The big thing I learned: using Singer brand machine quilting thread on Singer brand bobbins and as the upper thread on. Singer 9960 machine (optimized for quilting) doesn’t work. If I’ve ever used crappier thread in my life I can’t recall it. Gutermann from now on -always!

Work on Becka’s quilt has commenced. Dorothy sat and handed me fabrics while I made the initial seams.

Perhaps she’ll find she enjoys quilting one day.

Eight years ago (next week), my daddy and I went to the UK for a glorious ten day or so vacation.

He’d just been diagnosed with the cancer that would take him from us. It was to be a trip of a lifetime – our first together to somewhere distant and mysterious. [...]]]>

Eight years ago (next week), my daddy and I went to the UK for a glorious ten day or so vacation.

He’d just been diagnosed with the cancer that would take him from us.  It was to be a trip of a lifetime – our first together to somewhere distant and mysterious.  Previously he’d gone to Europe with each of my siblings, and felt that it was past time that we make space in our busy schedules (well, his was busy, mine less so) to go.  It was amazing.

During that trip, we visited Chester, and while walking on the ancient Roman-era all, we passed a street artist drawing pictures for the tourists.  One caught our eyes – afterall, it was my father who not only introduced me to Doctor Who, but who took me to the conventions where I met Peter Davidson, and earlier Doctors, while gather signatures and being generally amazed.  We bought it for the princely sum of 25 pounds sterling.  I thought it was intended for my father’s wall.  You can imagine how surprised, and delighted, I was when it found its way back to my home inside a Christmas gift later that year.

Later this year, the Asheville Affiliates are hosting a fundraising masked ball for the Montford Park Players (if we’re patrons of anything locally, it’s definitely the theatre – and our favorite theatrical troupe is the Montford Park Players).

Now, you might wonder how these two things are related:  let me tell you.

Imagine this dress, Butterick B5317 if were both (a) more Elizabethan and (b) in the style of a Dalek.

Oh, how awesome this fundraiser will be.  I can’t wait!

And yes, this means Marc will be going as Doctor Who.

Dorothy stood in her seat completely mesmerized by The Freight Hoppers as they played on our train ride today. When the train stopped to allow the engine to switch ends for the return trip, she climbed down and danced in the aisle.

And so here are photos of it. :) I am really pleased with how this one turned out!

In making this current series of quilts (the [...]]]> By now, Moira’s housewarming quilt should hand arrived ( along with a few other goodies).

And so here are photos of it. :) I am really pleased with how this one turned out!

In making this current series of quilts (the Housewarming series), I’ve specifically chosen 5″ blocks for each person, but also allowed for some blocks to overlap from quilt to quilt (so Moira, Elspeth and Becka can each expect some duplication in the 5″ blocks).  On the back of each quilt are non-matching blocks from the other quilts I’m making.  Moira and Elspeth’s quilts both use fabric from a galaxy collection (the black/white star fabric, and the grey moon backing fabric).  Becka’s quilt will use some awesome fabric on the back that I lucked into just for her, and most likely white sashing (spacer fabric) on the front instead of the star print.  I’m nearly done with the front of Elspeth’s quilt (just one more row of 5″ squares to go!) and have already completed her back.  I anticipate quilting them all in the with the same pattern seen here in the third photo.  I’m very much enjoying the process of improving my machine quilting, while making usable quilts for the people I love.

I plan a different pattern quilt for Ms. Dorothy to take with her to her new home; hers will be an “I, Spy” quilt using blocks that looks like small polaroid pictures.  Each block will have a different thing as the “picture”, allowing her to spend time looking for the dog, or the Tardis, for example.  I’ll sash it with a solid color so the polaroid pictures really stand out.

Next up: finishing Elspeth’s quilt, so I can move on to Becka’s!

…at the quilt I’m mailing tomorrow. I’m really pleased with this one.

I’ve spray basted one quilt, and hope to finish quilting and binding this weekend.

:)

Next up: Hawaiian shirts, shorts and flip flops!