Sunday, January 12, 2014

Slow start

New Year's Eve I felt myself taking a cold. Not a big deal in the realm of things, but it had its way with me for better than a week: a couple days dragging around, 1 whole day in bed, a couple more days dragging around. On the fitness front, I hadn't the energy to exercise & I craved carbs & fats not fruits & vegetables. (Please tell me I'm not alone here!) So, some catching up to do there.

In spite of being puny, I managed my first 2 finishes for the year: I put the last stitches in the binding of a veeeerrrry late milestone birthday quilt. A green Irish chain with 3 inch 9-patches -- simple, clean & fun. I did straight-line, walking foot quilting diagonally through the 9-patches & free-motion diagonals with little shamrocks in the white squares. There's room for improvement, but I like how it finished up.



Then I quilted & bound my scrappy-trip-along top. I'm not sure why I made it so small -- it's only 48 inches square. The top was finished early last year at the height of the Scrappy-Trip-Along Fever. I think I lost steam because I wasn't loving mine as much as I was loving what other people were making -- comparison is the thief of joy! But it is amazing what the distance of 12 months can do -- now I wish I had made it bigger. It is the 4th quilt I've quilted using a manipulated programmed stitch on my machine: a multi-stitch zigzag that looks wavy & curvy when you increase the stitch length. I love how it looks & especially love it after washing & drying. A delicious little cuddle quilt!


7 comments:

MariQuilts said...

The quilts look wonderful.....so sorry to hear you were sick. Feel better, and yes carbs are such a comfort when you're sick!!

Rachaeldaisy said...

Not just 1 but 2 finishes!! You're off to a great start to the year!! They both look wonderful. I really like your scrappy trip, your colour pallet really works, cool quilting too. Take care, it's the season for colds.

O'Quilts said...

Wow. Not slow from my point of view. Love the Irish chain. And love too the "wiggle stitch". One of my favorites Feel better

Karen said...

I adore your Irish chain quilt. All those glorious shades of green. I love a good green (or two or three). You get the idea.

amy and the bad cats said...

that irish chain is lovely! i've always wanted to make one, so i guess i'd better add it to my list for the year! last year (two years ago?) i bought all the fabrics to make a large one for M, so i really have no reason not to!

Hilary said...

I love how you quilted your Scrappy Trip and your Irish Chain looks amazing!

Nifty Quilts said...

Wow! Two finishes already. Congratulations! I'll TRY not to compare myself. ; ) Love your green Irish chain with the little quilted shamrocks. The curvy stitch is perfect for your scrappy trips. Hope you're feeling better now.