Last night I hit the half way point with the matchstick quilting on Breathe. I am only using cotton thread for the quilting on this quilt, which is about 70" square right now. Since I keep changing colours, I need to wind bobbins and since I only have 5 bobbins I have been throwing out some bits of thread and letting the bobbins dictate when to change colours. This morning I ordered 45 more bobbins, enough of that - then I can keep half full bobbins with the matching thread spool for next time
When you are unusually busy in your real life and are matchstick quilting a large quilt, your pictures are not exciting. Luckily, my instagram friends remain tremendously encouraging, and refrain from saying they are bored. I am actually not bored at all quilting this quilt, and it is relaxing and calming too.
I shipped Earth off yesterday to Charlotte, North Carolina yesterday for the American Quilter Society show there at the end of July. I first took out the machine stitching on the binding and hand stitched it instead and added a hanging sleeve and label (more not exciting sewing). If you are going to be at that show and can send me a photograph, please do.
I am going to go in person to the AQS show in Grand Rapids, Michigan, at the end of August and Snowfall is going to be shown there. So I will finally get to see one of my quilts hanging in person - it seems I have become a quilt show enterer. Oh, and I need to do a post here about why I think more modern quilts need to get entered in these shows, look for it next week.
You will recall that Earth was made from my Canvas pattern, which is now available at Fluffy Sheep Quilting - it feels very cosmopolitan to have my pattern for sale in three different currencies, Canadian dollars, U.S. dollars and Euros. I am slowly seeing where else I list my patterns (I'll not be satisfied until I have listed it in least 5 currencies) - edited: Sheila reminded me that Cindy lists the pattern in both Euros and British Pounds, so all I need is one more currency and I will have 5! - and I expect to have more patterns available by the end of July (including one for Cycles 2).
Last weekend I was away working the whole time, so I am so happy to have this one off. Tomorrow I am going to finish my overdue bee blocks so I can mail them on Monday. I am going to put together my photos for the next Decipher Your Quilt post - about deciphering circles. And I am hoping to start something new. I have this fantastic fabric from Quilt Market crying for a turn to be used. So I will have something more to show you, besides this one project, I promise.
And, for tomorrow, Happy Solstice, June 21, the longest day of the year is one of my favourites.
Best,
Leanne
FIVE currencies? ;-) You are ambitious...
ReplyDeleteand I am not bored at all with breathe....
Happy Solstice to you too! I love the pun in your post title. Buying more bobbins is a good idea that will come in handy for more than this project. Thanks for sharing you method for making due in the mean time.
ReplyDeletethat has certainly lots of quilting, you are marvellous how you get the rows so close together and straight. Re currency what about the good old british £ we are not in euros here in the UK. I spent the solstice 38 years ago in labour with my 2nd daughter who did not arrive until 22nd so yes it was definately the longest day. re instagram I try to follow it but get so confused, maybe you could give us some info on that after the beautify your blog series is finished.
ReplyDeleteI think there is room for some English pounds and Aussie dollars there! I'm more than happy to have the 'shortest' day over - even if I am heading to the northern hemisphere for a break! Hello sunshine!
ReplyDeleteHow long does it take you to "breathe", e.g. so far on this quilt?
ReplyDeleteOh & your pattern is for sale in £s on Fluffy Sheep.
That is looking amazing! Keep sharing, it really is too beautiful to be boring!
ReplyDeleteI'm never bored with these photos. You just keep doing what you do and I will keep admiring you and your projects.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you might have more time to sew this week. Breathe looks amazing. I can't believe the size of those circles. Have fun having a break from work.
ReplyDeleteI went to the Grand Rapids show last year and had a great time -- just wear your walking shoes, because the only part of me that was tired was my feet!
ReplyDeleteI love that you have become a quilt show enterer! How fun that you will get to go and see one of them in person. It's always fun to see others' reactions live when they walk by :-)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy watching the progress from all the bloggers I follow. Your breathe is beautiful and I can't wait to see it finished.
ReplyDeletelooks beautiful! your patience will pay off. I like the idea of changing thread colors, I bet it gives it a neat look and subtle interest.
ReplyDeleteNot bored, but loving this quilt. The colors are so zen to me
ReplyDeleteOf course we aren't bored!!!
ReplyDeleteLooking good! Do you see me yawn? No :-)
ReplyDeleteLove this quilt with your matchstick quilting.
ReplyDeleteI will honestly never tire of seeing this quilt Leanne. I hope life calms down a bit soon.
ReplyDeleteYou need to get some Aussies on board and you'll have your 5th currency ;o)
ReplyDeleteYour progress is amazing. I am so in love with this quilt.
ReplyDeleteIts looking amazing Leanne
ReplyDeleteFantastic dedication to all the matchstick quilting!
ReplyDeleteNot boring at all :) I had a go at matchstick for the first time this weekend and you're right it's very relaxing because it's so freeing- you can switch off and not think too hard, and the lines don't have to be totally straight :)
ReplyDeleteI love seeing all this quilting!!
ReplyDeleteIt's not boring - when we only see the after's, it starts to seem like "magic" and makes quilting seem more unattainable. it is comforting to know it takes folks as awesome as you lots of time and thought. I'd love to pattern test Cycles 2, when you get to that point. It was fun to do Canvas.
ReplyDeleteI just can't imagine doing all that quilting . . . even on a longarm. Will be fantastic though.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't be bored either quilting this beauty. Take your time and enjoy the process.
ReplyDelete