When I went down to my sewing room last night after putting the kids to bed, I realized that I'm not particularly motivated to piece late at night. My windows are black, the house is quiet, and I feel closed in and uninspired. I was lamenting the fact that I had already finished the appliqueing of the Dresden Plates, because what I really wanted to do was curl up on the couch with a good movie and some hand work.
My eye fell upon my GGG quilt top, the one made from fabric rescued from a deteriorating quilt made by my Great Great Grandmom.
My goal was to have it quilted by Christmas (but we all know how meaningless my goals are). But here was a hand project that I was excited about working on, the only obstacle being that it wasn't yet basted. Have I shared yet that basting is my ABSOLUTE LEAST FAVORITE part of quilting? I actually turned to go back upstairs and get into bed with a book. But I'm proud of myself for turning back around.
My goal was to have it quilted by Christmas (but we all know how meaningless my goals are). But here was a hand project that I was excited about working on, the only obstacle being that it wasn't yet basted. Have I shared yet that basting is my ABSOLUTE LEAST FAVORITE part of quilting? I actually turned to go back upstairs and get into bed with a book. But I'm proud of myself for turning back around.
Basting actually went pretty quickly - after all, the quilt isn't all that big - and soon I was upstairs in my room, sitting under a pool of light, happy as can be. I started by outline quilting about 1/4" inside the blocks. 
Before I knew it, it was midnight and hubby was back from his scrimmage (which they won - yay!) and it was time for bed.
Before I knew it, it was midnight and hubby was back from his scrimmage (which they won - yay!) and it was time for bed.
I LOVE having hand quilting ready and waiting for me to pick it up whenever I get the urge. I foresee many hours of this peaceful activity as the brilliant colors of fall fade into winter. I'll save piecing for those rare days when I am home and I can sew when the sun is shining and the vista outside my window inspires me to create. But for now, tis the season for hand quilting!
11 comments:
I love hand quilting handy myself! I just love the colors in this ggg quilt. It looks so peaceful and soothing.....just like a grandma's hug! Have fun.
For some reason, I find hand piecing and quilting SO relaxing and so satisfying (even tho I don't do it often) -- as if I really produced a "treasure". I'm currently working on hand piecing a Cathedral Window quilt - 47 blocks down, 348 to go! LOL Sometimes hand work just feels like going back to my quilting roots. It's all about the zen of the hand work. Have fun with yours!
I am another who finds hand quilting to be therapeutic. Love your blog!
The handwork of any quilt is my favorite, but basting I absolutely hate. I had to pin baste a small quilt I was making and I even hate that. I like to be able to use the spray.
I need to find a hand piecing project so I can cart it round with me.
Oh and I will never hand quilt anything but I'm glad you enjoy it.
I want to like to hand quilt but it's hard when you have a longarm.. I have a quilt that I started hand quilting before I got the longarm and I bet it never gets finished.. I take it out and look at it every now and then. The one you are working on is going to be beautiful.
This one is nice I never tire of looking at it.- cw
What a great project to be working on. Good luck on getting it done by Christmas!
How wonderful!! I love to hand quilt!! Its so relaxing to pop a movie in and go!! Love it! I love to hand applique also. Nothing so relaxing!!
Your handquilting is wonderful! Such even tiny stitches!!
I love hand quilting! I use a hoop like the one you have. It fits nicely almost wherever. Beautiful quilting!
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