Moda Blockheads 3, Wendy's Quilting

Moda Blockheads 3 (Block 26)

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I was able to enjoy a slower weekend and after finishing a really fun customer quilt that I will share more about soon, I spent hours playing and finished a few more blocks.

Yesterday’s block was all half square triangles that finish at 1”… right up my alley for those who know me!

I love blue! When Olfa came out with their navy blue cutting mat I had to have one so no only did I order the full size but also the smallest ones. I really like the contrast when using light colours.

The large mats are a pretty big investment and when trimming many small units it makes sense to use a smaller mat instead of wearing out sections of the large one, at least for me as I tend to piece at least a little bit every day.

I use my bloc loc ruler often, I really love the accuracy it affords. I have not tried the different papers that are available yet.

Moda Blockheads 3 block 26

Green isn’t a colour that I normally reach for in my quilting life so having it in many of my blocks for this quilt has been a stretch! I do like this little block it was fun and easy to make!

Customer Quilts, Wendy's Longarm Quilting, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Wendy's Quilting

Joan’s Batik Star Quilt

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This is another one of Joan’s quilts. It’s batik fabrics really pop off of the black fabric doesn’t it. When discussing the quilting she mentioned that her Grandson might like it for his dorm and so requested the quilting not be floral or feathers.

I have often chosen a variegated thread on quilts with black backgrounds however auditioned this Glide Sterling and chose it.

The pantograph is a favourite of mine. It was designed by a friend from my early long-arming days when a group of us regularly chatted on Longarm Chat. It’s called Star Swirl and is by Michelle Wyman.

The quilt is so vibrant on its own, it really didn’t need a bright thread.
Moda Blockheads 3, Wendy's Quilting

Moda Blockheads 3 Block 37

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I am still slowly working on my blocks for this quilt and haven’t decided how many more I will do. Piecing has always been something that I really enjoy and for the most part like to take my time as accuracy is my goal.

This morning I finished block 37. I had been procrastinating a bit as joining square in a square blocks can be a challenge. This morning I remembered seeing a tip on a utube by Edita Sitar and it sure worked well.

First of all though I made my little blocks using my Simple Folded Corner Ruler.

Yes, the ruler is upside down…I am left handed.

When joining these units I use a pin to match the corner points on the inside square and once aligned I very carefully place the join under the needle of the machine having removed the pin first. By hand I lower the needle just before the centre of the points and sew the rest of the seam.

Before finishing the seam I check to see if I’ve made a good match.
I pressed this seam open to reduce the bulk.
A sweet 8 1/2” block
Customer Quilts, Wendy's Longarm Quilting, Thunder Bay, Ontario

Joanne’s Quilt

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Joanne approached me about quilting a quilt that she was just starting. It was for her Granddaughter and was different than her usual more traditional projects.

When she finished the top and brought it to me, she left the quilting to me. I immediately fell in love with the colours and the backing that she chose.

I love orange and this backing made me think of flames. The top was perfectly pieced and fun to quilt. This was one that was hard to give back.

The top before quilting
In progress
Joanne bound it with the orange backing fabric and her Granddaughter loved it!
Basting, Wendy's Quilting

Basting your Quilt

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I was approached late last year about basting quilts on my Longarm. I had heard about this technique before so I did some research and offered to give it a go.

I have friends who use some of the basting sprays instead of pinning. I am leery of not only the glue but the fumes and what they mean for our health.

Maureen brought me three projects and reported back that the basting worked well.

Success! The needle holes from basting will disappear with time or washing.
Maureen shared a picture of the thread nest made after quilting 😊
Wendy's Quilting

February

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Well that was a January! It’s seems to have flown by, we were fortunate for the most part to enjoy mild weather though one week was a lot colder than I like.

Winter isn’t over in Thunder Bay for a couple of months…

I meant to share these pictures from December earlier however life has a way of moving quickly…

December 27th 6:25pm Erik took this picture from the roof of the garage, while dealing with snow…if you are wondering why he was up there.
I was inside…if you look carefully you can see me in the kitchen. We love a hearty bowl of homemade soup for supper. This is my chicken and wild rice soup.
Early Christmas morning looking out the kitchen window.

February is off to a mild start.

Longarm quilting Thunder Bay, Quilting, Thunder Bay, Wendy's Longarm Quilting, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Wendy's Quilting

Joan’s Kaffe Quilt

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Joan’s quilt was the first customer quilt of the year. I quilted it during a very grey cloudy week. The brightness of the Kaffe Fassett fabrics with the white background and oh the backing was just the ticket to light things up a bit.

I chose the pantograph by Bethanne Nemesh, called Nemesh Feather Grande which to me really suited the quilt. I also love stitching this out and that particular week I needed some relaxing stitching which it provided.

Joan’s quilt

Unfortunately, the sunlight did not reappear before the quilt was picked up and the only picture of the finished quilt was before it was trimmed. Joan will bind it with the solid green that is in the top.

Oh and check out the backing!

Wendy's Quilting

Lorraines Quilts

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As a Longarm quilter I have met many quilters, some are brand new at this art and others have being making quilts long before I knew about them. I have always loved my friendships with women who are ahead of me on this life Journey. Lorraine is a true treasure she is now well into her 80’s and many times has said that this is her last quilt…not long after she will call with just one or two more.

Lorraine January 2021

Lorraine moved into a retirement home a couple of years ago, she had told me then she was finished quilting. Not long after she called and said that all the people there talk about is their age and health troubles. So she set up her utility closet as her sewing room and got busy. While she has been a wonderful customer she has also blessed me with so much of her wisdom. Despite many health issues she continues to be a very bright light and her friendship a true gift.

Jitterbug Pantograph
Lorraine December 2020