I’ve heard from several people regarding straight line quilting at Quilt Con this past week. I’ve been doing straight line quilting for over 20 years because I never did like all the fancy quilting. My quilts were not “that kind” of quilts – and if I continued to make quilt tops they had to be quilted. I am not good at outline quilting and I can’t hand quilt so I had to find a way to quilt my many pieced tops. I was fortunate enough to have inherited our longarm machine when we closed the shop. I soon discovered I could do straight line quilting on the longarm – freehand, no rulers, marks, tape, or paper designs. And I’ve never looked back.
It was 60 degrees today! But that’s going to change quickly in the next couple of days. It was easy to see there was a storm on the way by the number of people in the grocery store today. Ha!
I did a little retail therapy today and went to the fabric department in Clear Lake. I just needed a new look to play with.
I see quilts like this in lots of catalogs and I’m going to make one – large rectangles, nothing special. Here’s what I bought. Might work with full fat quarters actually.
Then I added pieces that I already had.
I also considered the option of a small print or solid with each patterned fabric in a two fabric block.
I have really enjoyed the notions discussion – I used to have those sticky thimble pads – can’t find them – will have to order again because I liked them. I’m relieved to see that I’m not the only one who has trouble with thimbles. One reader cuts fingers out of old leather gloves – how original and what a good idea!
I bought Heidi several kinds of puréed food and treats and she gobbled one down already. I’ll see how this goes before I make any decision.
Hank is in love with my cats! And Hank and Keeper can keep each other busy – sometimes Keeper just needs a break from all the rassling tho. He’s an old man compared to Hank.
I came across this photo today and nearly wept. I actually sold this quilt at one of our sales – I sure wish I still had it. Dang. What was I thinking?
It’s raining lightly here – praying it keeps up all night and then some.
Mary, the US weather map looks really nasty this morning (March 5) for the midwest . A big rotating swirl of rain and snow, with a long tail that is bringing rain to the southeast. We had rain all night, and we will get more during the day today. Right now we are in a yellow blob of heavy rain. Snow arrives this evening and overnight. Good couple of days to stay inside. I have to reduce my fabric stash so it may be a good time to sort through it. The easy stuff to sort is the bolts of fabric and the large cuts of yardage. Beyond that, I may get sidetracked and have to cut out a quilt instead. Have a great day everyone. Janice in Traverse City
The weather map said Colorado, Eastern SD, Nebraska, Iowa & Minnesota were supposed to be getting the heavy snow and 50 mph winds today? We are on the edge, but higher elevations are probably getting more. Just a skiff here, melted when the sun came out.
In 7th grade Home Ec, we had to learn how to use a thimble or we wouldn’t pass. I did and appreciated that. My first plastic thimble came from the local record store. I used it for years until I working on blue jeans and the needle went thru the thimble. Personally, I like the colored silicone (?) thimbles, but the best is one from Clothilde, I think. It is a med green with the tip a lighter green that I got at the local quilt shop. You need different thimble sizes as fingers are different sizes. The rubber finger tips used in offices are great to get a grip when needles don’t want to go thru the fabric.
I took a hand quilting class from an expert quilter. She used the metal thimbles, but shaped them into an oval with a hammer and lined it with no slip stuff.
Getting more ideas for the pediatric quilts, so it will be full steam ahead pretty soon.
Don’t let the weather get you down. Just keep quilting with all the beautiful colors and designs.
Betty in Rapid City
Betty – I really think a thimble helps but if you can’t find one that fits, it’s a terrible nuisance. Won’t stay on or it’s so tight it cuts off circulation. It’s been raining here most of the day and I’m so glad! I burned trash before it started raining hard – happy to get that cleaned up, too.
I’m glad you found something Heidi likes to eat.
Do you think she might have a bad tooth or sore in her mouth?
Nice choice of fabrics. Can’t wait to see what you develop with them.
Pat – I should look in her mouth – as if she’s gonna let me do that? Haha!!
