Learning something new

Today was the first day of a 2-day class where I am learning long-arm machine quilting.  I had a BLAST!

The teacher is a dear woman who was so patient with me and very, very encouraging!  I was nervous but once I got to try it out and had a feel for it - it was so much fun!  I can see why people buy these toys!

I am SO looking forward to going back on Thursday!  And I'm beyond thankful that Steve sees value in my learning new things and allows me so much freedom to do so.

Clever!

This is so very clever!  I really want to try this soon.
Would be great with some of these fabrics I think.

They have TONS of quilting tutorials over there at Missouri Quilt Co.  Worth some time to watch!

Baby Girl Quilt

Here is our newest baby girl quilt from our church quilt ministry.

This was (like all of them) a labor of love.  Momma is one of our Pastor's daughters and such a lovely lady.  The new addition is absolutely adorable and I'm looking forward to being able to hold her in a few months - when she's big enough that I'm not freaked out by her itty-bitty-ness. :-)

Here are a few more pictures:  My camera is having issues with the flash, so they aren't quite as clear as I'd like.

 Close up of the quilting work done by a dear woman as a gift to our church ministry.

All cotton fabrics. Center medallion panel (pink, white & brown prints), bordered with a small scale brown & white floral, pieced border in a variety of pink prints, second brown floral border, (all set on point) with hot pink striped fabric setting triangles.  Machine quilted in two different all-over designs.  Double fold binding in backing fabric that is hand-finished.  Batting is cotton "warm & natural" and the entire quilt is easy care machine wash/dry.  Very important for a busy mom and essential in a quilt that is meant to be used well.

The back is a fun Debbie Mumm plaid fabric.

Testing

Testing a linking thingy. :-)

First Batik Dress

Jess chose this fabric and I wasn't quite sure how a dress would look, however I was pleasantly surprised!
It only took about 6 hours to make and is quite possibly the most well-finished dress I've ever made.  Every inside seam is serged to prevent fraying, etc.

I think she looks lovely - even if she does loath my taking photos of her. :-)

Quilt Ministry

This one is a pretty girl project from our church quilt ministry.  We were a bit late delivering this one as baby A has already arrived - but she didn't cry until I started taking pictures, so I think she likes it.

 

Another Sundress

Finally finished the second sundress for J.

Once again had to find fabric to match to make the straps - but it came out pretty and she is happy with it, which is the most important part!