Saturday, June 27, 2009

Good News and Not-So-Good News

The good news is that I spent part of the afternoon today learning how to machine quilt! And, it isn't as difficult as I thought TO LEARN. The not-so-good news is, it's much more physical than I imagined TO DO. You are powering the quilt around the machine with the strength of your arms, and there's a reason some quilters only work for twenty minutes at a time. My arms, they is a-burnin'!



The good news is it is kind of fun to do the meandering "stipple" pattern I'm using for this quilt. I took a couple of photos to try to show you the close-up pictures. The not-so-good news: I'm not very good at it yet - see below.

Still, I think with some practice, I can become a decent machine quilter. But I think this little one is going to have to stay here and become a porch quilt. I'll have to keep working at it to be as good as Dana and make quilts to give away.


I don't think it's a hopeless cause, though. I'm encouraged by my first attempt at machine quilting, and once I've finished that pesky little degree I'll have more time to play. Who knows what I'll come up with then?

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have never tried quilting before. I love quilts and have a few that were made by mama's friends. I just don't think I would have the patience or the muscle, from what you learned today! I think part of the fun would be choosing all the pretty fabrics. Hope you enjoy the rest of the evening.

Feedsack Fantasy said...

I would never NEVER attempt to sew again in my life ... Mother's voice still echos, '...Mary Donelda GET the ripper!!'. So much for that attempt. TTFN ~ Marydon

simple~needs said...

i have never tried it , but i think it is so cool!!!
great job terri!!
wemaybe a quilt giveaway by christmas??/!!!
oh, by the way, i got my apron dirty today. walking neighbor ladies asked where i bought it!! pat your self on the back. its perfect!!!

Terri said...

Mildred, it is more physical than I thought it would be, but I'll bet you'd do fine! :)

Mary, I am so sorry that that little voice in your head still rings. Your mother would be appalled by my work, but I'm not ripping it out! Sewing is much more fun when you aren't a perfectionist about it. It will get better as I keep at it, and this first one will sit out on the porch furniture where the flaws won't matter.

Kim, I think we could probably do a quilt giveaway by Christmas! I am glad you like your apron - maybe I'll do another apron giveaway in July, since the quilt won't do!

Terri

bethany said...

You are doing just fine. It takes a while to learn. Keep it up!!

amy @ Life in Pink Hi-Tops said...

I had forgotten how hard it was to do the quilting when I did my charm square quilt! Not a walk in the park! But practice makes perfect?!

Terri said...

Thank you, Bethany! If it weren't for all the encouragement from everyone I'd never have even tried this, so I really appreciate it! :)

Amy, it isn't easy, but it is kind of fun. And here I thought I liked piecing the best - that may not be true anymore!

Terri

Debbie said...

My grandma quilted and I got to help her a few times. I love the end results but it seemed so long. I would love to try machine quilting sometime. Have fun!

Debbie

Heidi D said...

That's really cool. I wish I knew how to make quilts. Maybe I'll learn someday.



I got the package this weekend, and it is AWESOME!!! I love the jewelry and the candy and the little box. I'm going to do a post about it on Monday. :) Thanks again.

Connie said...

I'm sure it takes time to get the hang of it and more practice will help, but it looks like you are doing great to me! It's fun having a creative outlet in any case. :)

Happy Sunday, Terri.

Terri said...

Debbie, the machine does make it faster - and I love sewing that produces quick results, so I did need to learn to do this!

Heidi, I am glad you got the package, and very happy that you liked it! :)

Daisy, yes, I needed a creative outlet! Thank you! :)

Terri

Susie said...

Knowing you and your creative self there isn't much telling what you will come up with Terri. That looks very difficult to me.

I think the next time your friends take that hike you need to go, if you are thru with school. You will love it!

Julia said...

I was looking at quilts in town which had that kind of pattern all over them. I was wondering how in the heck they do it. I still think I am miles away from every attempting that so big kudos to you.