That sweet Heidi and you have enjoyed time for so many years. Good to know that you hit the ball out of the park choosing a pureed option to help ease her days. My sister’s jack russell was only able to eat very small portions at once there for a while. She started adding a bit of kefir and found that ended up easing whatever digestive symptoms were going on.
You have picked one of my top go to’s – floral fabric. These will serve up a great quilt top, especially in your hands.
I love the fabrics for the rectangle quilt, especially the one with the birds. Straight line quilting is the only kind I can do on my home sewing machine & I don’t believe I could tackle a bed size quilt. I’m amazed that you can do this on a long arm without channel guides. Seeing Hank with the cats reminds me of my neighbors Golden who was fascinated with my old cat Frank. He never chased him, just followed him around until Frank got annoyed. My sewing room is a sad place since Boone, my Jack Russell, was my sewing room companion. He died on Monday, very peacefully & he would have turned 18 on March 20th. I keep finding myself looking for him or thinking that it’s time to feed him. for a little dog he sure was a big part of our lives.
I’m so sorry to hear your sad news. I’m sure that Boone was a lively companion as well as a vocal critic, and I hope that your many years of happy memories comfort you.
Des, I am so sorry you lost your beloved companion. It’s so hard knowing they aren’t there with you. I still look for my cat after losing him a year ago. Our pets are with us every day so I understand how adapting without them feels.
Des – ah, Boone – your mom will miss you!
I love the fabrics you chose for the new quilt. The wall quilt is amazing, and I absolutely love it!
A bit late here on the notions but I gave up on thimbles because they were such a nuisance for me! Love the little sticky leather dots.
Great photos of Hank and the cats – he is definitely mesmerized 😂
You made a great selection with your favorite for the rectangle quilt! Years ago I made some charity quilts similar to that and they went together easily and turned out great. I’d offer to share the pattern – but who knows where it is! 🙄😂 Will look forward to seeing how your quilt progresses
I would have to say my favourite tools are my rotary cutter, mat and a few assorted rulers 12-1/2 square, 8-1/2 x 24 and a few others. I have a thimble that is plastic and is open so your nail can be out if you have long nails. If it’s a little too tight you can put it in hot water to stretch it a little. I bought others but this is my favourite. Sorry I don’t know the brand I had it so long.
Hank is so intrigued by the cats. Mary, you’ve captured some great shots. Hmm, maybe enough for a 2026 calendar?
Thimbles are not my friend, so don’t use them. But, this discussion has given me pause to reconsider and try again.
The new quilt project is full of happy colors and movement. Your Fall quilt is terrific. I’m glad you still have a picture of it. Maybe a reader might find it in their pattern stash for you, or that picture framed can be part of your Autumn decorations from now on.
Jamie, if I remember correctly, the new company has taken over where you live this month. May you and the residents see positive changes soon. Patti, I hope whatever treatment has been set up will bring you relief soon.
Jan
Another commenter mentioned that Mary’s fall wall quilt is from a pattern called Garden of Stars by Susan Fuquay by American Quilt Retailer. Still available on eBay.
One of the comments mentioned a quilt from Macys so, I looked online and saw on their website, a Greenland Home Fashions Antique Chic Quilt that shows similar fabric choices as yours. Just shows that, between the straight line quilting and your newest planned quilt, you’re a real trendsetter! I love the fabric choices for this next quilt.
We’re under a winter weather advisory for the next couple days. We’re supposed to start with rain turning into a lot of snow by Wednesday evening. Driveway is already a skating rink. In like a lion…
Love your fabric choices for the quilt – it will be fun to make and pretty to see!
The idea of using cut-off leather glove fingers is great! I have good luck with the leather thimbles by Dritz – they have a knit section in them that fits over your knuckle so that it gives while it stays on your finger. The only caution I have is that the newer ones they make seem to be smaller and not the greatest for larger fingers! (And of course they come in a package that can’t be opened to check the fit…)
Your new flower quilt is going to be amazing. I can’t wait to see it. The quilt wallhanging you sold is so pretty.
Hank is so sweet wanting to watch the kitties. I bet Keeper is really enjoying having him there! That wall quilt is beautiful 😻😻!
