a bit confused, so a picture says a thousand words.

Handbags

I've been in the mood to make handbags or totes. All sorts of patterns have been coming my way and I've tried several. I especially like the small patchwork tote and the bigger knitting bag. The pattern for these came from Ruth in Oregon from my Stashbuster online list. On closer examination the small tote has the handle on the front instead of to the sides as Ruth suggested. Oh, well, it suits me.

The brown print bag is from Allpeoplequilt.com challenge this month. It was time consuming (for me) but I like the results. The small aqua bag is something that might work for party bags at the kids party. Very easy to make. My photography leaves a bit to be desired, but I'm getting better at it.

Valentines Postcards

I am in an exchange for Valentine postcards. These are what I am sending to the folks on my list. I enjoy doing these. Great satisfaction for a small amount of time involved. Can't wait to do some more. Maybe I'll get back in an exchange on Art2Mail.

I am still alive. Looks like my last post was in September. Where have I been? Busy getting ready for the holidays. Had all my family here 14 in all on Dec. 26, actually they started arriving Dec. 23 and stayed until Dec. 28. Needless to say, we are now eating leftovers, and by the way, they are very good. I did some sewing and quilting, but they took most of it home. I have one quilt left and that is the Frosty book panel for my grandson, Brian. Lots of fun to make, even tho my signature got a bit dyslexic. Writing with needle, thread and a foot pedal is a bit of a challenge. I like the result tho.