Shades of Baltimore Winter

I am pleased to say I was able to get a lot done outside last weekend.  Flower beds are weeded.  All my annuals are planted.  I purchased our garden veggies, but Scott will be planting those this weekend.  I transplanted a ton of Hostas.  Now the season of watering has begun!!

I wanted to go over a few specifics regarding Colfax County.  I used So Fine thread #405 top and bobbin.  Just about a whole cone of it!  Batting- Dream Cotton Blend.  Love that batting!!  All the quilting is freehand.  I went through 3 air erasable markers.  I did not premark, but I marked guidelines for the design.  I used two different curved rulers…Deloa’s 15″ Boomerang for the CC hatch design in the center of the blocks and Rhonda Beyer’s Large Crescent Ruler to create spines for the feathers.

Now onto the beautiful Shades of Baltimore Winter. *added* Pattern is by Stacy Michell of Shades Textiles.  The pattern can be purchased here.  My client, Heather did an amazing job on the applique!!  I will let the photos do all the work. 🙂

This quilt had more applique than any other quilt I have quilted so far.   I wasn’t sure what to do??  I called on some fellow longarm friends (Kathy) for suggestions, especially with regarding threads and quilting on the applique.  I thought I would quilt a motif in the border that went with the quilt, holly leaves worked out perfect!  I remember Judi, quilting holly leaves onto one of her client quilts that I loved.  After figuring out the design, I made a few homemade templates.

I used black Glide thread throughout the quilt, except for the applique.  I used a clear thread called Monopoly from Superior.  Worked like a dream.  Just enough to add dimension to the applique, but not take away from Heather’s beautiful work.  I LOVE how the quilt turned out!!!

 Lots of pebbling!!!!  Time consuming but so worth the effect!!!  And echoing, swirly goodness!!

I used 2 layers of black Legacy Blend batting.  The back looked really cool with all the texture of the quilting.

Heather submitted her quilt to the HMQS quilt show.  Although, no ribbons, she said the judges remarks were all wonderful, especially regarding the quilting.  I have never had a quilt judged in a major show, so to hear that…I cannot tell you how happy that made me!!!

Hope everyone has a great week!!