Machine quilting experiments

I took a machine quilting class recently, and let me tell you, it's not quite as easy as it looks!

I have been struggling ever since to get some good stitching out of my domestic machine at home. I think my timing isn't right. But at least I've finally figure out how to get my presser foot in the right position -- on my Pfaff, there's an "in-between" spot you have to find, that allows the foot to be down, but not all the way down. This gives you the ability to sew without having the foot drag on the fabric.

After watching me play with it for a while, Margaret decided that she had to have a go. Here she is trying to quilt on one of her own panels of kitty-cat fabric. She was an instant addict, singing out, "This is so fun, Mommy! I love machine quilting!"

Christmas birds

Lesson learned: when you're moving house, take it easy. Don't try to lift anything too heavy for you!

We moved to our new home on October 28, and a month of packing prior to that finally took its toll on me. My back was so stiff and sore, I didn't think I'd be able to make it to the fall quilting retreat with my friends in early November!

Thankfully, two friends kindly came to pick me up, and I was able to sprawl in the back seat of Jan's SUV on the way west to the lake. A weekend of Tylenol, hot showers and rest paid off -- I came home feeling much better!

But I didn't bother lugging my sewing machine and big container of fabric with me. Instead, I took some small handwork and knitting. It was about all I could manage that weekend!

Here is a pic of the Christmas birds I made for Margaret. Don't be too impressed -- they came precut in a kit. All I had to do was sew them together and embellish a little!

Folksy Christmas panel

I couldn't resist buying this Advent panel -- even though I don't really need another project! I love the colours and the stylized Father Christmas.

Unfortunately, we are about to move soon, and my sewing things are already packed up! It might be a while before I get a chance to get the panel quilted and finished... but I'm certain that at some future Christmas, it will look great in our new home!