Thread Painting Class

I taught my Thread Painting class this past Saturday and everyone seemed eager and excited to be there and learn this technique. I was a bit nervous at first, since I was among some very talented quilters, but it went smoothly, as they all focused on their individual thread painting samples. It will be fun to see what they decide to create from these. Other techniques taught were how to fill in blank designs. In this case, the students used a drawing of a lizard or hot air balloon; and thread sketching or thread painting over a line drawing. Their lizards and balloons were so bright and colorful. What wonderful thread color choices they all made and I do believe it was everyone's favorite part of the class.

I enjoyed the opportunity to share my knowledge of thread painting with such a wonderful group of women who were so willing to learn. This a tote I made to use as a sample for the class and yes, all the leaves have been thread painted.

What do you think? Would you have wanted to learn this technique and taken this class? Leave a comment and I will send one of my thread painted clutches to the first three respondents.

Labeling My Quilts

Well, today I have finished putting labels on six quilts. Taking the Pay it Forward challenge to complete as many labels as I can during August, I put binding and labels on two Wounded Warrior quilts for the guild, then one for a gift, one to be sold, and two that were subsequently sold. Let's see, that's six, right? Now, to continue doing what was suggested by Juliann and make the label part of my quiltmaking process by attaching one immediately after finishing the binding. It really is much easier this way. Now, why didn't I think of that? At least this way, I am closer to remembering all the information and won't have to figure it out at some later date or write it down and lose the paper. Thanks for the challenge!!

Operation Wounded Warrior

Well, today I must finish my quilt top for Operation Wounded Warrior. What is Operation Wounded Warrior? It's a VFW sponsored support group for soldiers who have been injured on the battle field. These wounded soldiers sometimes spend months in the hospital away from their familes and homes recovering. Our local VFW Riders take these quilts and other supplies and deliver them to soldiers in hospitals in Texas and California.

Our Quilt Guild Enchanted Quilters Guild supports this cause by making lap quilts. This year we are challenged to exceed the number of quilts we donated last year (I believe it was over 100). Since we are a relatively small guild everyone must do their part to make this happen and as the wife of an Army soldier, it gives me great comfort to know that I can do this one small thing for those who paid the higher price of sacrifice for our country. So, off to my sewing room to finish that top and if all goes well, I may get two finished before the next guild meeting.

Pay it Forward

I signed up for Ema's Pay it Forward and am I glad I did, because I won! Now I am so excited about not only receiving a mystery gift from Ema, sometime when I least expect it, but also giving one to someone.

So, it's your turn now to Pay it Forward. I'm just asking for three people to leave a comment on my blog and in return, I'll send you a special gift sometime in the next 365 days. Those three people agree to post the PIF on their blog, promising to send a little gift to the first three people to comment. Since I make all sorts of quilted items and special gifts, you never know what I might be inspired to send out. You too will be glad you played the game, so come on now, this is a lot of fun and even if you have already done a PIF before, wouldn't it be nice to receive another surprise in the mail? So, leave a comment and pass it on and may the PIF's keep going.

Thanks Ema!

Machine Quandry

I recently had a demonstration on the new Viking Designer Diamond sewing and embroidery machine and have to admit I'm hooked. I have a Babyloc and a Bernina sewing machine and love both of them for different reasons, but this new Viking really has me hooked. I've compared it to the new Bernina 830 and between the two, find the Viking more attractive for a couple of reasons. First, pricing is better on the Viking and it just seemed so much more user friendly and second, it was so quiet, I could sew at any time of the day or night and no one would ever hear the machine.

What are your thoughts? The first three people to leave a comment on the comparison of the two machines or perhaps even another brand/type, will receive a special gift.