When we complete a quilt top, so many of us do a little happy dance and think "Woo Hoo! Another one finished!" There is a real sense of elation at having accomplished constructing a quilt top. But wait. No, we aren't quite done yet. There is still the little matter of getting those tops quilted.
I have a cupboard that is just full of quilt tops that need to be quilted. I didn't want to count them, because I think I would be shocked at how many there are. In truth, I am no longer feeling the love for a number of them, and doubt that I will ever get them quilted. However, there are some real gems in that stack of tops and I have decided to get off my butt make an effort to get them completed and put into use.
In the photo above you see three unfinished quilt tops and their backings all ready to go. I have made a promise to myself that this year I will get into the habit of sending one quilt out after another and make a dent in this stack of flimsies. I may be completely broke for the rest of the summer, as I am planning to send off *three* quilts to be quilted!
For me, my love of quilting is primarily about planning the quilt and piecing it. I have never developed much finesse at quilting things myself and at this time cannot afford to purchase a long arm. Thus, doing my own quilting is not likely to happen. Those of you who have your own long arm machines are so fortunate that you can get your own tops done. I am curious though–do those of you with your own long arm machines still find that you have stacks of flimsies that you never get around to finishing? Are we girls with stacks of unfinished tops not alone?
80 responses to “Let’s Get Those Tops Quilted”
I more often get stuck at the pre-borders stage – silly, because if you just knuckle down and do it you can get the borders on & mitred in a couple of hours. Once my borders on, it goes straight in a jiffy bag and off to the quilter before I even have the patience to get a photo because I LOVE it when it comes back from the long arm. However it is then liable to sit around unbound for a while!
I too dream of a long arm machine of my own …. one day!
I more often get stuck at the pre-borders stage – silly, because if you just knuckle down and do it you can get the borders on & mitred in a couple of hours. Once my borders on, it goes straight in a jiffy bag and off to the quilter before I even have the patience to get a photo because I LOVE it when it comes back from the long arm. However it is then liable to sit around unbound for a while!
I too dream of a long arm machine of my own …. one day!
I don’t own a longarm but rent time on one. And yes, I have a stack of flimsies. Right now I have about 14 of them. It’s a problem! But I’m retired now and hoping to get the stack down.
I don’t own a longarm but rent time on one. And yes, I have a stack of flimsies. Right now I have about 14 of them. It’s a problem! But I’m retired now and hoping to get the stack down.
I’m with you in loving the process of making the quilt top more than any other part of start to finish.
I’m with Lisa in getting bogged down – or more likely sprinting off to the next project – before the quilt top has its borders. One time I lost interest before the blocks were together.
Most of my UFOs don’t have backing fabric with them.
It is exciting all over again when a quilt returns from the quilter but I have one quilted quilt that has been waiting for its binding for 11 months. The binding is made but I’ve junked up the table I need beside my machine when sewing binding on to a large quilt … Yes, I need to clear off that table, don’t I?
Here’s to getting quilts finished!
Hugs!
I’m with you in loving the process of making the quilt top more than any other part of start to finish.
I’m with Lisa in getting bogged down – or more likely sprinting off to the next project – before the quilt top has its borders. One time I lost interest before the blocks were together.
Most of my UFOs don’t have backing fabric with them.
It is exciting all over again when a quilt returns from the quilter but I have one quilted quilt that has been waiting for its binding for 11 months. The binding is made but I’ve junked up the table I need beside my machine when sewing binding on to a large quilt … Yes, I need to clear off that table, don’t I?
Here’s to getting quilts finished!
Hugs!
My long arm machine is an old dinosaur, as I got it in 1994. When I retired from quilting for others, I’m afraid I let my own stack of tops/backings really stack up. Uh, like as high as the ceiling!! I still prefer to piece the tops rather than stand up and do the quilting!
My long arm machine is an old dinosaur, as I got it in 1994. When I retired from quilting for others, I’m afraid I let my own stack of tops/backings really stack up. Uh, like as high as the ceiling!! I still prefer to piece the tops rather than stand up and do the quilting!
