Sunday 27 January 2019

The Hand and The Machines

     My sewing machine came back from the repair shop on Friday after a three week vacation! With no machine on hand  I have been focusing on clean up and organization, and my January Goals which are cutting all the fabric for the Modern Plus Quilt Along....I'm about half way done and working on the Hand Sewn Quilt Along.  


     I'll be spending some time today hand stitching and I'm linking this post up to the slow stitching link up with Kathy of Kathy's quilts.  I don't link up often because I tend to be more of a machine girl, although I love hand quilting and maybe when I retire I'll do more.  My plans for this quilt, are to make the on point rainbow version, and if you are extra observant you will see that I mis calculated the fabric requirements when cutting.  This can be easily fixed so no worries.  I am a very slow hand stitcher but I have a whole week to get it done with a train ride to Toronto tucked in on Friday so I should finish with no problem.
     I'll also be cutting some more and maybe doing a little piecing to make sure everything is o.k. with my machine, and while we are on the topic of machines,  I have had a little time to work on the mid arm that I jointly own with my two friends.  I decided to start on a very scrappy donation quilt and to practice meandering, which I find very difficult. I can now say that I have finished my first quilt on the machine.  There are things to be worked on, like thread tension and smoothness of design but all in all I think it turned out alright.  Here's a shot of my favourite block in this quilt and my meandering.


     But for now I will get back to my hand stitching and cutting before the day slips away....

7 comments:

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

My machine needs to go to the spa, but I'm not sure I am willing to let it go! I would miss it too much. Your meandering is lovely.

Deb A said...

I really need to drop my machine for a vacation. Love your fabric choices for the HPQA.

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

I hope that your machine sews wonderfully after its time away. Your meander quilting looks great to me! I hope you enjoy your hand stitching this week. The train sounds like a great time for it.

Kim said...

How lovely to enjoy a train trip to Toronto and pass the scenery with a little hand stitching. Your sewing machine will be whirring a merry tune when it comes back. Lovely fabrics for your hand piecing pretty.

Anja @ Anja Quilts said...

Love the prints you've chosen for the hand piecing. Glad your machine is back. I think mine needs a spa visit, but I'll need to carefully plan that around projects.

Pamela said...

I've been thinking about the hand sewing QAL, but I don't know if I should commit to another thing. It does look interesting. Your fabrics are very pretty.

Nicole said...

Congratulations on your first finish! It's so exciting (and stressful, and frustrating too) but when it works well, it feels magical.