Time flies!!

So, time flies and if I don’t flap my wings I guess I will get left behind…

A full class assembled for Machine Quilting 1 at Pieceful Heart Fabrics. We started the class by making a sample quilt top, marking seam lines…

and pressing carefully from the front.

Then there was a discussion of batting, threads and needles, all very important details to consider when finishing your quilt.

Next came pin basting, with lots of safety pins evenly spaced across the top…

and then at last we got to the quilting… a walking foot kept everything smooth and controlled.

Machine Quilting 2 follows in November. We will be dropping our feed dogs… come prepared for fun!

Meanwhile Steve’s parents were in town. Their great grandchildren were offered for inspection…

They passed!!

On Sunday afternoon we went for a quick stroll at Morton Arboretum. We admired the fall colors and the ornamental kale…

and I came home with the inspiration to make a quilt…

I am calling it Fall Afternoon. Each piece is 8″ x 11″. It’s fused batik pieces with couched yarn spirals. I needed an entry for the Fiber Art Divas shown that started on Saturday at the Naperville Art League. Sometimes a deadline is a wonderful thing!!

Linda put together a banner for the entryway using squares from individual “divas”. Mine is the spiral underneath Cheryl’s little robot sewing person.

I have  managed to be out of town during the show for the previous two years. It was fun to do demos on opening day. It’s a really nice display of quilts and fiber art. The gallery has lots of natural light during the day and excellent illumination in the evening.

And then the Imperial Blooms BOM program continues…

September’s block from Sue Spargo offered a few challenges. The double cast on stitch flowers cannot be rushed and it took a good while to finish my square.

Here is a close up of the tufted center…

That makes nine flower blocks completed. I have never spent so much time on one quilt. I laid them out ready to sew together…

Just the borders now!!

My Power Suit quilt went on display with 106 others at Artistic Artifacts in Alexandria, VA on Saturday. Looking at other blog entries mine appears quite plain and simple. I am now at liberty to reveal it in its entirety so here is Impenetrable!!

I hope my statement explains things a little more…

Impenetrable

July 2011

Pondering the challenge brought to mind the ultimate power suit, the “armor of God” of Ephesians 6, impenetrable to whatever trials the world might throw my way. 

Ancient chain mail inspired this piece of felted wool suiting discs on a pieced cotton shirting background. The circles are linked with metallic yarn threaded through steel washers from the hardware store.

The quilts will be on display through November 23 and will then travel next year. I am planning on catching up with them at Road to California. Another reason to fly west in January!