I have only…wait for it…29 tops to be quilted. 29!!! Sigh…I loved piecing too, but need badly to quilt some of these up!
I have only…wait for it…29 tops to be quilted. 29!!! Sigh…I loved piecing too, but need badly to quilt some of these up!
Oh my – so glad to hear I am not alone. I love choosing the pattern and fabric and making the top but after that is not the fun part for me! If only I could find someone who loves the sandwiching and basting and quilting part – that would be great!
Oh my – so glad to hear I am not alone. I love choosing the pattern and fabric and making the top but after that is not the fun part for me! If only I could find someone who loves the sandwiching and basting and quilting part – that would be great!
Ack! I feel your pain. It’s SO hard for me to get the flimsies converted into completed quilts. I think my problem is that I WANT to do the quilting myself (but no longarm) and I’m so nervous about messing it up or doing it poorly that I’m paralyzed.
Here’s to getting over that fear and getting them done!
Ack! I feel your pain. It’s SO hard for me to get the flimsies converted into completed quilts. I think my problem is that I WANT to do the quilting myself (but no longarm) and I’m so nervous about messing it up or doing it poorly that I’m paralyzed.
Here’s to getting over that fear and getting them done!
Don’t assume that having a long-arm in your sewing room results in all the tops being quilted. It takes a long time to develop skills on that long-arm, and then, like you, some of the tops are no longer calling to me. My guild is finishing tops of a deceased member for charity quilts, and there are a LOT of them. I’m just a piecer at heart!
Don’t assume that having a long-arm in your sewing room results in all the tops being quilted. It takes a long time to develop skills on that long-arm, and then, like you, some of the tops are no longer calling to me. My guild is finishing tops of a deceased member for charity quilts, and there are a LOT of them. I’m just a piecer at heart!
You should really try to take some of those tops that you don’t like anymore and practice free motion quilting on your domestic. I own a 40 year old Kenmore sewing machine that only does straight stitch and zigzag. I have free motion quilted tops up to 98 inches square on this machine. The key is to quilt only one block or section at a time. When you focus on one small section at a time it’s much easier. Every quilt I have made, I’ve quilted myself on my old machine. It saves tones of money and I improve everytime. I could not afford to quilt if I sent my quilts to a long arm quilter. You should really try. I like to spray baste my quilts on the wall. Then, I jump right in to quilting them. This could be your summer to learn to free motion quilt. Sewcalgal has great links for free motion quilting.
You should really try to take some of those tops that you don’t like anymore and practice free motion quilting on your domestic. I own a 40 year old Kenmore sewing machine that only does straight stitch and zigzag. I have free motion quilted tops up to 98 inches square on this machine. The key is to quilt only one block or section at a time. When you focus on one small section at a time it’s much easier. Every quilt I have made, I’ve quilted myself on my old machine. It saves tones of money and I improve everytime. I could not afford to quilt if I sent my quilts to a long arm quilter. You should really try. I like to spray baste my quilts on the wall. Then, I jump right in to quilting them. This could be your summer to learn to free motion quilt. Sewcalgal has great links for free motion quilting.
I love choosing the fabrics for piecing the top! However…I always do some piecing on the back that compliments the blocks on the top. I find myself ‘dreaming’ about what the back will look like as I’m working on the tops! I’m lucky that my long arm quilter lives on the road in back of us so I have no excuse not to get my quilts over to her! Downside? She is very popular/busy and I sometimes wait several months for the finished quilt to come home for its binding to be attached!
I love choosing the fabrics for piecing the top! However…I always do some piecing on the back that compliments the blocks on the top. I find myself ‘dreaming’ about what the back will look like as I’m working on the tops! I’m lucky that my long arm quilter lives on the road in back of us so I have no excuse not to get my quilts over to her! Downside? She is very popular/busy and I sometimes wait several months for the finished quilt to come home for its binding to be attached!
