October 25, 2010

Machine Quilting And What's Up Next...

I took this book with me on our trip to Nantucket. Even when I can't sew or knit, I love to take along something that I can read about sewing or knitting! I did complete a book called "Vintage Nantucket" that was in our hostess's library, but I took along "The Guide To Machine Quilting" hoping to learn some tips and pointers.

This book didn't fail to deliver. I can highly recommend Diane Gandynski's book if you would like to learn how to do your own machine quilting. I read it cover to cover and am looking forward to trying some of the new things I learned on some of my upcoming projects.

While I continue to work toward the finish line on the quilt for our hostess, I'm going to share a little about my next quilt. I'm going to be making a queen size quilt for my sister for Christmas. She already knows that she's getting this gift, but doesn't know which fabric or pattern I'll be using.I purchased "Home Comforts" from Brenda Riddle of Acorn Quilt and Gift Company - along with another of her books called "Comfort and Joy". (Her blog is called Little Acorns.) I really enjoyed paging through each book as I tried to decide which design to use. I finally decided on a pattern called "Twinkle". More than that, I can't tell you because I know Miss Snoopy Pants will try to see what I'm doing.

So, I'll be finishing my current project to be ready for Kathy's scheduled slot for me - for machine quilting - the first week of November, and then I'll need to scamper right along to finish my sister's quilt for the second week of November. If I can get this accomplished, the rest of my Christmas sewing will be a cinch! Of course, I might just kill myself trying to get the first two projects done. Whew!

I'll keep you in the loop, and hope you'll come along for this years' Christmas Sleigh Ride. You can see all the projects I finished last year (in case you weren't here to watch), by clicking here. I assure you, the list is not as extensive this year. That entire list was accomplished start to finish from November 30th to December 23rd. I am going to try my best to be finished with everything by December 15th this year.

More sewing today, and then I'll start working on my list so I can plan out my time for this years' gifts. See you tomorrow, hoping you have a creative day planned for yourself, too!

14 comments:

  1. Good Luck getting all of your projects completed :)

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  2. Allow me to go backwards here. I just saw one of your posts from April [thanks to You Might Also Like]. Such a lovely dress you made for your mother. That picture of the two of them on the beach is so romantic - ah! I am guessing that picture is framed.

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  3. You are so Amazing. And focused. I'll be interested, as a relatively new reader, to watch you pull this off!
    xx, Carol

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  4. How wonderful!!! Can't wait to see all the wonderful quilts you create.

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  5. I have no doubt you will be right on schedule with your quilts...don't know how you do it!! Look forward to seeing them.
    Jane

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  6. Sew wonderfully organized you are my friend. You have a plan and you are not afraid to stick to it.
    I know you will be right on schedule.
    Debbie

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  7. You were very inspiring last year as I was rushing to get my gifts finished in time for Christmas. I'll be along this year to see your wonderful projects. I love it that you read about sewing and knitting when can't actually be doing it. You sound as immersed in it as I am! I dream about knitting and crocheting! Have a wonderful day! Twyla

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  8. Oh, wow, Donna!! Your list from last year is amazing!!! Is there someway I could call Miss Snoopy Pants and find out how to get on your Christmas list?? Ha! Ha! Have fun with this year's gifts - can't wait to see what you are up to!!! Enjoy!!

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  9. Why do I think I just migh see a longarm quilting machine in your studio someday?

    xo
    Claudia

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  10. I took my knitting and a knitting book with me on my trip to NJ this past weekend. I always have to have something crafty to do or read!

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  11. Donna dear I do remember your ambitious plans last year and the fact that you accomplished everything perfectly therefore I know you can do this years list with no problems. You do amaze me with your beautiful handiwork and finished projects. Happy creating...

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  12. Hi My Friend, You have been a busy busy bee. I will be anxious to see your quilt done that you are making for a thank you gift. It looks so pretty. I enjoyed your previous post. Have a great day. Your Missouri Friend.

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  13. You KNOW I think you're totally amazing and sooo darn inspiring, and you also know that I think you have a red cape hidden under your blouse! I'm in awe at what you do each time I visit...and yes, I remember that sleigh ride of beautiful gifts you did last year...amazing Donna, just amazing!
    xoxo Paulette

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  14. Donna, I've read & re-read Diane Gandynski's book on machine quilting & can only hope & pray to be able to do some of the things she does so beautifully! I met her at the Houston Quilt show one year. "itty bitty little thang"

    She has a blog, too. You might enjoy seeing what she's up to on a daily basis.

    href=http://dianegaudynski.blogspot.com/

    I've just finished doing machine embroidery quilted feather designs in all the blocks of my sister's birthday quilt. Now I've decided it needs more quilting in some blank spaces so I'm free motioning those. Backwards thinking, I know. :/

    Come see the cute witch table runner I made last year for Halloween!

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment today. I'm using new settings on my comments so that I'll be able to respond to your messages to me. Be sure to come back to see my replies!

Blessings, Donna