Monday, November 05, 2007

Last Friday was a holiday--- 29 years since the first date with my husband…..And it landed on a Friday night just like the first time. I have had a few “first dates”, but can’t remember the details…but I remember every single detail with him….I guess that’s how you know if he’s “the one”.

We went to pick up my sewing machine that went in the shop for 4 months….it’s like the return of a long lost son. And it purrs like a kitten. Don also bought me this Grace frame.
I’m totally enchanted with it. We talked about it, and it’s a first step into the world of long arm quilting without the huge expense. I can practice, have fun, get my kids through college etc. The biggest struggle I had with machine quilting is the tucks in the back from the quilt not being stretched well enough. Problem solved. I’m basically a weekend quilter, Maybe 2 or 3 big projects a year, so I’m excited about the new toy. And you should see the feathers I’m whipping out on my practice quilt. Eric called this weekend and gave me sass…”Gee mom, I don’t think Aunt Bee had one of those…. I think I maybe could even quilt with that thing….”

Don put the contraption together; I studied the book. I just kind of looked at it for about 24 hours. And Don asked “You don’t like it???” I loved it. I was just scared to death of it. And that’s the way it always is….. even good changes and new things are tough for me. But thanks to his nudging… I’ve been meandering and playing with pantograms all afternoon…after the Packer game, of course.

I still have to press my Primitive Garden block,
but here’s the latest completion. I have 3 blocks to go. The little purple flowers had tiny petals on them. It was just way too tedious for me. I want to relax and enjoy this so I made the executive decision to turn them into primitive "circle flowers" and I think they look just fine. I received the first border in the mail last week. It’s appliquĂ© also. I’m thinking about making it just solid and omitting it. There’s patchwork throughout the center that will connect the blocks, so I don’t think it will even look like “it’s missing something”. But the jury is still out on that decision….

Chelsey is downstate teaching a Leadership workshop. So we’ve been without kids for 3 days with 3 to go…Even Don says…. This is kinda nice….

25 comments:

Juliann in WA said...

Oh my goodness - you are a longarm quilter? How wonderfully fun. I am very excited for you. Just let me know when you will be ready for a few customer quilts (wink, wink). BTW, Bill and I celebrate the anniversary of our first date too!

Ila K. said...

Congratulations on your "anniversary." And on your new frame. I think you'll love it when you and it are comfortable together. I have an old model Little Gracie, and even if I use it to baste, I LOVE LOVE LOVE having no back puckers.

Your applique blocks are beautiful, looking forward to seeing it all together.

Wendy said...

Wow that's exciting to have a longarm machine to get your quilts finished. I have lots of tops sitting around...LOL

Happy Anniversary. You must have known right away you were meant to be together.

The applique block is looking great. I love the watering can

Darlene said...

Exciting new "toy" - you're going to have sooooo much fun. Just relax and enjoy.

Love your Primitive Garden block and the circle flowers look great. Making it your own! :-)

Laurie Ann said...

Can't wait to hear how it works for you! So, you use your regular machine in the quilting frame, correct?

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh what a fun present! But I sure can see how it would be intimidating! I have 2 friends who have that too and they are intimidated by it too. You have to do just like you did - just do it! And I love the latest block! I love the way you just make circle flowers! It is awesome!

Doodlebug Gail said...

What a lovely 'anniversary' celebration .... I'd be scared of that machine as well. Took me a whole day of just looking at my Janome when I got her .... DH said "oh get on with it and sew!" - LOL.

Your last paragraph made me smile .....

Judith said...

Oh how nice that you now can longarm your quilts. I have to do the quilting on my new finished top, but it is huge and it is my first quilt that is so huge, it is a half yard bigger than the biggest quilt I have done so far and that was already a struggle. I love your block too.

Fiona said...

Oh wow, lucky you! You'll be able to make more big projects now - it's always the sandwiching and quilting that takes the time, not the piecing. Now quilting will be a doddle!

McIrish Annie said...

I love my Grace frame! It takes some practice but it is fabulous for those big quilts instead of shoving fabric through the little opening. Don't be afraid just jump in. It doesn't bite! I promise!!

Leanne said...

I love the primitive garden block - my husband & I joke when our children are away that perhaps we both have gone deaf it is so quiet. Have fun with your new toy.

Lindah said...

Your sewing machine was in the shop for 4 weeks?!! Oh my! I have withdrawal symptoms when mine has been in for 4 DAYS. Congratulations on your new frame. What a difference a frame makes! You will have so much fun with it.

Congrats on your anniversary, too!

Blessings,
Linda H

Tazzie said...

Gosh Mel hon, what a wonderful treat for you to play with - you'll be cranking the quilts out before you know it!
*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)

Sweet P said...

DH and I celebrate our first date anniversary too. It's on New Year's Eve, kind of hard to forget. Have fun with your long arm.

Unknown said...

Congrats on 29 years Mel, that's such an achievement these days. Oh you lucky duck a grace frame. Can I say I'm a tad bit green...lol.. but so happy for you. Let's know when you're ready to take on our quilts....

Elaine Adair said...

Oh boy - I would be scared to death also! Congratulations on this impressive gift!

Pat said...

Congrats on 29 years and on your new gift. I enjoy seeing your primitive garden blocks because I am doing it also. Last month I recieved block four. I am also doing it in wool because they didn't do it in fabric the second time around. I still have no idea what it will look like when it is finished. But I like it very much so far. Please keep posting them as you finish them. You do beautiful work.

Cheryl said...

Happy anniversary and lucky you to have a quilting machine! I bet you are really going to enjoy that!
Love your block.

Carol said...

Oh Mel how very exciting...a new toy. I think it will make life so much easier...Happy Anniversary of your first date...Andy and I do that too...34 years later. Fun, Fun!
Love your block. Wow! that was a lot of stitching.

CONNIE W said...

Looks like you're set up for lots of fun there with your quilt frame.

Susan said...

How exciting to get the frame! You will have so much fun! Experiment lots - there are no limits to what you can do.

Carole said...

Oh.... that's a nice toy! I've been toying with the idea of a long arm myself. It makes machine quilting so much easier! Love you applique block! Keep well!

Tracey @ozcountryquiltingmum said...

Wow, I can't believe we both got one the same week!!!!
I am waiting for that most beautiful of things....a free couple of hours...to go and practise my little heart out, then no-one will see me! Tracey

Tracey @ozcountryquiltingmum said...

ps, we celebrate our first kiss, 16 1/2 years ago! Tracey

Beemoosie said...

Drrrrooooolinnnn' over your machine!!!!
Happy anniversary!