I see that I’m not alone from reading your post and some of the comments. I think I have at least 20 tops that need quilted. And like one of the commenters, I have quilted on my home sewing machine, but feel paralized when it’s time to start quilting a new top. And I like the comment from the one lady who mentioned to quilt one block or section at a time. Thanks for sharing – both your blog post and comments.
I see that I’m not alone from reading your post and some of the comments. I think I have at least 20 tops that need quilted. And like one of the commenters, I have quilted on my home sewing machine, but feel paralized when it’s time to start quilting a new top. And I like the comment from the one lady who mentioned to quilt one block or section at a time. Thanks for sharing – both your blog post and comments.
What an interesting topic! I’ve never finished a top and not had it quilted. My flimsies are either done, at the quilter’s, or on the list waiting for the quilter to call me. I can’t imagine going to the trouble of making the top then not getting it quilted. Before you hate me consider I’ve only been quilting around 7 years and have only made 80 some tops.
That’s not your red and white snowball challenge quilt is it? We finished that two and a half years ago!
I liked Ariane’s idea of practicing quilting on the tops you no longer love!
What an interesting topic! I’ve never finished a top and not had it quilted. My flimsies are either done, at the quilter’s, or on the list waiting for the quilter to call me. I can’t imagine going to the trouble of making the top then not getting it quilted. Before you hate me consider I’ve only been quilting around 7 years and have only made 80 some tops.
That’s not your red and white snowball challenge quilt is it? We finished that two and a half years ago!
I liked Ariane’s idea of practicing quilting on the tops you no longer love!
My love is in the planning and piecing too, although I try to get most of my quilts quilted in a decent amount of time.
My love is in the planning and piecing too, although I try to get most of my quilts quilted in a decent amount of time.
Absolutely! I’ve had my longarm for going on 8 years – there are still tops from before that that aren’t quilted yet! I love piecing and find, even with the longarm, that I procrastinate on the quilting!
Absolutely! I’ve had my longarm for going on 8 years – there are still tops from before that that aren’t quilted yet! I love piecing and find, even with the longarm, that I procrastinate on the quilting!
When I look at the price of a really good longarm (and what is the point of getting a crappy one)I figure I can have tons and tons of flimsys sent out to the quilter. I say ‘that is why God made Darlene and Nancy (my longarm quilting buddies)’. My enjoyment is in the piecing and fabric choices. These ladies know how best to quilt them. Just do one at a time and before you know it, they will get done. P.S. I do quilt my little things – tote bags, baby quilts and Schnibbles. They take no time at all and I get instant gratification. Plus I feel like I am saving money!
When I look at the price of a really good longarm (and what is the point of getting a crappy one)I figure I can have tons and tons of flimsys sent out to the quilter. I say ‘that is why God made Darlene and Nancy (my longarm quilting buddies)’. My enjoyment is in the piecing and fabric choices. These ladies know how best to quilt them. Just do one at a time and before you know it, they will get done. P.S. I do quilt my little things – tote bags, baby quilts and Schnibbles. They take no time at all and I get instant gratification. Plus I feel like I am saving money!
of course we do! i have no less than 20? 30?
“flimsies” that are screaming to be quilted. i pin one over the other (flat) on a design board to avoid wrinkles and creases. i keep telling myself that getting those quilt tops quilted will be my summer project. but the way this summer is already getting eaten (and it’s barely started)up my summer project will most likely become my fall project! such is life~~
of course we do! i have no less than 20? 30?
“flimsies” that are screaming to be quilted. i pin one over the other (flat) on a design board to avoid wrinkles and creases. i keep telling myself that getting those quilt tops quilted will be my summer project. but the way this summer is already getting eaten (and it’s barely started)up my summer project will most likely become my fall project! such is life~~
My sister has a long arm and she is very generous in allowing me to use it for my own quilting. However, my sister has at least 15 quilts that are still in flimsy stage and I have about 10. Finding the time to actually load, quilt and bind is always a challenge. It just seems that piecing and creating a quilt is easier in terms of finding bits of time to sew.
