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Just know, I always have good intentions on writing posts.  I literally have them written in my head, but it seems I just never find the time to get to the computer to write them!!  Also, I want you to know that I read and enjoy every comment I receive.  Thank you.  I appreciate them so much!  I love to respond to each of them, but lately I’ve had a hard time keeping up.  I apologize. 

Elaina is better, but Alyssa is sick now.  They really are twins.  She has what her sister had.  She also had to pay a visit to the doctor for meds.  I’m hoping she’ll be well enough to go back to school by Friday.  It’s really hard to get things done when you have a sick little one at home!  Fingers crossed Scott and I don’t get it too.

Even with everything going on, we did manage to get our Christmas decorations up.  It really made the girls weekend to decorate.  As soon as they get up in the morning, they turn on the lights on the Christmas tree.  I’ll have to post some pics soon.  But before those, I thought I would share one of Mary’s quilts that I did quite a while ago.  You’ll be able to see the green grass and sun in the photos, so you can tell they were from a while ago!!  This is one of 5 quilts I did for Mary.  Actually, I did 7 for Mary this year!!  I think she was my number one repeat client!!

 This is a gorgeous quilt made with beautiful reproduction fabrics!  Mary did a wonderful job.

 It was fun to try some new quilting techniques on this.  Prepared me a little for Ode To Virginia. 🙂

 I just couldn’t decide what to do in the red squares in the corner.  I ended up making some homemade  templates in a heart motif to tie into the hearts appliqued on the quilt.  The motif under the heart is actually the heart template “opened up.”

You can see all the little pin holes from pinning it to the top.  Here’s a pic of me trying to audition the designs of the heart motif and layout.

I always love the back as much as the front, even though sometimes I forget to take pics of the back.  Seems like if I remember to take before quilting pic, I forget to take an after of the back.  Go figure.

I guess I did remember to take a before pic.

I used Hobbs 80/20 and So Fine threads top and bobbin.  I like Hobbs 80/20, but I’m not sure if I love it.  I would like to sample some other battings.  I actually have a big box waiting for me to play with full of batting samples.

 Doesn’t that look like fun???  Too bad I don’t have the time right now.  After the new year when things aren’t so crazy, I’ll make time for some research.  Speaking of no time, I need to get back to quilting asap!!!  Right now, I may be looking for a miracle to get all my client Christmas orders done!  🙂

29 Comments

  • Maria says:

    I so love to read your posts and see what you have been up to quilting wise. I get plenty of ideas from what you are doing and are determined to try them myself. But not now, my sewing machine is poorly and they cant seem to fix it! It's been in the repair shop twice now and still not back to normal after 4 weeks. I haven't got a hope to finish any of my Christmas gifts before Christmas so am making different plans. Very VERY frustrating!

  • Diane says:

    hope Alyssa is better soon and you don't get 'it'!
    your quilting is lovely as always! good luck getting done w/customer quilts so you can enjoy the holidays yourself.

  • Michele says:

    Outstanding quilting!!! Its great that you spent the time making such nice templates. Too bad you have another one that is sick 🙁 I know its hard! I'll be interested to see how the different battings work for you. I'd like to do some experimenting too, but I just never seem to get to it. Good luck on getting caught up. Let me know how you do it….I need some tips! No need to reply to this comment. Spend some time on what you need to do :o)

  • Kathleen says:

    Striking, Linda. I love the 'swirleys'.

  • Anonymous says:

    As always…beautiful. If there is one thing I learned is December is just too stressful to quilt for others and try and do all the things we want done for our families etc. I hope you can finish in ample time to just relax and enjoy the merriment of the season.

  • Sue says:

    Another beautiful quilt with some more of your beautiful quilting, Linda.
    I love Quilter's Dream, but have you tried the Tuscany wool batting yet? Or how about the Tuscany silk. Those are my absolute favorites. But I have no idea how they work with a longarm.
    Sure hope your little one doesn't get sick. I'll say some prayers for her.
    Do try to enjoy the season and I hope you don't get sick either.
    Merry Christmas!

