Whimsical Quilting

Good morning, my friends. It was a busy sewing day yesterday. I managed to finish off my "Motion" challenge, and then I had time to quilt the first row of the Whimsical Garden quilt.

My sewing started with embroidery, as always. But then I moved to hand-stitching the binding for the "Motion" project. It was a small quilt, but I'm sure it was easier to stitch with the help of my trusty stitching cat.

Smitty rested nearby in case his help was needed. Shift work, you know.

In short order, my quilt was finished. Here's your final peek until the reveal on February 1st.

From there, I moved to Eliza's domain. My plan was to get set up for quilting. I wasn't sure I'd actually start. Sometimes I need to get my mind right before I start on something like this.

As I mentioned, this one will be done in white thread. In the bobbin, I'll use this 60 weight Bottom Line thread.

Since I had two partially wound bobbins, it was the obvious choice.

On top, I'll use this So Fine 50 weight thread. This one was a gift from my quilting fairy godmother, Ila. Thank you, Ila.

Checking tension, it looked just fine.

The quilt is five rows of four blocks each. I decided to start here. Somehow my energy level was high enough that I decided to get going. The quilt blocks will be quilted simply by outlining the applique.

This one was next.

Then this one...where the applique extends into the sashing, I'll probably just skip over that part with whatever design I'm using in the sashing.

And finally this one. Four blocks is a good amount for any given day.

As I was finishing up the fourth block, I happened to look outside to see an interesting sunset. If you've been lucky enough to see the auroras in the past couple of days, know that in Oregon never get to see anything special happening in the heavens...and here's why.

Returning to my quilting, I left it needle down at the next row. This is where I'll start today.

And if you've enjoyed this run-down of yesterday's sewing, you can thank Smitty for his careful editing.

There's not a lot on the day's agenda. I'll work on my quilting, and then I'll move into the sewing room. In yesterday's post, I mentioned that I'd start sewing together the quilt blocks for the Merry, Merry Snowmen.

And they are coming up next. First, I want to finish my secret Santa project for a friend. I believe she reads my blog, and so I can't show it. I gave you a little peek recently.

So I'll finish that first before I start on the Merry, Merry Snowmen. It shouldn't take long.

Today might have been a Bowflex day, but something has my left arm aching. It started bothering me last night...as if I'd been given some kind of injection. No idea, but I'll give myself a day off from the Bowflex today and spend my time sewing. Sounds like a good day, no?

So when I'm expecting to have a good day, I kind of want to get started on it right away. I hope you have a good day ahead of you too.