Book and more Books

Last night we finally opened to large boxes of quilting books that were given to us by Diane while we were in California in November.  When we started looking at the books she had 3 shelves worth, and after we cleaned them off, she was down to 1 shelve of her favorite ones. She was very happy that she didn't have so many book left and gained extra storage space.  We picked out books that shown the history of quilting, applique techniques, finish technique books.  We then packed up two boxes full of books and UPS them home. All 42 pounds worth. We finally decided to go through them last night.  All books are and will be great references to us for quilting.


I practiced for about a half an hour on Millie last night.  I'm starting to feel more comfortable with using her.  I have been working on and with the pantographs and practicing them over and over again.  I also have been watching a lot of videos on the APQS through the YouTube Channel on various maintenance and starting techniques. In addition I have been doing a lot of reading on the APQS Forums.   


Last night I watched a great show on skill building and it gave me several ideas on how to practice my longarm quilting.  One tip I picked up is to use a couple yards of muslin to practice on. Start with a light color and go over the design several times, then move to a medium thread and go over the same designs with that color, finally move to a dark color thread and repeat.  Another tip, after you used up all the muslin, don't take the quilt sandwich off yet, just pin a brand new piece of muslin on the top of the old one and continue to practice.  Also use fabric panels to practice on, such as baby quilt panels.  I'm learning a lot just, but just need to find more time to practice.  

Last day at work before the holiday, cant wait to get home and practice quilting and to work on the next step of Easy Street Mystery.


Happy Quilting,

Tina

Book and more Books

Last night we finally opened to large boxes of quilting books that were given to us by Diane while we were in California in November.  When we started looking at the books she had 3 shelves worth, and after we cleaned them off, she was down to 1 shelve of her favorite ones. She was very happy that she didn't have so many book left and gained extra storage space.  We picked out books that shown the history of quilting, applique techniques, finish technique books.  We then packed up two boxes full of books and UPS them home. All 42 pounds worth. We finally decided to go through them last night.  All books are and will be great references to us for quilting.


I practiced for about a half an hour on Millie last night.  I'm starting to feel more comfortable with using her.  I have been working on and with the pantographs and practicing them over and over again.  I also have been watching a lot of videos on the APQS through the YouTube Channel on various maintenance and starting techniques. In addition I have been doing a lot of reading on the APQS Forums.   


Last night I watched a great show on skill building and it gave me several ideas on how to practice my longarm quilting.  One tip I picked up is to use a couple yards of muslin to practice on. Start with a light color and go over the design several times, then move to a medium thread and go over the same designs with that color, finally move to a dark color thread and repeat.  Another tip, after you used up all the muslin, don't take the quilt sandwich off yet, just pin a brand new piece of muslin on the top of the old one and continue to practice.  Also use fabric panels to practice on, such as baby quilt panels.  I'm learning a lot just, but just need to find more time to practice.  

Last day at work before the holiday, cant wait to get home and practice quilting and to work on the next step of Easy Street Mystery.


Happy Quilting,

Tina

Home Again!

Only Part of Diane's stash.

Sorry I missed the post yesterday, we were flying back from our California trip and didn't get home until a little after 11pm last night.  So I'm catching up with this short blog, to wrap up our trip.  

We had a great time, but it went way to fast.  We were both wanting to turn around and go back as soon as we landed at Washington Ronald Reagan Airport and I'm pretty sure that my husband's dad and step-mom, Diane felt the same way. 

Now that the trip is over, we did come home with several  great ideas, and a good since of how we want to build our business. We still have a lot of work a head of us but feel we are starting in the right direction.  Diane was a big inspiration and I admire her so much. Her art work is beautiful which is even more impressive due to her disabilities with severe arthritis which limits her finger movements.  also thanks to Diane, we came home with a lot of fabric and books.  There were so many books we could not get them all in our suitcase, so we had to mail them.  Our suitcase was packed full of fabrics and sewing kits Diane felt we would be better off using.

Overall it was a great trip and if I had the choice I would do that trip all over again, but stay a little longer.  Hope everyone had a great week like I did!  Now to get over the jet lag and catchup on some sewing.


Tina

Home Again!

Only Part of Diane's stash.

Sorry I missed the post yesterday, we were flying back from our California trip and didn't get home until a little after 11pm last night.  So I'm catching up with this short blog, to wrap up our trip.  

We had a great time, but it went way to fast.  We were both wanting to turn around and go back as soon as we landed at Washington Ronald Reagan Airport and I'm pretty sure that my husband's dad and step-mom, Diane felt the same way. 

Now that the trip is over, we did come home with several  great ideas, and a good since of how we want to build our business. We still have a lot of work a head of us but feel we are starting in the right direction.  Diane was a big inspiration and I admire her so much. Her art work is beautiful which is even more impressive due to her disabilities with severe arthritis which limits her finger movements.  also thanks to Diane, we came home with a lot of fabric and books.  There were so many books we could not get them all in our suitcase, so we had to mail them.  Our suitcase was packed full of fabrics and sewing kits Diane felt we would be better off using.

Overall it was a great trip and if I had the choice I would do that trip all over again, but stay a little longer.  Hope everyone had a great week like I did!  Now to get over the jet lag and catchup on some sewing.


Tina

California Planning

My husband and I are in beautiful sunny California until Saturday, but we have not seen the sun, only wind and rain. We are visiting family and doing a little quilting business at the same time. We have been here to visit in about 15 years and this week will be to short.

Sketch books full of quilting designs 

 On the business side, we have been talking and planning about developing quilting patterns individually and into books. My husband's step-mother Diane my new business partner is a wonderful quilter and artist.  She has a lot of sketchbooks, full of possible pattern designs.  I wish I could show everyone these ideas, but they are going to be quilt patterns in the near future. So everyone can see them as a finished product.

When we arrived the other day, I was able to see Diane's sewing room and stash, which takes up one entire room and part of the garage. I was in heaven.  She has two nice sewing machines, one is a Janome, the other which is her main machine is a Viking. both are great machines. We have been talking quilting and family nonstop including sharing ideas for the designs. She has also shown me some beautiful quilts she has made over the years. 

Over all this has been a great trip. I have been able to catch up with family and gain a design partner all at the same time.

Tina

California Planning

My husband and I are in beautiful sunny California until Saturday, but we have not seen the sun, only wind and rain. We are visiting family and doing a little quilting business at the same time. We have been here to visit in about 15 years and this week will be to short.

Sketch books full of quilting designs 

 On the business side, we have been talking and planning about developing quilting patterns individually and into books. My husband's step-mother Diane my new business partner is a wonderful quilter and artist.  She has a lot of sketchbooks, full of possible pattern designs.  I wish I could show everyone these ideas, but they are going to be quilt patterns in the near future. So everyone can see them as a finished product.

When we arrived the other day, I was able to see Diane's sewing room and stash, which takes up one entire room and part of the garage. I was in heaven.  She has two nice sewing machines, one is a Janome, the other which is her main machine is a Viking. both are great machines. We have been talking quilting and family nonstop including sharing ideas for the designs. She has also shown me some beautiful quilts she has made over the years. 

Over all this has been a great trip. I have been able to catch up with family and gain a design partner all at the same time.

Tina