home decor and garden are very famous in the world

Do you remember these quilts that I shared last spring?

Well, last year before I started getting a series of procedures (so around September), I was getting antsy. I wanted many projects done and have some projects ready for me to do in bed... You know, those type of things. I pieced five quilt tops that time, and I just finished quilting one of them over the weekend.


It's rather funny looking huh? Here is the reason why... I used up all the scraps from the boy's quilt to make this. I had absolutely NO design plans whatsoever. I just kept on piecing, adding fabric here and there and if there were parts that were too long I simply cut it to match the length.

I have a love for traditional quilts, but I have been mesmerized by modern style quilts too. I wanted to see what I can come up with, with leftover fabrics. So, it was sort of an experiment.
Because it was an experimental quilt, it was also perfect for me to practice machine quilting on. I didn't have to worry about making it so perfect.




I know I still have a lot to learn, but actually machine quilting is starting to become fun. I am not so scared anymore!


There are a couple other quilts that I basted and am thinking about quilting soon. It is so hard to decide what kind of design to go with it. I can't wait to get started though. :)

Over the weekend, we visited family, and had a nice time. I was particularly excited that I was able to finish a quilt. A quilt I pieced so many months ago, but afraid to machine quilt and walked away from it for a while... I wanted to give it to my brother-in-law as a house warming gift.

I stayed away from my usual colors and flower patterns(giggle), and went with darker colors and plaids. I used a 60 degree diamond ruler to cut the fabrics (I bought my ruler at Joann's with a 50% off coupon, by the way). Cutting and piecing the fabrics went pretty quick. Can you imagine using different fabrics to make this diamond quilt? Ah... did I hear Amy Butler? Woo, I am so going to...

He gave us a tour of his first place he purchased, and I was soo excited that the color of the quilt actually went with the couch and the chair he had in his living room!


Do you know what else I was so excited about? I. Machine. Quilted. It!!


I mentioned that I wanted to practice machine quilting more, but I was really worried that I would mess it up. But, you know, it actually wasn't so bad, I just did loops all over the quilt and it turned out OK for a machine quilting apprentice. :)

I am trying to tackle my ever growing "to do" list lately. There are so many things on that list in different categories. Home & family, sewing & craft projects, personal growth, etc... one of the things I have been trying to be better at is machine quilting. Don't ask me for how many years I have been saying that.

I feel like this year's it! I am going to get better at it, well I have to. There are so many quilt tops waiting to be completed on my shelf.

I have machine quilted some of my quilts in the past, but I can see all the mistakes and unevenness of the stitches. I am not really happy with the results.

My friend told me to use felt, the kind you can buy by the yard. I didn't have felt, but I had scraps of fleece and such and I have been practicing with those. Also, the people at the quilt shop that I go to, and where I bought my sewing machine, gave me some helpful tips for machine quilting (Thank you!). It has been really fun practicing and I think I am doing OK.

The true test will come when I am working with a real quilt. It is much harder to move around a big heavy quilt and to be consistent with the size of the pattern. If you are a quilter and have some tips to share I would really appreciate them!


Just a reminder that the giveaway for the $100 gift certificate to Olive Garden is still on! Go here to see what you need to do enter for the chance to win. :)

I had a really busy week, since the kids are back in school, everything is in full swing. Usually it takes time for me to get used to the new routine. I slept in and had a slow start to the day (which is very rare!). By the time I fed kids lunch, I was back to myself, I had an itch to sew.

There was a quilt top I put together a few weeks ago (remember the Liberty of London fabrics?) and I was kept going back and forth should I hand quilt(I am in my comfort zone), or ignore the fear of machine quilting and just try it (which would put me way out of my comfort zone).

Guess what?! I decided to try machine quilting! I have done machine quilting before, but I used straight lines on a much smaller quilt. This time I wanted try "loops". Ok, it doesn't sound difficult to do, but when I think "what if I mess up?" I just didn't have the guts to do it.

For some reason, I felt like I could do it this afternoon. What happend to "What if I mess up?" well, that attitude became... "Nah, it's ok, I have to start somewhere and practice, I will just do my best."

So, I did it! It took me 7 hours(including the time to cook and feed my family a dinner) and like I predicted, it is nowhere near perfect. The loops and stitches are not equal in some areas... but I feel ok! I did it! I hope this is the start of many more machine quilted quilts. I have several quilt tops that are waiting to be quilted, I hope get a chance to practice more and get good at it someday.



I will share the picture of the finished quilt when I am done with the binding. Have a happy Sunday everyone!