Looking out toward the mountains, you can see that the valley was still in clouds while we, here on the ridge, were enjoying light...wonderful light! Smitty was glad to see it. He isn't bothered much by the rain, but he hates the cold temperatures. He's probably fully grown now, but he still doesn't have a lot of meat on his bones. With the way he snarfs down kitty treats, that will happen soon enough.
It hasn't been all that warm, but being in the sun at least gives the illusion of warmer weather. Sadly, the cold temperatures do not make for very good birdcamming. The lens develops frost, and the pictures are all taken through a layer of thick fog. Bummer. Not a single picture was worth saving. I would have been more bummed if I'd gotten a new birds, but I did not. They were the same flickers, chicadees, jays, and juncos that are my regular visitors this time of year.
Here's something new, however. Can spring be far behind when the first daffodils poke their heads out?
I was so happy to see them I would have jumped for joy, but I didn't think that would help my knee any. Smitty was just happy to have someone come outside with him, and he followed me all around as I filled the feeders and set up the camera.
After that, I went back inside and finished up all the quilting on the Vintage Miniature Sewing Machines quilt. You can see the individual blocks in yesterday's post. I did a spool and thread motif there. Then I stitched in the ditch around the off-white block interior, and again around the outside of the block next to the green sashing. I had in mind to do something at the intersection of the sashings, but decided against it. There was only a one-inch square to work with, and I didn't think I could fit anything identifiable there.
For the outer border, I switched to green thread and did a meandering vine with leaves and swirls.
The quilt back is made from that same border fabric, and I used a smoky-colored monofilament thread there.
The quilting doesn't show at all from the back. I thought it might show more once I had the blocks outlined, but I can't even see it in person, let alone try to photograph it. When I had the quilting all finished, I still had time to machine sew the binding on. I used that same green from the sashing.
And this one is ready to go! I just need to hand sew the binding. I had in mind to take it with me when I go to the workshop next week, but I might just finish it at home and take some embroidery with me instead. It would be good to throw this one on the finished pile. I started this quilt on March 15, 2012, and so I've been working on it for nearly two years. It ended up at 51 x 64 inches, so not a large quilt. It's a good lap or wall hanging size. Eventually I'll probably give it a hanging sleeve and hang it in my sewing room, but I have in mind to enter it in the Oregon State Fair this year. What do you think?
So...a good day from sunny start to happy finish. I hope you had a good day too.
17 comments:
Glad you were able to get outside today with a little bit of sun. It's hard to believe that you have daffodils that are coming up already! I think you should enter your sewing machine quilt in the Oregon State Fair this year. It is a really lovely quilt!
You really went quite fast with the quilting once you sat down to it. I think it is a wonderful idea to enter in the State Fair - a very unique quilt. Daffodils!! OH MY - we had a little more snow today.
Happy that you got some sunshine today. The quilt looks wonderful. Go for the finish! Embroidery will be less bulky to take along. I like that your confidence has grown and think its fabulous that you're going to enter this in the show.
Oh My - Daffodils!!! They are no where to be seen - safely tucked under a thick blanket of snow here in the Midwest. We won't be seeing Spring for many many more weeks but THANKS! for the sneak peek of good things to come.
It is so nice to get a little sun and warmer temps after a cold and wet week.
Debbie
Loving your leafy quilting.
Your quilt is lovely Barbara.
I know you enjoyed the sunshine as much as Smitty! It is always so refreshing to get out and about in the fresh air and sunshine!
I truly believe there is nothing prettier than seeing those little green daffodil leaves shooting up. My Granddad always had daffodils in his garden but I can't grow them successfully where I live.....too hot and humid for more than one season.
Cath @ Bits 'n Bobs
Glad you got a taste of sunshine. It's been sunny here, but a biting north wind seems to suck away any warmth that one gains from being out in the sun.
Your Vintage Miniature Sewing machine quilt looks great! The leaves in the border look fantastic.
Congrats on the sun to both of you, I hope the frost goes soon, I miss the bird cam even if it is the same old birds.
Love the daffodil promise and the finished quilting. So glad you posted links to descriptions of the various machines yesterday as I'd not been a follower when they were originally posted and was wondering, especially about the little princess!
If I had space, I'd be a vintage machine collector; I think that quilt is a good way to satisfy the urge. :-)
This will be a great entry for the State Fair. As often happens the quilting makes the quilt and in this case your little spools of thread put this one over the top, I'm in awe.
I loved the quilting you did on your vintage sewing machine quilt. The thread spools and needles were perfect. You are so clever.
Congrats on a finish! I really like the vines & leaves in the border. And YES, of course you should enter it into the State Fair. :D
Glad to see the sunshine for you & Smitty. It's actually been in the 80s here! Even in San Diego!
It really did turn out wonderful and I definitely think you should enter it into the fair. It will be quite a while yet before we see daffodils around here. Like Sharon said, more snow.
It turned out lovely. Yes, enter it.
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