Morning!!!

Just wanted to share a couple of quilts I've finished recently!

First up is one I made for us while on vacation in September!  Yes, I spent time sewing in the condo at the beach!  What can I say?!!!  I picked up a FQ pack at The Sewing Center Around the Block in Ft. Walton Beach.  If you are in the area, be sure to check out this shop as well as Coastal Stitches in Destin!  After finishing the main project I took with me, I was still in the mood to sew so I did this quick small lap quilt for TV watching!  I used a Hobbs cotton/wool blend batting for winter warmth and this has been washed!

Next is another "Jim" quilt as Eddie and I like to call them!  It's a Razorback Flag!!!  WPS! As I've mentioned before, Jim Gatling lets us know (in detail usually) how he wants his quilts quilted!  He told me this turned out just as he had envisioned!  Whew!!!😅

Wishing you all a Happy New Year!!!
Until next time,
Happy Quilting!

 Morning!

This is a quilt I finished Friday for a new customer!  She told me she has only been quilting (and sewing) for about a year!  I think she is off to a great start!  She even pieced the backing!!!

Until next time!
Happy Quilting!

Morning!

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving!

I wanted to share a friend's (also a customer) quilt that I finished yesterday.  Many of you know Jim Gatling -- artist, quilter (the King of Scrappy quilts), decorator, wedding planner, teacher...well, the list goes on and on!  Jim has been on a mission to have his 100++ quilt tops quilted and just between Eddie Landreth (Arkansas Man Quilter) and myself, I'd say we are still well under 50 tops being completed!

Initially, Jim invited Eddie, Melissa (Eddie's wife) and me to his home in Morrilton one Saturday (about two years or so ago) to discuss/plan (and divide) his first group of tops.  We left with a total of 22 quilt tops!

Now, Jim brings them in groups of 4-5 tops and says "here you go"to one or the both of us!  Each bag has its own instructions for quilting designs, thread color, etc.  Fortunately for us, Jim is open to our opinions for quilting ideas which was important for the one I'm sharing!

The one pictured here had these directions:

"Amish Crazy Quilt, over the top quilting, for me to hang at house, use Black Thread Bobbin & Top"

First I had to clarify what "over the top quilting" meant!  Over the top quilting to Jim meant ignore any blocks and do something different in spaces all over the top - not "do an all over design i.e. pantograph"!  After getting that settled, the next step was having him rethink the black thread!  Luckily he agreed to a dark gray called Storm by Glide!  Last but not least was sharing my vision for the quilting design vs his!  Maybe I wore him down, but he finally gave the okay for a "whatever you think"!

So what do you think?  I felt that we should continue with the Amish theme, so I went with traditional Amish quilting motifs, i.e. split Log Cabin motifs of feathers and rails, and opposing border designs.  Jim said "I love this" when I sent it to him so I think we did good!!

Until next time,
Happy quilting!

Here is a BIG customer quilt that I completed today!  When I say BIG, I mean BIG!  120 x 120!  Maxed out my frame but I think it turned out nicely!  Obviously, I couldn't get a picture of the whole quilt but you get the highlights!  This job came to me via another long arm quilter - Tiffanee Noack!  This quilt was too large for Tiff's frame so she called me to see if I could handle it!  We longarmers are happy to help out whenever we can!!!  Thanks Tiff!

Until next time,
Happy Quilting!
Leah

Here we are at the end of my first week of retirement!  It's been a busy week!!!

Day 2 was spent quilting 2 customer baby quilts!  One was a cute dinosaur flannel and the other a sweet panel!

Day 3 was another customer baby quilt - You & Me Always

And last but not least, days 4 & 5 is a customer queen size quilt!  I couldn't get a picture of the whole quilt but these are the highlights?  This is the Disappearing Hour Glass pattern that has been demonstrated online by Jenny Doan of the Missouri Star Quilting Company.  If you haven't already, be sure to check out Jenny's videos on UTube!!!

I know I won't be this productive all of the time, but it felt good to get these done!!!!
Happy Quilting!
Leah

Just finished a customer quilt on my first day of retirement!!!!

This is a Charlotte Angotti design called Palmetto!  Custom quilted to set off the design elements!

Good morning friends!

I know it's been a long time since I've posted anything new but as of this morning, I am starting a new chapter in life!

I have chosen to "self-retire" after 40+ years of getting up and going to work everyday!  November 1 (Friday) was my last day of work and I can honestly say, it was VERY strange not getting up at 0245 this morning to get ready for work!  It will be an exciting (and admittedly scary) adventure, but one I am looking forward to beginning, starting today!  I will be able to devote more time to my family, friends and quilting/sewing and all other things important to me, and am truly looking forward to it!

I will endeavor to be a better "blogger" and share more pictures and news!!

My first news release--I purchased a new long-arm in April at the Paducah quilt show!  I am now the proud owner of an APQS Millennium or "Millie" for short!  I am very happy with my new machine and am enjoying "getting to know her"!

My studio (aka the master bedroom or quilting room) definitely has a new look!

I hope you will join me in my new adventure and as always,

Happy quilting!!

Leah