Fun interruption

Yesterday I had a bit of an interruption to my quilting day with a trip to my quilty friend Leslie's studio. She has a Handi Quilter computerized machine, and I am interested in seeing it in action as well as how the computer part works. Mr Wazoo went along because he is always interested in what would go into the maintenance part of a new machine. Happily, the HQ doesn't require oiling, timing, or even much cleaning!! Wow! I'm a bit skeptical of a machine that is totally sealed in the shell, with no way for the owner to work on it, but perhaps that is what the HQ people think is a plus. The computer part is different from my Quilt Path, and would take some heavy duty learning to master. On the plus side, there are numerous You Tube instructional videos and affordable classes close by. The items on the screen are much smaller than mine, too, which could be hard for these nearsighted eyes. Anyhoo, we had a good visit and I will go back to see the thing working.

On a side track, Leslie's husband, Joe, is a musician with an awesome collection of instruments. Guitars, banjos, violins and a mandolin. Be still my heart! I have two guitars and a banjo, but I traded my violin while in high school to buy the first guitar. Stupid me...but then, I was 17 and wanted to be the next Joni Mitchell. We had a fun chat and I am looking into acquiring a violin with new energy.

Back in the studio, I finished the Quilt of Valor as well as a customer quilt. Not bad for someone who played hooky for a couple of hours!

This is a different look for a QOV. The maker used up her scraps from other QOVs to make this lively project.

Panto: Meandering Stars

Starry backing

This quilt was a kit the maker got years ago. She is digging out the UFOs in her sewing space and sewing them up during the Covid quarantine.

I used shiny gold thread, and mimicked one of the fabric patterns with the panto Twinkling Swirls

This is the fabric that inspired the pattern. All the fabrics had gold in them, so that led me to use the Glide thread.

Swirls on the backing, too!

Meanwhile, I determined I needed more blocks for the shabby chic project, so I grudgingly made them. I have a teensy bit of the background fabric left, so I am hoping these will be the last blocks needed. Here is the progress being made on the quilt.

More HSTs for the new blocks. All trimmed and sewn into the missing blocks.

The new blocks are at the bottom of this picture. My math is abysmal, and I miscalculated the number of these blocks I'd need. I also sewed the 32 setting triangles so overall construction could start.

I can't fit another thing on the design wall. It's time to start sewing things together!!

One corner assembled and off the wall!!

I am so excited to get this thing sewn together! Here is where I will start today.

I also managed to squeeze in this flimsy I made last month. I quilted it and have the binding on and sewn down! Finished!!

I'm probably. nuts, but I think the pattern looks like giant spiders, so I quilted them with spiderwebs!!

I used a dark blue-gray thread so it would show up on the black. The fabrics are Australian and very busy patterns. The quilting doesn't show well on them.

I had this piece of Grunge from a mini shop hop, so I used it here on the back.

The binding is one of the fabrics used in the quilt. I used the last bit of it...always a sad moment to a fabric hoarding quilter.

My label.

Now, it's time to get to work!! Hopefully, I will get the shabby chic flimsy sewn and then argue with myself about the borders...