Virtual Retreat 2016

[she-quilts]

I can't believe it is already Tuesday and I'm just getting back here. My DH (dear husband) has said he will take me to see my mom for her birthday. We have plans to leave Friday and come home Sunday. So I need to get things done!! When I was on the computer yesterday it was mostly helping DH. Love him and wanna help him... just not "fun"! (Really, I'm quite proud as he is a speaker (not the only one) at a cover crop seminar next week. I'm the techie to get it typed and power point and find all the pix for him....)

I finished applying the binding to my FW sewing machine cover on Sunday. I was slow at it! But by golly, we need to make these MORE!! The binding around the bottom has NO corners! HA! :silly:

Sewing the end to the front/back.... and I happened to fall in love (again) with the inside!




Just quick photos for you late Sunday night. I didn't clean the area. ops:






And in the midst of quilting, once I did the wreath in pink thread I really thought I should sign my name on the back in pink. So the way I had it loaded... the signature was done sideways!!! :side:



Heather ~~ so good to see your MIL's quilt top. Was she thrilled? Is she one to get really excited or just calm (my in-laws) and say "that is nice"? I <3 U!

Marilyn - your wool applique table runner is pretty!!

AnnieLu -- I've seen that chart on the cost. I hesitate on the only $10/hour. The workers at Aldi that scan groceries and move pallets get $15 & up! We are artists!

I make baby quilts for my great nieces & nephews. But a niece (in-law) wanted her own quilt. She said she wanted to order a quilt from me and she'd pay me! No wonder she is my favorite!! :kiss: I do give family perks.... free labels. Even thought I felt behind on my schedule, it arrived to her on the day she got home from surgery and a week in the hospital. Not my timing I guess.

[she-quilts]

Joyce,
I've decided that the next time I'm asked to make a quilt, or quilt one up and they are expecting it for FREE. I'm going to say, "Oh, I've so wanted to ask you for a favor too. Would you be willing to trade me hour for hour. Of course we each would need to purchase the supplies needed for the other person to do our favor, cuz I'd never expect you to buy cleaning supplies for my house." Do you think I could get a taker? I don't like cleaning, and I could keep them busy the entire time I'd be cutting, stitching, quilting, etc. and when they would take a break because it's such 'hard' work, I could take one too! Actually, I wish a cleaning lady would want to trade me time for time. I'd have a clean house and yet would have spent my time doing something I find enjoyable. I really should copy this post and print it out, hmmmm

[lorra]

Joyce, your FW cover is very pretty. Marilyn, I am a firm believer in: there can never be too many sewing machines. I would look into the cost of repainting just to see how expensive it is. Maybe it isn't as bad as we are thinking.
Everyone is so busy sewing. I have not been down to my sewing room since the new year began. I do need to get with the program.
If any of you participated in the 2015 All People Quilt UFO challenge last year, they are doing it again for 2016. I think I finished six of the 12 projects I listed. I will try again this year. Every little bit of inspiration helps. Maybe I could finished all 12. There is always hope.

[lorra]

Joyce, yes, she loved the quilt She isn't a super excited person, but she hugged me and thanked me more than once.

I have seen the chart, and also a costing chart that....some blog....had a guest blogger write up. I forget what blog it was, but the guest speaker was a male quilter called MollySparkles (or his blog is called that). Too hilarious! But the chart/suggestions he used were great, and yes, more than just $10/hr, and he explained why.

I actually did keep track of most of my hours on MIL's quilt, although not all of the quilting because I realized I was going slower than usual, since I FMQed it, first time doing so, etc. But I wrote down at the end how long for x type of quilting (per so much length/width) so I can sort of figure that out when asked. For SIL, I wasn't sure DH would want me to charge her besides just the fabric, and that will depend on if she ends up pursuing it or not, and what she wants. It's somewhat delicate since I can't quite say "look, I'm not doing this as a gift to you, because....(insert reasons)....so instead I'm going to charge you (insert amount)." But I could probably get away with having her buy the material (for sure, already explained that to her, and that alone might scare her off and get me off the hook), and then if she goes back to queen size instead of throw size, charging her for the difference in time between the two, under the circumstances and since she's family, etc, etc., etc.