My sister has a long arm and she is very generous in allowing me to use it for my own quilting. However, my sister has at least 15 quilts that are still in flimsy stage and I have about 10. Finding the time to actually load, quilt and bind is always a challenge. It just seems that piecing and creating a quilt is easier in terms of finding bits of time to sew.
I have two quilts at the quilter and two more ready to go. I do my own quilting on my regular sewing machine if they are not too large, but sometimes, I just want to feel caught up and free start the next project. That’s how I spend my fun money.
I have two quilts at the quilter and two more ready to go. I do my own quilting on my regular sewing machine if they are not too large, but sometimes, I just want to feel caught up and free start the next project. That’s how I spend my fun money.
Pretty pile you have there, Nicole! There is nothing wrong with tending to be a piecer over a quilter–and you certainly have great talent with your larger tops! I have quilted every single one of my quilts on my domestic machine, up to king size. It isn’t easy, and in fact can be damn frustrating! But I cannot afford to send them out, so it is what it is 🙂 Right now I have three tops waiting for time under my needle–most of my quilts are still going to family members. I just finished the last sibling’s one so am free to quilt for ME for a while 🙂
Pretty pile you have there, Nicole! There is nothing wrong with tending to be a piecer over a quilter–and you certainly have great talent with your larger tops! I have quilted every single one of my quilts on my domestic machine, up to king size. It isn’t easy, and in fact can be damn frustrating! But I cannot afford to send them out, so it is what it is 🙂 Right now I have three tops waiting for time under my needle–most of my quilts are still going to family members. I just finished the last sibling’s one so am free to quilt for ME for a while 🙂
Hey Nicole, I actually got my longarm so I wouldn’t have stacks of flimsies in a cupboard! I only quilt for myself and once I finish a top it goes right on the longarm before I lose interest! I love quilting them myself and am always eager to finish one so I can begin another!
Cheers!
Hey Nicole, I actually got my longarm so I wouldn’t have stacks of flimsies in a cupboard! I only quilt for myself and once I finish a top it goes right on the longarm before I lose interest! I love quilting them myself and am always eager to finish one so I can begin another!
Cheers!
I, too, love the planning and piecing process more than the quilting. Last weekend, a friend from Vancouver came to visit and I opened my trunk to show her a few tops that I had finished. I pulled out one, then another, and another, and another and there were still more. I hadn’t realized that I had so many unfinished flimsies. So, like you, I am making an effort to have them finished. I’m hoping to get one done every two months so I don’t break the bank. And if I stick to my plan, I will have some lovely Christmas presents for my family.
I, too, love the planning and piecing process more than the quilting. Last weekend, a friend from Vancouver came to visit and I opened my trunk to show her a few tops that I had finished. I pulled out one, then another, and another, and another and there were still more. I hadn’t realized that I had so many unfinished flimsies. So, like you, I am making an effort to have them finished. I’m hoping to get one done every two months so I don’t break the bank. And if I stick to my plan, I will have some lovely Christmas presents for my family.
I had a few unquilted tops. Like you, some of them no longer “floated my boat” or else I considered them “no big deal.” I decided to kill two birds with one stone and the less desirable ones I use as backing for another. They come out not quite reversible, but still kind of neat–and a good way to reduce the stack of flimsies.
I had a few unquilted tops. Like you, some of them no longer “floated my boat” or else I considered them “no big deal.” I decided to kill two birds with one stone and the less desirable ones I use as backing for another. They come out not quite reversible, but still kind of neat–and a good way to reduce the stack of flimsies.
I am on the same track! I was recently picked as the featured quilter for my quilt guild… and after a moment of excitement I started thinking “crap… I need to start getting those tops quilted”! So I have just purchased some sale fabric at a few different shops to start collection my backings. Then I will be looking for a great buy on batting. I plan to send off 2 quilts per month to my LAQ. Wish me luck!
I am on the same track! I was recently picked as the featured quilter for my quilt guild… and after a moment of excitement I started thinking “crap… I need to start getting those tops quilted”! So I have just purchased some sale fabric at a few different shops to start collection my backings. Then I will be looking for a great buy on batting. I plan to send off 2 quilts per month to my LAQ. Wish me luck!