Saturday was the celebration of life for my friend,Diana, that was trapped and killed in a house fire before thanksgiving. Her sister and daughter were fussy and rude with other family and I was so embarrassed 🙈 for them. It was also the 2nd anniversary of my Emily’s 🐈⬛ passing. I still miss her. Penny and Lucy turned 2 on February 21st and are loving and such good girls.
I like the Dritz thimbles. When they are loose I wear a finger cot inside it and it helps to stay on. Couldn’t do without my rotary cutter and ruler 😻!
I wish I had a Hank and Keeper!🥰
Pamela – I was just thinking about this the other day – what would make them be rude on such a sad day? This is such a tragic accident – like something that just wouldn’t happen in today’s world. I’m sure you’re still heartbroken. And then another sad anniversary. I hope there’s some joy in your day today
Thank you, Mary! It was hard to see and hear them fussing and where we could hear them. Her son was criticized for the music and the length of them. Embarrassingly the sister of Diana also complained about the length of the pastor’s sermon, I sure hope he didn’t hear her but I did 5 rows away. The daughter fussed at her cousin about the background music- from the 40s,50s, saying her mama would never listen to that. Luckily the fussed at one’s bit their lips, it could have really gotten messy. When the butterflies 🦋 were flying out of their box about half didn’t want to come out and there was grumbling over that . Whenever I closed my eyes I could see Diana’s happy smiling face, I know she was smiling from heaven that our sewing group was there. I sent you a couple new pictures.
I can hardly wait to see what you put together with the fabrics you chose. It will be beautiful.
When I’m hand quilting, I use a heavy metal thimble and have worn holes in several! I have tried other types of thimbles but always go back to the same type. I put a silicone finger cot on my forefinger to help pull the needle through but didn’t discover that until recently; I wish I’d thought of that years ago.
I tend to do all-over quilting designs with my sit-down long arm but am amazed at how great straight-line quilting can look. I’m lazy about marking, but I’d really like to do a Baptist fan motif soon.
It’s great that your cat was willing to eat some new treats. It’s such a hard decision to make to put them down, and we want to keep then for as long as possible.
That applique quilt is gorgeous! Do you think you still have the pattern and could make another one? I’d love to make one like that, too!
Erin – I’m quite sure I sold the pattern as well – I realize I can’t keep everything but sometimes I got carried away at our sales – just wanting to be rid of so much stuff.
Love the wall hanging that you are ‘bummed’ about. You had so much at one time to reduce that you were overwhelmed. When I am in the mood, things get reduced and I may regret later.
I like the look of line quilting and just may try it. I certainly liked the pencil quilt.
Rain expected in SW Ohio plus 60. Rain is a good thing after a mild drought last year.
I found 4 large wall hangings that I cut and are ready to sew w/the same pattern. I have been piecing them to get them on the quilting pile. I think these were cut before we moved and that has been 9 years ago🤦🏼♀️ I found them in a small tub when I was looking for something else. Need to prep for an April retreat so inventorying my stash😊
Could you give some information on how you do the straight line quilting on the longarm? Thanks!
Carol K – I quilt only from left to right and if the quilt design has a definite pattern you can follow that particular spot. Never look exactly at the needle – look ahead at where you’re going. I just side step along the longarm. It’s so easy it defies description – ha!
I should have kept the emails I read from young designers who went to Quilt Con and showed many pictures of the straight line quilting on quilts as popular. It made me see you are so right that it doesn’t deter from the design and piecing. I hope you searched and saw some of the quilts.
I love the picture of Hank and your kitty. And nothing like cats in the sewing room even if they lay on every bundle of fabric they can find. Mine use to find anything loose and swat it so I had quite a time with my last one.
The cotton quilt on my bed is from Macys, a Martha Stewart one, and is just random squares of pale blue, red and florals. It’s just perfect colors for my grayish blue wall paint color and I love it. Nothing fancy, just squares. Your color sense is always amazing to me how you pull fabrics together so thanks for showing the ones you are starting with.
