Friday, September 30, 2011

Friday Fun

Or something like that, maybe. Hard to believe that tomorrow is October. Three more months of 2011. Doesn't seem possible. This is just about the best sight I can imagine right about now...I know, "what is it?", you are wondering. It's the END. The BOTTOM. Finito! Well, not quite finito, but at least finito is in sight! I'm aiming for early next week to have this off. Not done, but off.
Here's another peek-aroo...nice texture. An absolute ton of grueling, closely-stitched ruler work, but it is pleasing me thus far.


As usual, I am dittling with EQ designs. I do several a week, ditch many for one reason or another. I guess I just have an itch to start a new project. My Dresden plate quilt, which is all hand appliqued, is requiring a little bit of re-stitching (aka I F-ed something up and need to fix it). I want to keep working on this, but re-work can be so harmful to my productivity. Anyhow, 2 years ago I received a FQ bundle of 24 hand-dyes, and have used much of the blues and purples and greens, and have been seeking a project for the red, yellow and oranges. The problem, my brain does not really think in these colors, so invariably if I start out designing for them, they end up being just highlight colors. This design is intriguing because it is 36 of the exact same 8-pointed star blocks, just in different colors. Kind of reminds me of a southwest sunset.

Of course, I managed to sneek in the green. And the same design, without the sashings. Rather a different look. I just dont like the way all the seams will be thick where the blocks come together. Keep designing...

If I hadn't been so doggone busy this week with one thing and another, I probably would have done a dedicated post because I encountered someone's post that was essentially a hot-headed rant that was all but screaming the reasons NOT to have a longarm quilter if you are a domestic machine quilter. The person who I will not name is a very skilled domestic quilter, and in her defense, she was trying to justify her position for how she quilts and why she doesn't need to have a longarm, but damn, it bugs me when non-LA-ers try to tell the world that they know about longarm quilting when they clearly have no experience! Yes, they are large. Yes, they are expensive -- over $10k before you buy any templates and gizmos. Yes, they are heavy, but for Pete's sake, if your's is good, you are not pushing 40lb around because the dang thing is on wheels. That quilt you are tugging into the neck of the domestic machine is heavy too - I know this because I have actually domestic machine quilted too. A properly balanced table and carriage allows very smooth movement of the beasty machine. And again, yes, it is an adjustment learning to quilt with a LA over a domestic. It is so freaking difficult that it took me an entire month before I dared to take a customer's quilt. That was 2 years ago, and close to 2000 hours of quilting later. I do quilt for ME, and I quilt for others. It's the funnest and most creative job I have ever had. I have regretted spending that much on a car, but not on that sewing machine. And if I want, I start quilting at the center, or the top left, or the bottom right -- there is no rule. Now all you domestic quilters just keep doing what you are doing because your work is lovely, rewarding, and perfectly complete the way it is. You are a quilter just as much as I am. I just needed to get my "Why the LA is a great thing" rant off of my chest. It's been itching at me all week. If you want an LA, get one because you won't regret the decision. Achieving proper tension was 500 times easier on the LA than on the domestic.


Have yourself a nice weekend~

13 comments:

Anya said...

I think I read the same blog and I completely agree. There is room in the quilting world for both LA and domestic machine quilters. We all do what's right for us.

Sewing Junkie said...

I know I have had others tell me I am not doing something right. Your expertise is with a LA and justly so. Those that hand quilt are good at what they do. I think they are jealous and I just figure they will catch up someday. Your work is beautiful. Chris

Laura said...

I read the same blog but I don't think she was "ranting", she was just stating her opinion on why SHE didn't want a LA machine. And also that she was tired of people telling her that she really should get one. There's room for all opinions in the quilting world (or should be)!

Elaine said...

I love your quilting. It is quite a challenge doing all that ruler work. I am also a long arm quilter that used to quilt on my home machine. I love the long arm, which I've owned for three years now and it's paid for itself. I also have a respect for those home machine quilters but am glad I'm not one now.

Trudi said...

I thoroughly enjoyed your 'rant' because it points out there is a whole new skill set to be learned when LA'ing, whilst I dont have one (and dearly would LOVE one) each persons space, budget and set up is different, and we all work to the best of our situation. thank YOU for being an inspiration to me on my own personal journey :)

Judy said...

I LOVE the colors in all of your quilts. Thanks for your rant. I quilted one quilt on a domestic machine and then bought a midarm machine. I just love quilting on it. I don't think I could ever go back to trying to laying a quilt on the floor!

Judy

Featheronawire Sally Bramald said...

Stunning quilting!!!

Chris Daly said...

Your quilting is fantastic. So glad you stopped by my blog.

Lynette said...

Wow!! This is an AMAZING quilt. :D

What I love most about quilting is the VARIETY of styles, approaches, and techniques. Each one has advantages and disadvantages, and each one creates delightful pieces of art and heart. None is better than any other.

MariƩ du Toit said...

Margaret, It look as if you have two battings in your lovely quilt? A wool batting and is the other one a cotton batting?

Rhonda said...

I have really enjoyed watching this quilt progress. Your quilting is outstanding!!!!! Smiles.

Vivian said...

I just love the quilt in the top two photos. Is it the carpenter's star? Is there a pattern or did you create it in EQ?

Kelly said...

Yes, I am late to the party, but I just discovered this fabulous blog! I read what I believe to be the same "rant". I mostly FMQ,on my domestic machine, but my mother has a fabulous LA and I use it as well. I want an LA, but the time is just not right. I enjoy both. A large quilt is easier for me on an LA, but I have FMQed a King-size on my DSM. Both are excellent ways to finish a quilt. BTW: your quilting is STUNNING! You are my new inspiration!