You would think that now that I'm not working I would be a more diligent blogger, but honestly, I'm just too BUSY! Yesterday, I had a super fun day. My friend Marcy invited me to her home to play with her long arm quilting machine.
It. Was. A. BLAST!
When I arrived she had a practice "quilt sandwich" already set up on her machine for me to play with. After she showed me what is going to be her beautiful new studio, she introduced me to the machine. It was easier (and more fun) than I thought it would be.
You can FMQ from the front of the machine, or use the pantograph designs from the back. Like on your home sewing machine, FMQ requires a lot more thinking and planning. I liked the pantograph for that reason. You follow this little laser light along the paper design to guide the machine, which stitches the design on your quilt. Complete with your mistakes - LOL. But it is very cool. And if I had more practice, and better hand-eye coordination (something I've struggled with since elementary school) I would have gotten better results.
After I practiced for awhile, we loaded my quilt onto the machine. First the back...
And then the batting and the quilt top. Then I went to
work play. It was really, really fun.
I really had to concentrate, though, to follow the design. A moment's inattention = messed up quilting.
No, I didn't unpick any.
Would you look at how cool this is??? It would have been fun to actually be able to divide my attention and watch the design take shape. But alas, I certainly don't have those skills.
Marcy was an incredible hostess, and even fed me a delicious lunch of salad and sandwiches. Yummm. I honestly didn't realize how hungry I was until she suggested we stop for lunch.
After just a couple of hours, I came home with a completely quilted quilt! How cool is that??
Certainly not perfect, but not too bad either. Marcy says the mess-ups won't show after the quilt is washed. I hope she's right.
I almost missed the light, but here's the FINISHED front...
And the back...
Now all it needs is binding and I'll have a quilt.
It was a really fun way to spend the day. Thank you, Marcy!