I love that Hank and Keeper are such good buddies and that Hank comes to visit at his second home. I long for another golden, but I think I am getting to old and don’t want a dog that may out live me and after losing Miles, I don’t know if I have much more heart to lose! Nelson and Sammie keep me busy enough. They are both going to the “spa” today. Nelson is so cute and shaggy but those shags are all knots and tangles. After I drop them off I’m going to look for a small sweatshirt to convert to a shirt for Nelson because it is still to cold for him to be naked. And while they are at the spa I am going to attach the leaders onto the frame of my new long arm!!! I have got to take the plunge and use it even though I haven’t had all the classes I think I can muster some quilting on some small practice quilts. And, my machine will make perfect straight line quilting! That excites me because I love the look of your quilts, the straight lines let the quilt shine and be the center of attention were a lot of fancy quilting distracts from a lot of quilts.
I’m glad you got your old kitty to eat, my Maury is 19, skinny as a rail but eats good and drinks a lot of water. Other than being skinny he seems to be in good health. I won’t take him to the vet to see why he is so thin because of his age and he has only been in a car twice, once to go to be fixed 19 years ago and then home to my farm from the lady who befriended ferril cats. He has been such a good boy with the exception of sometimes missing the litter box, but he perfers to be outside or in the garage, only in the house when it’s really cold. I think he’s actually a bit intimidated by the four inside girl kitties but I keep three clean litter boxes in the house for them to use.
It’s suppose to rain here today but be above freezing. I keep a close eye on Sammie and Nelson because the ice on the pond is thinning and I sure don’t want one of them to fall through.
Have a great day everyone! Blessings
Linda – Heidi likes her new food/treats and I read it can be used as supplemental feeding. Today I’m going to try one of the new food. She’s so willing to eat that I’m convinced she’s been starving for awhile. Does Maury eat canned food or only dry? I never used to give in and feed canned food but life is short for these guys and they love it. Brrr – yes, he needs a shirt – winter is still here!
Kidney disease is prevalent in old cats, along with thyroid disorders.
Our 15-year-old Princess Demon Kitten has lower kidney function. Our vet recommended Sheba wet food. It comes in many flavors and in small containers. Maybe one of those flavors will appeal to Heidi and Maury, and all the other kitties with “Advanced Maturity”.
Mary – wow, that’s just what I bought for her a couple weeks ago – Sheba!
I did the same thing, when we closed our shop. That quilt was from Susan Fuquay, from American Quilt Retailer. It was a block of month. I did not sell that one!
Good luck with the storm, we will be getting rain in GA.
Your collection of fabrics for the proposed rectangle quilt are beautiful. Can hardly wait to see what you come up with! Love seeing Hank and the cats – so sweet. What a good idea about cutting off the fingers of old leather gloves to use as thimbles. Although I hardly ever throw anything away, I am pretty sure I no longer have any leather gloves. I remember a pair I had in the sixties – a beautiful fall orange to go with my fall beige suit and brown high heel shoes. I think there was a hat as well. Most people I know (including me) don’t dress like that anymore. I was in my early twenties and influenced by an older cousin who was a model. Fun then, but I am glad to not have to do that anymore.
Brenda – aren’t we all glad we don’t dress so formally anymore??? I am
I made a quilt, then used some panels from that same designer to piece a back. All flowers, so I sometimes have the back be on the top. I’m making a tshirt quilt from the husband’s tshirts, I’m going to use his panels he bought fo piece the back. An elephant, tiger, lion, elk, buffalo. My girlfriend and I are thinking that a weekend at her house that we just sew is recommended. I have several things cut to sew, but find myself struggling to get them done. Be safe in the snow and wind. Last week’s wind blew the caps off 2 posts on my handrail.
Dee – I’m not looking forward to the wind but don’t have anyplace I have to go so I can sit in my chair and just look outside. Your quilt sounds interesting – be sure to show us.
Mary, I’ve been kind of collecting somewhat coordinated fat quarters, and was thinking of a funky backing – big florals, horses, with an autumn feel. Never considered making it as a quilt itself! Just thought it would be a fun surprise on the reverse of my more traditional style. Now I’m rethinking, and am excited to see yours!
