It’s International Quilting Weekend!

I mentioned that it was International Quilting Day today -

and that I intended to QUILT. ALL. DAY.

Oh, the eyes that rolled at me – “Why is this any different than any OTHER day?”

Because there is strength in numbers.  And it means we are recognized as a sub-culture!

Besides, I didn’t see anyone exclaiming “Happy Bows & Arrows Day!” As he went off to archery target practice.

So there!

This is still going on.

The quilting design I chose is pretty intense -

There is quite a bit of back tracking (I can’t remember the name of this design but will post it with the quilt finish when I can get some detail shots.) and it is set as an 11’’ tall pantograph, and takes about 40 minutes to go all the way across the quilt, giving me time to tidy up and disinfect and cut more fabric, etc while the quilting machine runs.

But be on the look out for “adventures in air sewing” Because it can take more than 2 bobbins to go across the quilt.  Which means stopping, backing up, finding the spot where the bobbin thread ran out, and starting from there on again.

But by the end of today – I should be trimming this quilt up, and getting binding on. (Which has already been made and is waiting.)

And this is now up on YouTube!

Remember when I said that I spent some time Skyping with a special friend the other day?

It was Alex Anderson! And our conversation is running. 

After months of no Quilt-Cam-Abitilty - we've now got several days in a row. LOL!

And if you watched the Quilt-Cam I posted on Thursday – that’s when this was also recorded, so I’m in the same shirt.  Oh well!

And I’m sorry that it is so echo-ey in that post office.  I’m going to have to remember to use headphones when I’m talking to another person.

There are many more interviews happening – both Ricky and Alex have been calling up friends and checking in and seeing what’s going on, so be sure to check out TheQuiltShow.com and also their Facebook page.

Other things going on – if you know and love Marie Bostwick like I do – she has been reading chapters out of her books for her audience!  It just might be something that you want to tune in to while you are stitching this weekend.  Find her Facebook page.

She writes:

Hope you're all hanging in there! At this strange time, I think we all need to pull together and do what we can. What I've decided to do is read you a story.

It's not much in the grand scheme of things, but I hope this will be a nice distraction for some people. Here's what I'm planning...

Starting Thursday at 10am PST, I will be reading one or chapters from my novel A Single Thread. I'll do the same every weekday (Monday to Friday) until we finish the book. (No idea how long that will take but we'll see..... If you'd like to listen/watch go to my FB author page starting tomorrow. https://www.facebook.com/mariebostwick/

Don't worry if you can't be there right on time. The videos will stay in my feed. If I can figure out how to do it (Big if!) I'm going to try to make a YouTube Channel and post them there as well. But we'll see...I'm making this up as I go!

Kensington Publishing has generously offered to provide some of my other books as giveaways for this project. I honestly don't know how many, or how that will work (yup. making it up as I go!) but there will be some prizes. However, they won't be able to ship them to winners until the Kensington offices are open again, Which will be???

What other things are you finding are beneficial to watch/listen to While we do this quarantine thing?

I am prepping my fabrics for Gudrun’s Quarantine Quilt Along that starts TOMORROW.  For more info check out Wednesday’s Post.

I have heard from so many of you that are IN – and I can’t wait to start.  I have a plan for this quilt, and it needs to be a fast and furious thing.  No small pieces with this one!

Last night’s Zoey antics!

She just can’t get close enough, and I wouldn’t stop her for the world.

After one week with us, she is feeling safe and loved, and has adopted us right back as her people.  We all cheered when she pooped outside!  (With much giving of treats!)

She still loves her crate and has no problem going in her crate during things like our meal time (creating good habits!) and will often go in there herself just because it is cozy.

But there is nothing like having a pup who wants to get as close to you as she can, even if that means putting the hand quilting aside for just a second beause you can’t move your hoop to the next spot!

Okay. I give up.  LOL!

I am heading over to the QPO in a bit to get this morning’s mail out the door. USPS is only open until 11am on Saturday. 

And then I’ll attend to that quilt in the machine and cut more fabric for tomorrow’s Sew Along.

And you?

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Please don't give up on the dream just because it will take a long time to get there.

The time is going to pass anyway.

What can you do while sheltering at home to bring you closer to your goal?

Have a great Saturday!