Well, that sure happened quickly enough!
Though this whole construction phase of Brookgreen I was contemplating maybe hand quilting this thing through the winter months -
But with the urgency of Jason's situation and not knowing where I would be, and the need to just take control of one situation that I COULD take control of...I powered through and finished the machine quilting.
Click to Play:
I quilted with a sandy tan thread in an edge-to-edge design called Swirling Leaves by Jessica Schick. It seemed just perfect for this fall themed quilt.
So many fun older fabrics in here as well as some newer ones.
Can you spot the moose?
Binding by Singer 201!
This machine is a power house - and I keep the walking foot on it at all times, ready to bind whatever needs binding. The "potted" motor is gear driven and can power through so many layers without bogging down at all.
"Binding Betty" got a workout with this one as the backing fabric is a bit heavier than traditional quilting cotton weight. It's not upholstery weight, but still kind of a home-dec thing. 100% cotton, and I have no doubt it will be a warm quilt to sleep under.
Binding in progress - with my new thimble!
I bought this thimble as my "big purchase" at the quilt show in France in September.
I had purchased thimbles from TJ Lane over my many years loving handwork.
When TJ Lane retired, Jan Marie Larson acquired the business and I was so excited to see her in France!
The last time I came across them was when I was teaching in Pigeon Forge, pre-Covid.
My new thimble, fitted on site to fit me perfectly has an opal. I love it!
I also purchased the bauble necklace clip for traveling with my thimble.
And it just so happens on this trip that I lost one of my favorite heart earrings somewhere along the way (I think on the plane from the headphones) leaving me with only one.
So I removed the bottom two beads and the hook from my earring turning it into a charm and added that to the bottom of the bauble. Perfect.
This whole thing clips to my necklace when traveling and I always have my thimble securely at hand.
I'm not much about "other" fancy jewelry. I really don't care. But this is useful and I get so much daily pleasure out of doing what I love with something I love on my finger.
I also love the "Lifetime Guarantee" which means if I wear a hole through my thimble I can send it in for repair or replacement with simply including return shipping.
I'm sending this one off for repair today.
Yes, I know there are many other dimples on the thimble, but my needle keeps finding that same spot that I've worn through with so much evening hand stitching.
I've got my new thimble to keep me company while this old favorite is away for a while.
And guys! I'm over the moon excited with the response to yesterday's Lahinch Pattern release and Gift-Away!
I'm so happy to see so many of you loving the idea of sewing with the season at hand!
Did you enter to win on the Gift-Away post? Click back there if you missed it.
Introductory pricing: I've placed the Lahinch PDF pattern at 25% off - no coupon needed -through 10/31/25. Hurry now and save!
Simple shapes and easy piecing create a stunning repeat of pattern and secondary designs – All from a photo taken of a vintage tile floor white traveling. Full color photos, Optional piecing methods, and directions to press for success!
Quilt size: 80'' X 80''
And yes, there IS a Gift-Away!
I'll be drawing for two winners who will each receive a Lahinch PDF pattern from me AND:
An Atlantic Sky color roll from Cotton to Quilts. And yes, they have other rolls to enhance your stash as well:
Along with the beautiful Atlantic Sky roll, they've got other Ireland themed rolls in all of the rich colors you need from Golden Sand to Cliffs of Moher (Chocolate) and Autumn Heather (Pumpkin).And be sure to check out the neutral rolls as well!
Of course, you can envision your own color plan for Lahinch Just choose 4 colors that you like together and add a background where I used lighter sand.
We will draw for our winners on Monday 10/27/25.
Family Update:
We are ever grateful for all of the prayers and well wishes for Jason and our family. We have been video chatting with him about anything and everything over the past several days.
This is my independent (ALWAYS!) child who has only ever wanted to live life on his own terms and he's facing some real struggles right now. He says from this surgery on his life may never be the same. He's right. But maybe not in the way he thinks.
We just don't know. There is so much that we do not know. We are still facing a staircase that has no end - no top stop in sight. We can only take the next step, and that's really hard for him because he plans out EVERYTHING.
Dave flies out on Saturday. I'm getting all of my things in a row to follow in due time.
His care may be extensive and we are planning a month to 6 weeks out and will reevaluate as needed.
Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts during this time.
Oh, and he lives 1 mile from Fiddlesticks Quilt Shop. Just putting this out there.
The Brown Bird Bee arrived for their retreat at Quiltville Inn yesterday afternoon. I'm looking forward to the joy and creativity they bring to this space.
And that's all I know for today. What are you working on today?
You and your family are in my heart. I am making signs for Saturday's "parade", I would rather be quilting, but needs must come first...
ReplyDeleteOf course we're all continuing to think of you and your family. I have a feeling Fiddlesticks could be your new second home for awhile... Heads up to the shop - they'd better be stocked with supplies for scrappy quilts and hexie sewing! One thing I've learned in this lifetime is that we all face challenges we have to get through. They can be daunting. They will take work. They will change our lives in some unique way. But we get through them because that's what the human spirit does. You will get through this, too, no matter how it unfolds. Have faith in that. And then someday you will feel stronger and feel you can help and support others who are behind you on a similar path. Look to those who have gone ahead while you journey, or who are there to support you. They will have much to give from their hearts.
ReplyDeleteI have Jan's thimbles and a chatelaine as well. I bought my first thimble from her at a quilt show so that I had the proper fit. Then I lost it somewhere in my house. I still think it is in the bowels of the recliner or fell on the floor and my cat batted it under something. So I bought another one. Technically I have two!
ReplyDeleteI really love the browns and greens in the Brookgreen quilt. It reminds me of hikes in the woods in the fall.
ReplyDeleteYou will love Fiddlesticks Quilt shop. Cheran, the owner, is wonderful and creative. I no longer live in the area, but have special memories and quilts from her shop. Blessings and prayers to you and your family. ~ Connie P.
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