Yesterday was International Quilting Day. Did you get much sewing done? Joie from the Facebook sewing group, Just Us Quilters, organized a sew-in for all of us and provided a Jelly Roll pattern which was awesome…way better than the last one I’d found! We posted our progress throughout the day and got lots of encouragement from one another. If you’re on Facebook, come check us out. They’ll let anybody participate…hey, they let ME in!!
I started sewing at 8 a.m. and made my last stitch about 11:00 p.m., pausing to make an excursion to the bookstore. It was a sacrifice, but I did it and spent money just so it wasn’t a total waste of time. Midway through the sewing extravaganza, Somebody’s Brother (the machine, not a person), died and couldn’t be resusitated even with Mama working on it so I switched back to Lennie who is ever faithful. There’s nothing like trying times to make a girl appreciate her tried and true fella. Yes, Lennie’s undergone some sort of identity change and is now male. Mostly because he doesn’t give me any crap and does what I tell him. See…male. A girl would get all cranky and hormonal and lay a whoopin’ on me. I had a few problems with cantankerous bobbins and did my share of the frog stitch but cursed and perservered (okay, mostly cursed) through it all. It was a real hassle to pause for meals and potty breaks. You have no idea how much time those endeavors waste! I briefly thought of suiting up in a Depends like that whackadoodle NASA chick, but a sane girl’s gotta draw the line somewhere, right? I finished up four, yes four, quilt tops; two from Jelly Rolls; two from Honeybuns.
Here’s my first finish. At first, I thought about adding borders but now that I look at it, I’m not so sure. I’m thinking a chocolate brown binding will do the trick. Opinions, anyone?
The second finish, after the Somebody’s Brother debacle, was…
Throughout the day, Lulu the Coward, could be found under the sewing table doing her best to hide from a group of evil men roofing the house behind us.
For such a large beastie, she certainly is a wuss. The dog detests strangers!
My final two finishes used a couple of Honeybuns, those 1 1/2″ wide strips. I’ve christened them The Ugly Stepsisters.
Confession time: I violated everything I’ve ever said about children and electronics and time limits just so I could sew my ass off all day long. His Awesomeness was umbilically attached to his X Box, racing to the death in hopped up sports cars or killing off bad guys who desperately needed to meet a grisly end. The Diva was ensconced in my room partaking of hour after hour of Jessie and Shake It Up. Just so I could crank up Joan Jett and ZZ Top and lay down some stitches. It was totally worth it. And I don’t feel guilty in the least.
I told Himself if I’d had any more fun I would’ve been doing something potentially immoral and possibly illegal. He gave me the stink-eye and went back to James Bond. But those with the quilting bug know what I’m talking about!
My Imperfect Life 
Glad you had a good day. I like borders. So you know my vote. I woukd do a narrow red and then a wide brown. I didn’t sew a stitch. Did run to fabric store witb DIL. Trying to get motivated but it’s cold!
Still mulling the border thing but will take any suggestions. I hurt in places I didn’t know existed…who knew sitting that long could make you hurt as much as a workout!
LOL…just like a car ride wears you out when all you do is sit there. Not bordering it makes them a bit of a pain to quilt because of the stretching. Can the Brother be returned? You haven’t had it very long, have you? I was surprised to read that Lennie has switched teams. Or, is he transgendered. All of mine are women and will stay women…post menopausal women!
Actually the Brother is several years old. He was my mother’s and now he’s freeloading off me. We’re pretty sure there’s thread caught up where we can’t get to it easily. As for Lennie, I always knew he was a snappy dresser and very meticulous about his grooming. He’s metrosexual, like David Beckham.
Wow! You were a lean mean sewing machine. Your effort for the day just blows me away. I kinda like the ugly step sisters best to be honest…
They didn’t start out such ugly hags but by the time I was done, they weren’t my favorites. I also didn’t imagine wanting to sit down at my machine again anytime soon, but guess what, I’m working on another one right now!
Love your quilts!! Are they the 1600 jellyroll? I’ve done 2, both without borders. I spent yesterday quilting my Peace quilt (finally) and ache from shoulders to thighs!!! My family was on their own 😉
Yes, I did a version of the 1600. The previous pattern I used had you cut the strips apart and then sew them back together. This one was way easier. I’ll have to find the link if you’re interested. I’m thinking of keeping them all borderless. I’ve had every member of the family beating on my shoulders today..I am that sore!!
If you are able to find the link that would be great! Thanks 🙂
Here it is…
http://www.quiltingboard.com/tutorials-f10/super-fast-jelly-roll-quilt-t44258.html
It really is easier than the 1600 pattern. They may be exactly the same but I really don’t think so. Either that or this one was just explained alot better. Enjoy 🙂
It’s amazing that you got so much done in one day. I’ll have to try this sometime. I vote for a chocolate brown border on this first quilt. They are are adorable.
Aren’t precuts wonderful! I would’ve gotten another one done if Mom and I hadn’t had to take time out to mess with Somebody’s Brother…stupid machine! Anyway, I’ve started another one today. I also found a copy paper box full of tops needing to be quilted. Eek! I’ll take the chocolate border into consideration.
YAY! YIPPEE! YOU GO GIRL! AWESOME! FANTASTIC! STUPENDOUS! Quilting all day friggin long! That is just the best thing ever! I am so proud of you and I love your finishes! I dont think they need borders at all, they look really good just like that!
Thank you! I bought fabric for borders for the first one this afternoon. I don’t see how it’s possible with my stash that I didn’t have EXACTLY what I needed and I’m still not sure about my choices. I’ll have to post them and get more opinions!
I love that you “plugged in” the family to get some quiltin’ done. A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do! PS I would add the brown border on your first one. the rest will look cut enuf with bindings
Thanks, Annie! I picked out a muted red for a thin inner border and a dark brown for the outer…still not sure if it’s what I really want or not. Maybe it’ll grow on me!