Quilting my socks off!
Sorry for being missing in action recently…..but I have a good excuse! The snow is falling (we already have about 15 inches) and a blizzard is forecast for the rest of today and tomorrow. After a snowy run in the woods I’m hunkered down in the attic and I’m not far off having smoke coming out of my sewing machine….
The bear paws quilt is about two thirds quilted and I’m head and hands down trying my best to get it finished today. (Thank goodness for my Bernina 820 – you’ve heard me say it before, but FMQ with this machine is a dream, truly a dream). I’m in meditation mode, the hours are whizzing by in a flash and with a little bit of luck and no interruptions I’ll be putting the binding on tonight. (I probably shouldn’t have said that….kiss of death and all that!)
I’ve machine quilted a lot of quilts in my time, but none with quite as much quilting as this. I’m in the ditch round the bear paws and the HSTs and the big white triangles and the border are full of basic swirls with the odd swirled hook thrown in for good measure.
I’m pleased as punch with how it’s turning out. This is going to be a real heirloom beauty if I say so myself. I’m not sure what I’ll do if my mother either a) puts it in a drawer or b) asks if I can keep it at my house rather than taking it home on the plane, but I’m not going there unless I have to!
Helen
PS. Sorry for the rather dark photos, but as you can imagine there is almost no natural light at all today. Hopefully before the quilt goes off to England I’ll have a chance to make some decent photos when the sun is shining!
December 7th, 2012 at 1:33 pm
If your mother doesn’t want it, can I put in first dibs?:-) It is lovely and your quilting is awe-inspiring.
December 7th, 2012 at 2:19 pm
Stunning! I’m second in line after Catherine. I love the quilting Helen. You are an artist.
December 7th, 2012 at 2:22 pm
Wow! You are doing a fantastic job! I would take the quilt too – if you Mum doesn’t want it! š
December 7th, 2012 at 2:47 pm
That’s fabulous Helen. You should go into business with your talent and accountancy skills.
December 7th, 2012 at 3:52 pm
AMAZING quilt. and a little bit jealous of the snowy run, too!
December 7th, 2012 at 4:41 pm
Looks fantastic!!! Oh it would be a real shame if your mum wants to leave it with you. I am sure you will take good care of it & use it well.
December 7th, 2012 at 5:28 pm
Your quilt is amazing! Laughing at your thoughts on your mum…she’ll love it!!
December 7th, 2012 at 7:52 pm
Wow you really have been quilting your socks off! I have still not found my dream machine so I must test drive a Bernina 820 although from memory they are a touch pricey? But what stunning results! You have every right to be pleased as punch! And this quilt must never live in a drawer!
December 7th, 2012 at 8:26 pm
You’ll have to tell your mum she needs to be in the picture as all your friends want to see her thrilled-face; no pressure š
December 7th, 2012 at 8:50 pm
wow, Helen, it looks so fantastic, no wonder you’re thrilled with it
December 7th, 2012 at 9:32 pm
Looking fab so far, and love Had’s idea š
December 7th, 2012 at 9:56 pm
I’ve really been looking forward to seeing this and it certainly doesn’t disappoint – it’s gorgeous! I am definitely inspired to make a bear’s paw in similar colours but could never match the quilting. Really beautiful.
December 7th, 2012 at 10:14 pm
How delightful – definitely an heirloom!!!! Just remember that I put first dibs on it – no – one of your daughters deserves it — when it comes to the heirloom part. I’m sure your mother will love it although, if she is at all like mine was, she will say “it is too good for me”(mothers –bless them).
December 7th, 2012 at 11:21 pm
I wouldn’t worry too much if your mum wants to leave it at your house – it’s beautiful! You’re quilting is fantastic.
December 8th, 2012 at 9:27 am
That is looking absolutely fantastic, Helen!
December 8th, 2012 at 12:52 pm
brilliant, just brill!
December 8th, 2012 at 3:00 pm
Gorgeous; a real show-stopper! Now, get your socks back on your feet, it’s winter!
December 8th, 2012 at 3:09 pm
This has come up beautifully Helen. Well done. And I am gobsmacked that someone may not want it. But I understand, not everyone gets our love for quilts and fabric do they? And I can only imagine 15 inches of snow. We get 15 inches of rain a year! But that’s a good amount if your growing field crops like barley and wheat!
December 8th, 2012 at 6:26 pm
I wish we lived closer so you could give me some quilting lessons. You are really good! And since we have the same machine…well it only seems natural that I could possibly learn from you!
December 10th, 2012 at 3:59 pm
The quilt is absolutely beautiful and the quilting is definitely the cherry on the top. I can’t imagine your mother not wanting to use it but then I remember my grandparents putting all the new things away until they’d worn out the old. We found some lovely 70ies shirts in my grandfather’s wardrobe when he died in the 90ies. And they were still in their original packaging!
December 11th, 2012 at 12:07 am
When your mother says oh that’s too good for me dear, I would be delighted to give this quilt a loving home (realise I am a long way down the queue from your other comments!) Lx
December 11th, 2012 at 12:08 am
Lol – just seen Carla’s comment – I wrote mine before I saw hers!