    Sue

  • Abby and Stephanie says:

    Why does sickness always happen this time of year? My 25 year old daughter is battling the crud. Lovely quilting as usual. I hope you'll do a batting review.

  • Lori says:

    Another pretty quilt!
    Looks like you have some legacy batting in your box. I bought some of that and will be using it soon too.

  • Joanne says:

    Your quilting is stunning as always! Good luck with getting your quilting done.
    Don't ever apologize to us about using your time for you and your family.♥

  • Amy, a redeemed sheep says:

    Your quilting is beautiful. Have you ever considered doing some videos showing how you do some of your quilting designs? I would love to see how they are done. Think about it. =)

  • Candace says:

    If anyone can pull that miracle, it will be you, Linda! You really made this quilt of Mary's come alive! I also look forward to seeing the back of each one – it tells a story in itself! I hope Alyssa is feeling better soon – Santa isn't far away!
    Cheers!

  • Kathy Schwartz says:

    You did a wonderful job on Mary's quilt!
    I think your really going to enjoy using those new batting samples. I sees some in there I haven't tried yet and hope you give us a report as you use them!

  • Me and My Stitches says:

    Beautiful quilt, and as always, beautiful quilting!

  • Archie the wonder dog says:

    Another fantastic quilt, beautiful quilting!! I hope Alyssa recovers soon…and have fun with the wadding samples!

  • West Michigan Quilter says:

    What a beautiful quilt. Love the way you have quilted it. Hope Alyssa gets better soon. Thanks for sharing these lovely pictures and the tip on how you did the template. Great idea.

  • WoolenSails says:

    It always seems that once one gets sick, the rest of the family follows.
    I hope Alyssa feels better soon and that it stops there.
    Beautiful quilting, love the idea of doing designs and patterns on my quilts, something I plan on practicing this year.

    Debbie

  • Allie says:

    Oh hon, I hope both girls are fine by Christmas – and that you two don't get it as well! You did a stunning job on this quilt, I really love the heart motif!

  • Mama Bell says:

    Takes my breath away to see one of your creations!! I actually sigh, and ooooo and awwww!
    Merry Christmas!

  • Kaaren says:

    Gorgeous job, Linda!

    Your quilting magic has turned it into a reversible quilt because the back is as wonderful as the front.

  • Terry says:

    What a beautiful quilt! Are you promising us all more time and less craziness after Christmas? If so I'm in! LOL

  • Carrie P. says:

    I appreciate you taking the time to do a post. The quilt is just fabulous! Love the back too.
    I know with Christmas you are so busy. Be sure to take care of yourself.

  • Jeanne says:

    Wonderful quilting. I love the heart motif you used. I hope the sick bug leaves your house very soon.

  • Brandie says:

    Beautiful! That corner heart is perfect.
    I totally understand about blogging. We all have good intention. But this time of year is even worse to keep up. Take care

  • Mary @ Neat and Tidy says:

    You really are so talented, but then I guess I've probably said that every time I comment. I wish I had have of your talent!

    Merry Christmas, friend.

  • Donna says:

    Hope Alyssa is better and hopefully you don't get it.
    The quilt is so pretty and I love the hearts! Hopefuly you can rest some during Christmas.
    Hugs,
    Donna

  • Days and colors says:

    Hope you're all healthy and doing fine. Your machine quilting is awesome, I wish I could see it in person! Enjoy this lovely season!

  • Mama Pea says:

    Another job well done. I'm suffering, too, this winter with work overload. It's really impinging on my ability to get into feeling the joy of the season. It just feels like a big hassle to me. I hope your load lightens soon and you're able to relax and enjoy a little!

  • Sinta Renee says:

    HOpe all the illness is behind your family and the holidays will be healthy and happy for everyone. Your doing an amazing job for your clients… another beautiful quilt!

  • Monica says:

    Beautiful Quilting! So glad I found this blog! Merry Christmas…and a healthy and happy New Year!
    ~Monica
    http://www.piecefultimes.blogspot.com