Variety the spice of life!

Have you ever made the same quilt twice?  Something I have never done and have no desire to do. Not that anything is wrong with that, but there are so many other quilts that tempt me.  I really love it when a quilt teaches me something new, and none of my quilts have let me down.  I love finding an element in an antique or vintage quilt that really catches my eye or a quilting design that I keep in the back of my head, cause you just never know when you can try it out or it just may be what that next quilt needs.  These elements are usually what call me to make another quilt.  For my Texas star, it was about hand piecing and challenging myself to design a border.  When it comes to the quilting I like to challenge myself also.  So for my Texas star, I decided to use regular quilting with some big stitch.  I have done both before but never together in the same quilt.  I am also using several different shades of Perle cotton in one quilt.

After designing the whimsical border, it just called out for some whimsical quilting too so it could compete with those lovely stars. The pictures above show all the regular quilting completed on the borders.   I am not sure of the original use of perle cotton, but it works great for big stitching. The large visible stitches really add a lot to a quilt.  I also think it's a great way to try hand quilting if you have been tempted to do so.  I can't wait to get started!

I really like how it's turning out!

Progress Report

Hand quilting is often looked upon as an endless project.  I suppose in today's fast-paced world it is a slow process, but one I look forward to most days.  I have always quilted for enjoyment, making traditional quilts that have always inspired me.  My favorite part of making a quilt will continue to be the quilting, whether the design is fancy or simple.  Making those stitches and watching a quilt come alive is so satisfying.

It's my me time, my quiet time, a time for reflection!  A calming act, where all the cares of the day are put aside and I just enjoy the methodical stitching.  I especially love when all is quiet and I realize the old wall clock is still ticking away those seconds.  It has been in my husband's family for years.  It has outlived many a modern-day clock. 

I finished up quilting all the stars this week. Today I hope to start the border. First, I will stitch around the whole quilt to make the quilting on the border possible. I find my sewing machine fitted with a walking foot works best.  I suppose I could do this when I baste my quilt but I always wait till I get to the border so I can ease out any excess fabric.  I am not sure what others do but this seems to work for me!