I’m a piecer not a quilter, but personally, if there are tops you don’t love anymore, auction them off…. Make it someone else’s responsibility to quilt it and love it.
I’m a piecer not a quilter, but personally, if there are tops you don’t love anymore, auction them off…. Make it someone else’s responsibility to quilt it and love it.
I have a longarm and have gotten one of my tops quilted this year and its because it is a gift. I work f/t and also love hand applique and hand quilting. Just not enough time to do it all. But I haven’t pieced that many tops this past while. I think I only have put one top in the closet unquilted. But there are at least a dozen tops of mine waiting, and waiting, Everyone else’s tops come before mine.
I have a longarm and have gotten one of my tops quilted this year and its because it is a gift. I work f/t and also love hand applique and hand quilting. Just not enough time to do it all. But I haven’t pieced that many tops this past while. I think I only have put one top in the closet unquilted. But there are at least a dozen tops of mine waiting, and waiting, Everyone else’s tops come before mine.
I’m pretty prompt at getting completed tops off to the quilter, I’m bad about getting them bound! I probably have 4-5 sitting around waiting for binding, have had as many as 12 waiting. I don’t machine quilt them myself, don’t have a long arm and just hate fighting with my machine to quilt them, unless it’s a small wallhanging. Should give it a try again, not that I think my attitude is going to change, but it would be cheaper!
I’m pretty prompt at getting completed tops off to the quilter, I’m bad about getting them bound! I probably have 4-5 sitting around waiting for binding, have had as many as 12 waiting. I don’t machine quilt them myself, don’t have a long arm and just hate fighting with my machine to quilt them, unless it’s a small wallhanging. Should give it a try again, not that I think my attitude is going to change, but it would be cheaper!
You’re not alone. I am finding the same thing as you…too long of a delay and my taste/style changes and I don’t feel the love of old quilt tops. 🙁
You’re not alone. I am finding the same thing as you…too long of a delay and my taste/style changes and I don’t feel the love of old quilt tops. 🙁
I have a friend with a long arm and she quilts my quilts for me at a very reasonable price. She also is a great quilt maker and she only works on one project at a time and quilts it before she starts another. Not me I need several going at once…but I do eventually get them all done. Good luck.
I have a friend with a long arm and she quilts my quilts for me at a very reasonable price. She also is a great quilt maker and she only works on one project at a time and quilts it before she starts another. Not me I need several going at once…but I do eventually get them all done. Good luck.
I have a longarm and still have stacks of quilt tops waiting to be quilted. The actual quilting is my least favorite part. Most days I wish I didn’t have a longarm so I could send my tops away to be quilted.
I have a longarm and still have stacks of quilt tops waiting to be quilted. The actual quilting is my least favorite part. Most days I wish I didn’t have a longarm so I could send my tops away to be quilted.
I have a short arm quilting machine that I use to machine quilt on without a frame. Lately I’ve found myself too busy quilting everyone else’s quilts and not getting my own done. I’ve already decided to take September through the end of the year off from quilting for others and just do my stuff.
I have a short arm quilting machine that I use to machine quilt on without a frame. Lately I’ve found myself too busy quilting everyone else’s quilts and not getting my own done. I’ve already decided to take September through the end of the year off from quilting for others and just do my stuff.
Nicole,
If you are planning to donate the quilts you have fallen out of love with, then I would be willing to quilt them for you at no cost. I will provide batting, backings and if you don’t already have the binding cut, I will provide something as close to the top as I can. I have 3 places where I donate quilts locally.
Nicole,
If you are planning to donate the quilts you have fallen out of love with, then I would be willing to quilt them for you at no cost. I will provide batting, backings and if you don’t already have the binding cut, I will provide something as close to the top as I can. I have 3 places where I donate quilts locally.
Hi Nicole
I have a frame that fits a standard sewing machine for quilting. I find many of the quilts I make don’t suit edge-to-edge or all-over quilting. Many of them look better with ditch stitching. I don’t like the quilting to overpower the piecing. I have spent the last little while quilting tops in the pile that suited all over quilting and last night finished stitching down the last of the bindings. There are a few quilt tops still left robe quilted but they need stitching in the ditch. The best thing about using the frame is no pin basting.
