Winter Quilt

At the rink with my latest quilt top

I screwed up my courage and tackled an "Advanced" pattern, a top entitled White Birches.


Things were going pretty well until I got to the flange (not shown here, it is a small border between larger borders, which is only attached on one side). 


Managed to attach the top and bottom pieces with no trouble whatsoever. I was on a roll - or so I thought. Ran into some major problems putting on the side borders. I spent hours trying to solve the problem. My rule of thumb: When one is crying over a quilt, it's time to stop! And so I did.


Off I went to my long-arm quilter and friend, Jenine Brothers, owner of The Meandering Needle. Jenine is a Master Quilter so I was embarrassed to ask her for help. Of course she was just as kind and helpful as always. We mused over the pattern instructions and decided to attach the flange differently than the instructions indicated. Problem solved! Brilliant Jenine to the rescue - again! 

This top would never have been finished were it not for the skill and talent of one of my skating friends, Karen, who is in the picture above on the far left (I'm the one in the blue jacket, BTW). Karen was kind enough to fuse and machine applique the three red cardinals. I know how to hand applique which produces a "folk art" look. I didn't want that for this top, so I asked Karen if she would help. She graciously agreed. Here is a close-up of her lovely handiwork. Isn't he adorable?


The challenging part of making this top was getting the tree trunks and branches properly aligned. The process for this wasn't easy, but I'm pleased with the outcome. White Birches is at Jenine's waiting to be quilted with a leaf pattern using white thread.


I am on to the next shiny quilting object, a Laurel Burch top, Celestial Dreams. Very different style for me, but I love the bright colors and high contrast. Also working on an online BOM from Delaware Quilts. I'm using red, black and white Asian fabrics, which are really striking. Just downloaded the February block on Friday and worked on it yesterday.


Finally - and not about quilting - I've decided to join a clogging team, provided they will have me. It's based in Sacramento, CA. I'm excited about practicing with them in March. I know their skill level is well beyond mine, but I want to push myself to learn more difficult dances. Clogging is definitely a team form of dance; part of the joy is hearing the sound of multiple shoes hitting the floor. The more shoes, the better! Also going to a clogging convention next weekend in Modesto, CA. There are workshops offered, which I am planning on attending. I will only go for one day (Saturday), but know I am going to learn tons and meet great cloggers!


Quilt and clog on!