A Good Day

Yesterday was a glorious day! I was at my sewing machine for 8 hours with short breaks to do “life” stuff–empty the dishwasher, let the dog out, fix dinner. These days don’t come around often. Activities that support my choices take up time. Causes I really believe in require time away from my “happy” place. But yesterday I sewed! The planning, the fabric gathering and the cutting had been done a few minutes here and there earlier in the week. Yesterday I turned on all my lights–room overhead light, the OtteLite on the sewing table, the strip LED lights taped above the throat plate and the sewing machine light. I carefully placed my coffee cup on the patchwork coaster to my right and adjusted the ironing board to be used setting down on my left. The only thing remaining was to sign in to Acorn.TV to stream my current obsession, Brokenwood Mysteries filmed in New Zealand. While Mike Shepherd solved murder after murder, I matched seams, pinned and sewed–with an occasion use of a seam ripper to make those pesky points match. These days don’t come often enough. But I suppose it is like Christmas—if Christmas came every month it would not be special.

Each quilter has their own requirements. Several members of our group sew in the evening, enjoying the quiet. I don’t machine sew after dinner, that time is devoted to watching one or two episodes of a streamed series and /or reading. (Watching TV is so different than 10 years ago—watching Ted Lasso now, just finished Clarkson’s Farm and looking forward to The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.) I have a great sewing room, but some quilters do lovely work “out in the open”. Their sewing time is limited to available space. Audio books are a distraction to some quilters; I need something to listen to when moving around cutting, working on the design wall or looking for fabric. But no matter the environment, the Quilters at First have created some wonderful projects!!

Interestingly, three sets of seasonal placemats were completed these past weeks by different quilters.

Ready for Memorial Day or the Fourth of July, these patriotic placemats are $40. Paulette chose backing could be easily used for a different look or to be flipped over if someone dripped mustard from their hot dog. These placemats are washable–and would make a great hostess gift.

Judy N was thinking ahead to the fall and Thanksgiving. You wouldn’t need a centerpiece if these were used on your holiday table.

The mats measure 12″ x 18″ The six different mats are $55 .

Diane was preparing for the Christmas holidays when she made these scrappy placemats with the wonky trees. These mats are approximately 12″ x 16″ (I forgot to get the measurements but will post them next week!) and are for sale for $40. Might not wait until this fall to think about holiday placements–they may be sold by then.

Colors create moods. This 62″ x 67″ flannel quilt in soft beiges, creams and browns is the embodiment of the Danish concept of “Hygge– a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” (Oxford English Dictionary)

Each unique snowflake was machine appliquéd by Peggy. Snowflakes are also used in the machine quilting. Cotton batting added to the coziness of this large twin size quilt. $150 SOLD

Elaine’s grey, turquoise and lime green quilt is full of motion. The “hour glass” blocks twist and turn the vertical rows. The “half-square” triangles that form the middle border act as a fence to keep all those moving pieces confined.

The quilt measures 62″ x 78″ and is machine quilted on a long arm by Elaine. The colors used would add a spot of color to any modern home. $150

Our newest member of Quilters at First, Heather, contributed this Jungle theme juvenile quilt.

There are lions, elephants, giraffes, antelope and jaguars! This “non-gender” quilt would make a great “I Spy” quilt for a child learning all the animals’ names. Hang it on the wall, lay it on the floor for tummy time/play time or use it on a toddler’s “big person bed”, this quilt would be a favorite throughout childhood. It is approximately 39″ x 59″ and is $100.

Quilters at First may have many different habits and sewing environments, but we all share the joy of showing our projects to you!