Hi Nicole
I have a frame that fits a standard sewing machine for quilting. I find many of the quilts I make don’t suit edge-to-edge or all-over quilting. Many of them look better with ditch stitching. I don’t like the quilting to overpower the piecing. I have spent the last little while quilting tops in the pile that suited all over quilting and last night finished stitching down the last of the bindings. There are a few quilt tops still left robe quilted but they need stitching in the ditch. The best thing about using the frame is no pin basting.
It seems most quilters love piecing more than quilting. I have a long arm machine and customers come first and my pile of tops are growing.
It seems most quilters love piecing more than quilting. I have a long arm machine and customers come first and my pile of tops are growing.
I am “tight as a tick” so my beloved Bernina and I do our own quilting. As soon as the piecing is finished….it gets quilted. Nothing fancy, mind you, but done. I am extremely cursed with OCD, it can be a curse! The largest piece I have quilted so far is a queen. the end…at present the sewing is up and I am rug hooking a 8ft runner for one of my halls………
I am “tight as a tick” so my beloved Bernina and I do our own quilting. As soon as the piecing is finished….it gets quilted. Nothing fancy, mind you, but done. I am extremely cursed with OCD, it can be a curse! The largest piece I have quilted so far is a queen. the end…at present the sewing is up and I am rug hooking a 8ft runner for one of my halls………
I have to “make time” to quilt my own otherwise they sit. Dare I say how many of my own are waiting? Most were made before I started quilting for others. I rarely have time to piece tops anymore and take advantage of the instant gratification I get from making Schnibbles. This past weekend I did take a day and call it “ME” day and quickly quilted two of my own Schnibbles so that I have binding to stitch in the evenings. Now I have two tops quilted and waiting in my binding pile!
I honestly feel that the tops you don’t love that much will be loved again once you get them quilted. I love watching tops come to “life” as they are quilted. Sending them of to the LA’er is way cheaper than purchasing the machine. Before the machine I sent mine off for quilting as well….loving each and everytime I got them back so I could wash, dry, crinkle and use them.
I have to “make time” to quilt my own otherwise they sit. Dare I say how many of my own are waiting? Most were made before I started quilting for others. I rarely have time to piece tops anymore and take advantage of the instant gratification I get from making Schnibbles. This past weekend I did take a day and call it “ME” day and quickly quilted two of my own Schnibbles so that I have binding to stitch in the evenings. Now I have two tops quilted and waiting in my binding pile!
I honestly feel that the tops you don’t love that much will be loved again once you get them quilted. I love watching tops come to “life” as they are quilted. Sending them of to the LA’er is way cheaper than purchasing the machine. Before the machine I sent mine off for quilting as well….loving each and everytime I got them back so I could wash, dry, crinkle and use them.