But, for a friend who saw a baby quilt I did (the lone star with the checkered background), and messaged me "I'd like one in these colors..." -- if it turns out she's serious, she'll get the cost sheet

And Joyce, Iove the FW cover! Looks so good, and I love your signature and your feathered circle thing on the side Very very pretty, all of it.

[twiglet]

Really nice Joyce.

[twiglet]

OH MY!!!! I just finished up on the 2015 retreat--I better get moving on my reading or I will never caught up!

Wendy--your grandson looks like a little "baby doll". Hug him quickly--soon he will be wiggling out of your arms.

Terrie--glad Alfie is home. I can't imagine handling a baby that tiny.

Next week I will be taking grandson #2 back to college which is about 8 hours driving time away. Good thing--after 3 more hours of driving I will get to see Eli and the twins for a little while before I sleep and travel back home. 16hrs of driving in two days--hope I will still be able to walk when I get home. Prayer appreciated for our traveling. Thanks friends.

[twiglet]

Joyce - looks like you had fun with a variety of stitch patterns on that machine cover, it's lovely. I should try more small projects to get more practice. I'm such a timid fmq'er.

Kathy

[lotti]

Beautiful machine cover, Joyce, absolutely love it, inside or out...

Will be thinking of you next week, Ritzy, Safe travels!

And to all as we plunge into the new year, good health, much fun, love and happiness for 2016

[lotti]

OK--just finished reading this thread.

Terrie: pray the ankle is better.
Norma: love the bags and the profile picture.
Dawn: what a wonderful collection of fabric--my stash is short on orange colors.
Marilyn: I love the wool appliqué--very nice.
Joyce: your machine cover turned out really nice.

The closest I have come to sewing is helping DD with some pillow cases she made for Christmas presents. I pressed, turned and supervised--she sewed.

Here is what I have been doing--double knitting (I don't know why I don't do easy stuff)--it is almost done:



And to add to the treats--I bought these to share with my kids and grands. My grandma use to buy them for us only at Christmas and I wanted my family to experience French creams. Well--I thought I had a picture of the fancy box but guess not.

[lotti]

Ritzy - beautiful knit headband. I'm like you, the more detailed craft projects are fun and satisfying when you conquer the task.

Kathy

[lotti]

"Conquer" is the key word. I wanted to use that pattern for the ones I made for my daughters but after wasting most of November trying to "conquer" it I decided to do an easier design (it had snowflakes) and was able to get the two of them done. Then--to not be defeated by that blasted pattern, I decided to make one for myself. And yes, I love the conquering.

[twiglet]

The creams look interesting. Very colourful! Safe journey, enjoy the company of your grandson and family xx

[she-quilts]

Oh my word... this is great!! You are just brilliant!

I also don't like cleaning or cooking so would be thrilled to have a trade. LOL!! Today at the car dealership (for an oil change) the window washers were there. I said I could use them at my house once a week. Ahh... such bliss. :P Really, having someone else dust & mop while I quilt. My goodness!

Joyce,
I've decided that the next time I'm asked to make a quilt, or quilt one up and they are expecting it for FREE. I'm going to say, "Oh, I've so wanted to ask you for a favor too. Would you be willing to trade me hour for hour. Of course we each would need to purchase the supplies needed for the other person to do our favor, cuz I'd never expect you to buy cleaning supplies for my house." Do you think I could get a taker? I don't like cleaning, and I could keep them busy the entire time I'd be cutting, stitching, quilting, etc. and when they would take a break because it's such 'hard' work, I could take one too! Actually, I wish a cleaning lady would want to trade me time for time. I'd have a clean house and yet would have spent my time doing something I find enjoyable. I really should copy this post and print it out, hmmmm

[she-quilts]

Joyce - looks like you had fun with a variety of stitch patterns on that machine cover, it's lovely. I should try more small projects to get more practice. I'm such a timid fmq'er.

Yes, try smaller projects and just play. It does take awhile to get the flow of it. I did FMQ on my domestic machine for 25 yrs before moving to my long-arm. I love having the space and so much room to play! (and the business part is usually fun. )

I totally flunked out on the diagonal ruler work on this one! :P

[she-quilts]

Wow, Ritzy.... the knitting is amazing! I learned to knit as a child. No interest now.

Those mints/creams are like the old ones served at weddings, right? What fun to share with your family for a good memory!