Monday, July 27, 2015

Cheer On the Makers & Bento Box Blue




My quilting friends have gotten phone calls lately asking if they had anything that needed longarming. No charge. Free. Please, I just needed practice. I didn't realize it would be hard  to rustle up quilts in the middle of summer, but it seems to be a slow time. 


Many have taken a complete break from sewing projects, and are enjoying the outdoors. I would, too, but rain and mosquitos are a problem this summer. Instead, I read, learn, and practice.



My friend, Irene, offered this Bento Box quilt top, and said it would probably be a charity quilt. I loaded it, called her, and asked if she wanted to come watch. I also wanted her to see the thread choices. Tan or off white would have blended well in the background, and been safe choices, but what about all the beautiful blues in both the top and backing. Could we be just a little daring that day?




Her initial response was no, then hesitated. Well, why not? After all, it was a charity quilt, and it would add cheerful color. Let's try it.




Would I please do something swirly with the pattern, too?




We started at 10:20, and wrapped up the last pass at 12:15.




There was quite a bit of anticipation to see it off the frame. You would think that aqua blue would really stand out, but from a distance it's barely there. Irene was tickled. So was I.




The same with the backing. It's not nearly as noticable as you might imagine. The thread sinks down into the fabric. 




By the end of our session, there was a real debate whether she wanted to give it up or not. I think she was leaning toward keeping it. She has plenty of other charity quilts ready to quilt, though.





Irene is a kind, dedicated quilter, who like many at First Mennonite Church give one day of their week toward making charity and relief quilts. This is an act of service and love, and many churches in our area still do the same. Women gather early for devotions and prayer, sew, and eat together. They form their friendship through the bond of stitching as did generations before them.




If you know quilters and stitchers who are generous with their gifts and time, let them know how much you appreciate their efforts. I know most makers rarely meet the recipients of their gifts, and not all who receive are able to find the maker. No matter the person or their age, an 'Atta Girl' is always honey for their heart. 

Three cheers for the dedicated makers! 

Come on, Doxie girls.

20 comments:

VeggieMummy said...

That quilt is amazing - I could only dream of making something like that. I would have thought people would have been queuing up to have you finish their quilts - maybe, as you say, it's more of a cold weather craft. Happy practicing. xx

VeggieMummy said...

That quilt is amazing - I could only dream of making something like that. I would have thought people would have been queuing up to have you finish their quilts - maybe, as you say, it's more of a cold weather craft. Happy practicing. xx

Sew Surprising said...

Heavens this is lovely, and its a shame you dont have my number as I have a lovely collection you could practice on :)

Stitchin At Home said...

Beautiful quilt! I like the use of the blue thread, it is not overwhelming at all.

Ruth said...

Wow that seem super fast to finish the quilting, you must be loving the long arm! What a very generous quilter both in terms of time and fabulous quilt to give away.

Linda Swanekamp said...

Well, I got my long arm in March and am still struggling creating a nice look. I have been doing all comfort quilts that I have piled up and trying lots of designs on every quilt. I am doing all handguided designs, no pantos, like I did on my domestic machine. Nice work on the Bento box!

Debra said...

Great job on the quilt!! It looks great and I love the blue thread... great choice. Nice job by both of you.

Sandra Walker said...

GREAT choice of thread Julie! Lovely lovely quilting. Two hours, there's something to be said for those freeing swirly all-over designs, no? Thanks for the info on the Mennonite women too, and the reminder to give thanks even somehow find a way for the charity quilts. :-)

Unknown said...

Your quilting looks great, Julie. I wish I lived near you I would let you practice on my quilts any day! It's really great to hear about women coming together and creating beautiful things for charity.

Cathy said...

It's gorgeous and that pretty blue thread adds a nice touch!

Linda @ kokaquilts said...

Lovely quilting! I too wish we lived closer to each other, you could practice on my pile of quilts any day!

Linda @ kokaquilts said...

Lovely quilting! I too wish we lived closer to each other, you could practice on my pile of quilts any day!

Gina said...

Gorgeous quilt. I love the Bento Box pattern. Great quilting and an inspired choice of thread colour

Tish Stemple said...

This turned out beautiful. And what a great thread choice. The fabrics your friend chose are wonderful, but that teal thread just adds another subtle layer of fun.

Unknown said...

I love the top, but the quilting makes it even more special. Those threads are so well chosen. I would sew another charity quilt and keep it for myself. Compliments with this joint finish.

Dresden Quilter said...

The quilt is beautiful. I would want to keep it. You did a wonderful job with the quilting.

Sue Daurio said...

Wow that is some fast quilting!! Turned out great. Glad you were both feeling adventurous with the blue, it looks great.

evaj said...

Thanks for linking and the inspiration you give us all on some and tell Monday / Bambi Hug

Catarina C said...

What a lovely Bento Box and so nice quilted!

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

Your quilting looks beautiful Julie! I wish I lived closer so you could practice on some of mine :)