Friday, September 6, 2013

MY FIRST MACHINE QUILTED RUNNER

Well it is about 3 in the afternoon on Friday and I am downright tired, haha.  I have decided that maybe my little head is on overload as I am probably trying to figure out and learn too many things at the same time.  Between learning to put together a quilt top, how to layer (or "sandwich" the quilt as seasoned quilter's call it)  a quilt, and then how to machine quilt it, and then how to run my embroidery part of the machine and make some t-shirts and then just figure out how my complicated new machine in general works, I feel like I am running around in circles.  I have already pondered aloud WHY I feel the need to be so busy, so I don't need to go back into that I guess, but I am just starting to feel like I might need a little break.  BTW, now it's 4 as I had 3 phone calls right in a row, haha.  It seems as if I am always behind in what I am trying to do. Sooo, in light of all of this, I think I have decided that making 12 quilted Christmas runners might have been a little too ambitious, lol.  I might make some hot pads instead, but I don't know.  I do have at least 5 quilt tops already done though, so I think I am going to try and at least finish them up. I think another one of my problems is not knowing rather or not I will be doing surgery on my knee (or knees!) in the next couple of weeks or so, and how little I might be able to do for a while after that.  Otherwise I am sure I would have plenty of time.  I do see the orthopedic surgeon on Tues., (finally!) so I will hopefully have some answers then.  Meanwhile today, I decided I was going to both sandwich and quilt one of the runners.  I re-watched my tutorials, and got busy.  Here are some pics of that...

LAYERED, PINNED, AND STAR TEMPLATE DRAWN ON...

ALL DONE...I REALLY NEEDED TO DIG OUT THE GOOD CAMERA FOR YOU TO SEE THIS, BUT AS I MENTIONED...WAY TOO TIRED FOR THAT..

I MAINLY JUST DID STITCH IN THE DITCH ON THIS, BUT I DID FREE ARM ON A FEW STARS...THEY ARE OK I GUESS

HERE IS ON THE FLIP SIDE OF THE RUNNER LOOKS....I USED A VERY THIN MUSLIN, AND I WISH IT HAD MORE SUBSTANCE..LIVE AND LEARN.  IN THE FUTURE I WILL DEFINITELY USE A THICKER BACKING.  PLUS IT WRINKLES WAY WAY TOO EASILY

HERE IS A CLOSE UP OF THE DECORATIVE QUILTING STITCH I USED ON THE BOARDERS OF THE QUILT.  I DID LOVE THE WAY THAT TURNED OUT
HERE IS HOW IT LOOKS ON A TABLE SO YOU CAN GET AN IDEA OF THE SIZE OF IT.
I STILL have to bind it of course, but I am definitely done for today.  I can't decide if I should bind it in white, or maybe a red, or I even have a matching black and red print.  Any suggestions?  I am VERY pleased at how it turned out.  It may be more work than what it's point is if you know what I mean.  But guess I have at least officially machine quilted my very first piece.  There are some DEFINITE mistakes in it, but I am not going to point them out, though my hubby says I do that all the time...drives him crazy, haha.  I am also not going to dwell on them, NOR am I going to fix them and do it over.  It is as good as it is getting.  I am looking forward to relaxing this week-end. It has been really hot and humid and horrid this week, so hopefully we will have a break in that soon too. Hope you all relax and enjoy the blessings that are all around you this week-end.  Debbie




13 comments:

  1. It looks great! But I do think you need to relax a bit.

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  2. Debbie, it looks wonderful! I'm sure that you'll select a beautiful fabric for binding and I hope that we'll see this again. The thing is, you'll get faster and faster as you get more sure of what to do. I am very impressed. Oh and I am so glad that you are seeing the kneeman Tuesday.

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  3. You are one busy bee...I think it looks wonderful. Glad you are seeing your ortho Tues. Its so hard when things are in limbo and you can't plan, hope you enjoy the weekend.

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  4. Debbie, it looks wonderful!!! I always say that done is always better than perfect ... and if someone rides by on a galloping horse and can see my mistakes, then I will fix them - otherwise, forget about it! ;-) I know that it seems like too much work right now, but it's all new to you - with practice, I'm sure that a lot of it will become second nature and it won't be so much work or so stressful. Take it easy this weekend - those other runners will all be there waiting for you some time next week. ;-)

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  5. Debbie, it looks fantastic!! You will find that with each and every single one you do, you will learn something new, and you will get better and better at the quilting!!! I suggest that you use an eye popping red for your binding. It will set off the runner perfectly, and white would get lost.
    As a general rule, using the same weight fabric for front and back is best. But as you said, live and learn, and that is what it is all about!!! Kudos to you!!!
    xo Kris

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  6. It looks great!!! My vote goes from red trim. Enjoy! Enjoy!

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  7. Wow! what a beautiful job you have done, Debbie. My mom says' "a busy person is a happy person." so you and I must be pretty happy. ~smile~ I always enjoy seeing what your loving hands have created.
    I was so happy to learn that your glucose test turned out great, I will be praying for good news with the orthopedic surgeon.
    Enjoy your weekend!

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  8. Debbie, your runner is really nice. It's fun to see your project in progress. I'll be back to see the 'finishing touches'.

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  9. I'm so crazy about table runners that I actually have a board on Pinterest. Yours turned out just great. I always love the ones with stars.

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  10. Oh, you probably do need a break but your runner is lovely. About your knees.......I have several friends that have had knee replacement and they all did so well and were so glad they had it done once they had recovered and gone through rehab. All the best!

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  11. The runner turned out so lovely! I wish I had your patience to work on projects like these Deb.

    Blessings and love,
    Debbie

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  12. Love it! Reminds me of one my mom made me a few years back. Christmas colors, star pattern.

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  13. That looks really great too. I think you did wonderful.

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I am so glad that you would take the time to comment on my thoughts and feelings, it is such a blessing to me!