Hi Nicole. I’m with you on the process of making the quilt top & not wanting to pay to have them quilted. I get so excited to start another quilt because of my ever growing stash. I recently decided to take my stash out of all the totes & put them on the comic book boards to make mini bolts & store in cabinets/bookcases. I have emptied 9 large totes & I’m not quite half way through my stash! That is disgusting enough but I used 6 totes that I emptied (64 qt size) to fill will quilt tops I’ve made over the last few years) I did just recently purchase a much nicer machine for machine quilting & hoping once I get through all of the fabric organizing I can crack down & do some quilting. I am loving the fabrics on the backer boards, takes up much less space & so neat & tidy. It’ll be much easier to find what I want rather than digging through totes. Not to mention finding some fabrics I forgot I had! 🙂
Hi Nicole. I’m with you on the process of making the quilt top & not wanting to pay to have them quilted. I get so excited to start another quilt because of my ever growing stash. I recently decided to take my stash out of all the totes & put them on the comic book boards to make mini bolts & store in cabinets/bookcases. I have emptied 9 large totes & I’m not quite half way through my stash! That is disgusting enough but I used 6 totes that I emptied (64 qt size) to fill will quilt tops I’ve made over the last few years) I did just recently purchase a much nicer machine for machine quilting & hoping once I get through all of the fabric organizing I can crack down & do some quilting. I am loving the fabrics on the backer boards, takes up much less space & so neat & tidy. It’ll be much easier to find what I want rather than digging through totes. Not to mention finding some fabrics I forgot I had! 🙂
Well…. I don’t have any quilt flimsies… because I don’t get to quilt much… but I wish I did! BUT with your hour a day idea – that should change soon! :O) Makes so much sense! I keep waiting for the elusive big blocks of time and it ain’t happening here! I do have one unbound runner and one flimsy runner – if those count? I have stacks of projects gathered… just w-a-i-t-i-n-g for me to get started…. since I only finish about 2 quilts a year (just got started quilting again after decades of not getting to it) I am sooo excited I zip those off to a friend who long arm quilts them for me and I get the binding on soon as it gets back because the excitement of a finish is so huge – what with only accomplishing a few – I can get that done. I wish I was brave enough to try machine quilting myself… your posts on cross hatching have me thinking maybe I can do that… I got the tape and everything… and now it is collecting dust… I should just do it on that runner huh? :O) I loved your design wall in the next post – love the Fig Tree you have going on there! Wow!
Well…. I don’t have any quilt flimsies… because I don’t get to quilt much… but I wish I did! BUT with your hour a day idea – that should change soon! :O) Makes so much sense! I keep waiting for the elusive big blocks of time and it ain’t happening here! I do have one unbound runner and one flimsy runner – if those count? I have stacks of projects gathered… just w-a-i-t-i-n-g for me to get started…. since I only finish about 2 quilts a year (just got started quilting again after decades of not getting to it) I am sooo excited I zip those off to a friend who long arm quilts them for me and I get the binding on soon as it gets back because the excitement of a finish is so huge – what with only accomplishing a few – I can get that done. I wish I was brave enough to try machine quilting myself… your posts on cross hatching have me thinking maybe I can do that… I got the tape and everything… and now it is collecting dust… I should just do it on that runner huh? :O) I loved your design wall in the next post – love the Fig Tree you have going on there! Wow!
I have a pile of tops that I would like to have quilted and another pile that I don’t think are worthy of quilting. If only I had unlimited funds to get them all done! Who are you sending your quilts to? Are they to keep or for gifts?
I have a pile of tops that I would like to have quilted and another pile that I don’t think are worthy of quilting. If only I had unlimited funds to get them all done! Who are you sending your quilts to? Are they to keep or for gifts?
I usually have several quilts in the piecing stage. I love piecing. I am very lucky to have two friends with longarms who generously quilt my tops for me. We use a barter system where I bind all their quilts for them. That being said, I am still way behind. From where I am sitting I can see 8 Project Linus quilts that are ready to go to my friends and I have already given them 4 each. I try to never press them to get them done….we have come up with a plan that works for us all. I don’t think I’ll ever be completely caught up!
I usually have several quilts in the piecing stage. I love piecing. I am very lucky to have two friends with longarms who generously quilt my tops for me. We use a barter system where I bind all their quilts for them. That being said, I am still way behind. From where I am sitting I can see 8 Project Linus quilts that are ready to go to my friends and I have already given them 4 each. I try to never press them to get them done….we have come up with a plan that works for us all. I don’t think I’ll ever be completely caught up!
I am right in this boat with you. I have stacks of tops done but not finished. I keep saying I’m going to quilt them myself on my regular machine, but I don’t enjoy this part of quilting so it does’t get done. I am sending quilts to the long-armer’s by twos and will be broke but ready for winter at the end of summer.
I am right in this boat with you. I have stacks of tops done but not finished. I keep saying I’m going to quilt them myself on my regular machine, but I don’t enjoy this part of quilting so it does’t get done. I am sending quilts to the long-armer’s by twos and will be broke but ready for winter at the end of summer.