Saturday, February 25, 2012

Where has the time gone?

Ok, so time has flown by so fast this year.  Between my schooling, work, and just life, almost a month has gone by since my last blog entry.  We have 3 graduations coming up, my 2 oldest sons are graduating from college and high school in May, and then I finish school and get my certificate in July.  Yay!  I will hopefully gain employment in the medical field as a medical assistant.  I am very much enjoying learning, and I will be continuing in the fall again, and go for my AA, and decide from there what I want to do.  But, I have been quilting and sewing, because it is an obsession for me after all J. 

So, without further ado: I give you Orca Bay Mystery quilt on the frame.  It’s about half quilted, and I can’t wait for it to be done, so I can use it on my bed.  Although, my son’s girlfriend has been eyeing it.  I think I may have to hide it for fear it will disappear one day (LOL).  J.


Here is a close-up of the quilting I am doing in the blocks:
It came out kind of blurry, I don’t really know why.

And here is my home made template:
Isn’t it lovely?  I used a cereal box, I love to recycle things.  Less in the landfill!

So, that’s what I have been up to lately.  When I get a bit more caught up on things, I am thinking about putting some videos up on some of the issues one has using a 9” machine.  I had so many problems when I started out, I would like to share some of the tips and techniques I have learned along the way.

Happy quilting,
Marianne

Monday, February 6, 2012

Finally quilting!

It's been awhile since I have actually quilted a quilt.  I have been making tops, etc, just not loading and quilting.  Just not in the mood, I guess.  It seems to go in cycles with me.  So, tonight, I finally loaded the donation quilt:
Just so colorful!  I think I may make another one just like this for me.  It was really easy to make, and quick in the scheme of things.  I decided to go with an allover design:
I'm using a light gray thread that I have used before, and when the quilt it washed, it blends in beautifully.  I have, however, been having a few issues with tension.  I think I need to take my Janome 1600 in to be serviced and cleaned, that may fix it. 
Well, onto more homework ( there is a lot more this semester than last ) I keep telling myself though, that it is worth it in the end!
Happy quilting,
Marianne