It’s been a nice, relaxing weekend here at Chez Nana.
Yesterday was a rainy day … and what better way to spend a rainy day than to spend it sewing … so I spent a good chunk of the day in the sewing room. I have 7 of the 17 rows for DD’s chevron quilt in varying stages of completeness … I started by sewing blocks together to create pairs. I have 5 rows with 16 of the 17 blocks (8 pairs) … my plan is to sew all the pairs together and then add the 17th block to them all at one time. I also have 4 sets of 8 blocks (4 pairs) … all I need to do is to sew 2 sets together to create another 2 almost-complete rows. It’s not going quite as smoothly/quickly as I had hoped … I’m having some trouble getting the pieces to join together properly … most create perfect points but a few don’t … I rip out and try again … I’ll rip out twice but if the point still isn’t perfect, then I’m going to quote Mary Henderson and Ann Dease … if it looks good while riding by on a galloping horse, it’s perfect! 
When DD and I were discussing some design choices for her quilt, she mentioned the fabric she would like for the quilt back … she was hoping for a gray and white quatrefoil … alas, I wasn’t able to find any extra wide backing fabric. But I DID find some in standard width … and ordered 2 yards. I’m going to surprise her with a couple of throw pillows for their bed … it came yesterday. 
After dinner, I spent some time piecing together blocks for my Martha Washington’s Flower Garden (MWFG). It’s slow going but it’s relaxing. And I’ve got plenty of other quilts to finish (DD’s chevron quilt and my Storm at Sea) and start (T#1’s spiral log cabin, T#3’s quilt [pattern undecided at this time], my miniature pineapple quilt, our Kiss quilt, my Nantucket quilt and my large-block pineapple quilt).
Some of those quilts are new to you all … Friday afternoon, I signed up for a quilting retreat. Those of you who’ve been reading for a while know of my long-time desire to be able to attend a “real” quilting retreat. And when The Quilted Fox offered another retreat (their November retreat is sold out and their February retreat conflicts with T#1’s birthday), I jumped at the chance. I won’t know a single quilter … on Sunday evening. 
Today, after church, DH and I headed over to Maggiano’s for lunch. Oh my … yum, yum, yum!! My taste buds wanted to finish my entrée, but I wisely chose to save a portion … DH ordered something from their buy one/take one home menu … I know what’s for dinner tomorrow night!
As soon as I wrap this up (pun intended), I’m going to link up over at Kathy’s Quilts.
And then I’m going to put in some more time with my needle and thread on my MWFG … out on the deck, I think, as it’s quite delightful outside this afternoon.
Have a blessed Sunday!
Kathy
Sounds like you have a busy future. Yes, piecing is always a challenge. Working with fabric that stretches even though we are very careful is always a challenge. I felt the same way when I made my pyramid quilt, pick out stitches twice and then Que Sera Sera. Love the fabric for the pillows it will look fabulous with the chevron quilt. I have never heard of a large block pineapple quilt sounds interesting.
ReplyDelete"I’ll rip out twice but if the point still isn’t perfect, then I’m going to quote Mary Henderson and Ann Dease … if it looks good while riding by on a galloping horse, it’s perfect"
ReplyDeleteThis is my favorite line in your post! I laughed out loud when I read this.
I like the fabric you have chosen for the pillows.
love the galloping horse quote I had not heard of that one before but I do follow it!
ReplyDeletehave fun at the retreat
How exciting to attend a quilt retreat... you will have a fantastic time!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time in Martha's garden today :)
It sounds like you have a lot of choices when it comes to quilting projects. I need a few rainy days to get something done around here. ;-)
ReplyDeleteSO GLAD you are going on a retreat! You may not know anyone the first night but you will! All of your projects sound great! ~Jeanne
ReplyDeleteWow! I love that "pillow" fabric! Why not buy enough to piece it for the back? It would be perfect with the gray chevrons :) Good for you having the patience to just let this quilt come together slowly. I think it will be worth it :)
ReplyDeleteI'm willing to be you will know more than one person by the time you leave retreat :) It will be so much fun, relaxing with others who love quilting - you'll make friends quickly :)
I am loving how the quilt is turning out so far for your dd. Excited you will work on "other projects" on the backburner at your retreat too! Wonderful pillow fabric.. bet she will be happy! Kathi
ReplyDeleteSo excited for you getting to go to a retreat! You will make lots of friends there as all the quilters I have met are so nice. Enjoy your stitching.
ReplyDeleteI love that quote " if it looks good while riding by on a galloping horse" . I will usually rip things out three times and then I feel I am making it worse not better. You certainly have a lot of projects lined up. (I should talk) I have never been to a quilt retreat either , I sure hope you have a great time!
ReplyDeleteAh, seems like you had a perfect weekend! And what a lot of projects you have going, but then, that's what makes it fun. If you get tired of one, you can pick up another!
ReplyDeleteAh, seems like you had a perfect weekend! And what a lot of projects you have going, but then, that's what makes it fun. If you get tired of one, you can pick up another!
ReplyDeleteWell I am relieved to hear that even a very experienced quilter like yourself struggles with things and has to rip out from time to time. I LOVE the quote about the galloping horse, haha, and I am definitely going to remember it in the future. So many quilts to chose from to work on sounds soo good. A 3 day quilting retreat sounds like a wonder. Just thing of all you'll get done, and the friendships you'll make with women of similar minds and hearts. I would love doing such a thing...maybe some day. I know you'll enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteA lovely Sunday. Church, nice meal, and handstiitching outside in nice weather. Matching points are also a challenge for me. You have the right attitide!
ReplyDeleteYou just amaze me with your talent! And patience!!
ReplyDeleteOne of my sisters has gotten into the historical quilts...she had a great find about a month ago!
Kathy sounds like your week-end was awesome! I am working on a hand stitch piece, it is slow going, but one day I will look and say, 'Wow!'
ReplyDeleteLove DD's quilt fabric choice!
It sounds like you are staying busy, with needle and thread!
ReplyDeleteI'm excited that you are going to get to attend 'real' quilting retreat :)
I always wanted to do a quilting retreat too. But you are braver than I, have never signed up because of not knowing anyone. Love the quatrefoil fabric! Your daughter will love the pillows.
ReplyDelete