My Great Quilting Expedition

This year, I am going to improve my FMQ. I took a course a couple of years ago, but didn't put in the practice I should have done.  In the three years since I started, I have machine quilted my projects, but have never been really happy with the results. I have some lovely, old linen tablecloths that would make wonderful wallhangings using a wholecloth approach, but am not good enough at present, to do them justice. Below is a photo of an antique handkerchief I made into a little keepsake for my granddaughter.  I winged it, fitting the quilting into the white spaces around the pretty embroidery. OK, so here is my challenge to myself! I will create at least one small piece of FMQ a week in 2015. On the days when I am not quilting, I will spend at least 15 minutes doodling designs, to try to improve my muscle memory.  I want the back of my quilting to look as good as the front...no thread nests allowed! Thank you to Deborah Leeke for the blogging suggestion and...

I have just finished piecing the Mariner's quilt top.  It will now have to wait until March to be quilted, as I will be preparing for Hugglets for the next month.  It is a scrappy quilt, made from fabrics in my stash.  The border around the compass and the outer border are Dutch Heritage Gujarat.  The ships come from a purchased panel.    I used a number of different construction techniques.  The stars are EPP, the compasses are paper pieced, the shells and smaller compasses are needleturned onto backing fabric. Although two of the borders are from the same piece of fabric, I'm not convinced the outer border works.  To me, it looks fine in the flesh', but not in the photos.  I will have to think about it!

2014 I had a setback in January after suffering from a serious head injury (my own fault)!  It took about 10 months for the severe headaches to go, and it has meant that I really have had to pace myself this year.  I still cannot concentrate for long periods of time and I find I get frustrated faster than before.  I don't know if this is permanent or whether I will continue to improve over time.  I am grateful, though, to still be around. The most important event of the year has been the birth of my first grandchild, Willow.  She is 8 months old now, and a beautiful baby girl.  Her smiles can warm the coldest day! My bear making has really suffered this year. The bears are all original and require concentration and strength to make.  I hade to cancel Hugglets in February, but was able to attend in September. 2014 Finishes 2015 WIPs The Quiltmania Mystery quilt top is progressing.  Since this ...