Well I procrastinated my way through October till the end of last week, and then got busy on my One Monthly Goal for this month, hosted by Patty @Elm Street Quilts.
My goal, which I stated here was to quilt and bind my Nutcracker Suite quilt top. This was a BOM from late last year, through this year. I kept up with it, and really want it hanging up for Christmas. It was offered through Shabby Fabrics, and designed by Cheri Leffler. I have a large collection of nutcrackers, and this quilt appealed to me, (I had to have it). My DH kindly paid for half of the program last year as my anniversary present!
I really wasn't sure I would be able to finish quilting it because of issues the machine I quilt on, a Juki 98E. Last week I was quilting a baby quilt and broke 2 needles, one right after the other. Since then, the machine has been skipping stitches occasionally.
I was able to quilt my Nutcracker Suite top, though I ended up ripping out 2 whole rows due to the skipped stitches. After recleaning, oiling, and adjusting the tension some more, I finally finished. I took the machine up to be serviced before it is used anymore.
This is where it will hang during the Christmas season, in the place of honor, you can see coming through the front door. I also wanted to point out the oak quilt holders my DH made some years ago. They have notches on either side that you can put a curtain rod through to hand quilts. The notches are at 2 different levels so that if you have a bigger quilt it can go on the top notch. I have another one in the hallway. They both measure a little over 5"
For the label, I had a nutcracker stamp I wanted to use. I used a Fabrico stamp pad, that is for fabric. You just have to iron the design when it is dry to set it.
I will be linking up at Elm Street Quilts for One Monthly Goal. I truly appreciate the motivation this gives me to finish my projects!
Another exciting occurrence today was to find I was featured on Wednesday Wait Loss @The Inquiring Quilter today. The Crow's Foot Quilt I just recently finished was one of the ones featured. Jennifer Fulton @The Inquiring Quilter has a link-up every Wednesday to share projects you have finished or are working on. Thanks so much Jennifer for the honor of being featured!
I'm going to share my Nutcracker Suite at Wednesday Wait Loss also. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Well deserved award! I loved that quilt with its little extras. Your Nutcracker is absolutely gorgeous, you know I think so. I'm so glad the Juki is having a spa day and I hope it comes home and doesn't give you any more issues! I've always been so impressed with John's woodworking skills. The hanger is a wonderful thing and I regret I don't have one, too. It's a very clever idea!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations of both the finish and the feature, Karrin! The nutcracker quilt is wonderful! I love the variety of nutcrackers...too much fun. :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a great quilt. Thanks for linking up with Elm Street Quilts One Monthly Goal and congrats on your finish!
ReplyDeleteYour Christmas quilt is a hit with me. Even the label fits the theme of the quilt blocks!
ReplyDeleteYour nutcracker quilt looks great. I love how you extended the length with the stars across the top and bottom (though maybe that wasn't your purpose). I like square quilts less than rectangular ones and I'm always on the lookout to see how others make adjustments to go from square to long.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your quilt being featured on Wednesday Wait Loss. It looks like such a warm and inviting quilt. I love the colors you used, the big plaid border, the applique. Well done, Karrin!
What a lovely Christmas quilt! You're motivating me to finish one I've been working on for years. It deserves the place of honor you will be giving it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up to Wednesday Wait Loss. And I was happy to feature your quilt. It's simply lovely!