Not much of a gadget person either, but I do like a padded gel rug to stand on when cutting.
I’m one of your secret, never comment readers. Actually I have commented or asked a question twice. I love your blog and read it everyday. I don’t always get to read all the comments though. I’m going to try to comment more often but I don’t like to write. Has never been my talent. So, the reason I thought I would start was your pictures and idea to do a large rectangle block quilt. I’ve seen those, too. I’ve always thought I would like to make one also. Your pictures reminded me and gave me an idea to use some fabric I’ve been saving to make a king size quilt for our bed. The fabric is beautiful and I didn’t want to lose the design if it in small blocks. I like the look of putting different size rectangles together.
Ok, now that I got that written I have questions but will save them for another time!
Last note, I have an uncommon name that has a lot of different spelling and have notice you have a regular commenter with the same name and spelling. I think she is from Iowa. So I will be the Jeanine from Colorado.
Welcome, Jenine from Colorado! Yes, our name is rather uncommon and spelled different ways. I have been called Jeannie rather than Jeanine, a lot throughout my 70+ years. It was so good to see another Jeanine among Mary’s friends.
And I didn’t proofread, and I see I even spelled your name wrong. 🙁
Jeanine – I really appreciate your specifying “from Colorado” – helps me keep track of who I’m talking to. Never be afraid to leave a comment – we are a group of same age women with similar interests and issues. We’re just having a cup of coffee and chatting!
Hi Mary, l use a thimble sometimes when l hand quilt ,hard to find one for my fat fingers! I use my 8 inch square a lot,have had my Kai cutting board for 30 plus years, and my small hoop for that length of time also. The spring sprung off it years ago and my husband repaired it with a spring from a ball point pen, he was very clever before dementia got him. Take care everyone, best wishes from Sandy
Sandy – that was very innovative to replace the spring!! I’m sorry dementia took him from you.
I bought my thimble years ago at Walmart. It’s metal with a waffle weave on the top. When I hand quilted, I used it every time. Rarely hand quilt now, but still use it for binding. I have many thimbles but this is my favorite. My favorite rulers are quilters select by Alex Anderson. They have a film on the back which eliminates slippage.
Looking forward to seeing your quilt with the large rectangles-liking the fabrics you’ll be using.
Misting here now and will be windy tomorrow with 40 to 60 mph winds. Then snow tomorrow night-expecting up to an inch so not much but supposed to have up to 70 mph winds. 😳
Thimbles! My mother had a few that she inherited from her mother, and I love them, probably as they cane from my grandmother whom I never met and then I started her on a collection. Mostly decorative— one was porcelain and another cut red glass, so not really usable, but they were all so pretty displayed together. Thank you for prompting the memory.
I like the comforter with all the different squares! May I suggest you cut 10 1/2” squares, or near that dimension, I think your varieties of fabric will look lovely together! Looks like a fun project too! I can feel the weather change is coming, my bones really ached today. I forced myself to go to Forever Well, which used to be Fitness After 55…glad I went, I am stiff. Weather knees and hips. My favorite tool is my rotary cutter and my first ruler, it is 6” X 24” I believe, I have a good collection of rulers, but that first one is my go-to for measuring and cutting. I am working on binding on two sampler block of the month quilts also. I am hoping we do not get the blizzard preceded by rain to ice to snow, the trees don’t do well when caked in ice and 30 mph winds.
Cindy – I’m curious about your choice of size of squares – please tell me why you chose 10-1/2” squares. Is there a reason you prefer squares versus rectangles? I’m always willing to listen to a reader’s decisions.
What a pretty, springy idea for a quilt. Such a nice fabric grouping. While the fancy quilting is beautiful, it has it’s place as does straight line quilting. The trick is to know when each is appropriate. I do straight line quilting, well mostly straight line, on my quilts. Mostly diagonals but I have done a couple with just straight across lines.
It is so hard to know the right path to take with older pets but glad to hear Heidi enjoyed her new food and treats.
I will have to go back and read the notions discussion. I had forgot about it.