Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Slow, but moving forward

      Progress on UFOs and other stuff is being made, but I wish I had superpowers for just one day to get it done. The mystery quilt from Alycia, Dakota Inspired (A12) has been sewn for a long while, but I finally got it quilted over the weekend. I made the binding, which is glued on now, and hope to get it sewn. As soon as the quilt was trimmed off the longarm and hit the floor and I got my camera, the newest inspector was already on the job.


Binding made, now glued, ready to sew
     I confess, I could not wait to the retreat to web and sew Rolling Stone. It has a 1 1 /2" white border on it, but it needs more. I tried a many fabrics (2 shown here), but they do not let the fabrics in the blocks shine. I have no more of that fabric as it was a layer cake I got on Etsy. I just don't know how to finish it off, so this is stalled.

     I appreciate when people tell of good purchases that are useful and reasonable, so I am giving a recommendation here for light. I always need more light. My husband put in one of those puff LED  ceiling lights that does help, but when I am sewing, I need more light around the machine. I was browsing on Amazon for lights that were adjustable and not chunky. I got this Micomlan LED adjustable 2 light clampable lamp and am happy with it so far. It has different levels of brightness (I use the brightest) and different colors (I use the coolest). It twists to fit exactly how I want it positioned. Where I have it clamped, it can rotate over to the Singer 301 where I do small piecing and it can be readjusted. I like to have light on the needle area, but also all around the fabric so I don't feel like I am sewing in a hole. There are many kinds of these. I read the reviews, that day there was a small coupon, and just tried it. The fact that there are 2 lights on the bars, makes a big difference on the surrounding fabric.



11 comments:

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

Great quilt and quilting! On the 2nd quilt, how about a strip for a border (lots of different colors)? I use 2 different lights, one directly on the foot, and another one over the machine, when I need a little extra light (usually only at night).

Exuberantcolor/Wanda S Hanson said...

That looks like a good light for hand stitching binding when I am watching TV. I could have the overhead lights turned off.

Quiltdivajulie said...

How funny that your new kitty knows exactly what to do with a newly quilted quilt! I agree about needing good light - we joke that our house at night looks like part of the Fed Ex approach at the airport (LOL).

Jeanna said...

Your quilting on the mystery quilt is gorgeous. This one is so close to being finished...congrats! I already told you how I love Rolling Stone. Maybe adding a narrow border of the yellow and a bit wider with the purple?

A Left-Handed Quilter said...

Lovely quilting on a lovely quilt! How about adding a narrow border of the fabric on the left and a wider border of white on your Rolling Stone top? Whatever you choose - it will be pretty - ;))

Joyce Carter said...

Both of your quilts are really beautiful Linda. Kittie seems to have staked her claim on the first one.

Mystic Quilter said...

Your new lighting sounds great, I think I could use a little more direct light on my machine bed. So, you couldn't wait to make a start on putting together Rolling Stone, I'm not surprised and I see you have a great helper with quilt inspection - I hope Rosie is a great help!

Alycia~Quiltygirl said...

LOVE your dakota Inspired!!!! LOVE the setting blocks you made - so cool looking!!!

Rolling Stone is looking amazing!!

Vicki W said...

The mystery quilt is beautiful! Maybe the Rolling Stone would look good with a big print border??
Thanks for the light recommendation. I do need to start thinking about new lights for my sewing tables.

The Joyful Quilter said...

Congrats on your near finish, Linda! Regarding the Rolling Stones... I know this is going to sound crazy coming from me, but I actually think the green feels too light for the quilt top. I'll be interested in seeing what you choose!

Julie said...

Hi Linda. I really like what the Left-Handed Quilter said about two borders. You could do a narrow border of one color, a think white border outside it, then a wider for the outside. I wouldn't want it to be so heavy it overpowered the center of the quilt. I LOVE this quilt!