Wednesday, October 13, 2010

I'm busy quilting

Sometimes you just have to step away from the computer so sewing can happen. This is what I've had my head down doing. I'm half way through  quilting the scrap quilt which is 81 inches square. I wanted to show you this picture so you can see that I still have a ton of room under the arm so it would accomodate a king sized quilt no problem.
I forgot to put the Supreme Slider on at one point and wondered why it was harder to push the quilt along so it gets the big thumbs up from me. I have a Hobbs Heirloom batting in this one which is so light and beautiful to use.
 I was good and finished the quilted pillow first otherwise it might not have got done.
I went to a small quilt show last weekend and captured a few shots of bits and pieces. Amongst these are  some machine quilted motifs for ideas.
 Can you believe I didn't buy any fabric? It's true but I couldn't resist this sewing box.
On the way home, we stopped off at the OfficeWorks store. I was looking to replace my office chair which is on the way out with the hydraulics. I couldn't find a replacement I liked but did get some gadgets. This lumber support fits over the back of the chair and will also help keep my back cool in summer when it gets hot.

I have hips that need chiropractic intervention every few weeks, along with other body parts. When I have longer periods on the machine, I can really do myself some damage. It's such a pain having short legs. I rest my left foot on this footstool while the right foot is operating and it evens up the hips. I've had no pain since using it.

51 comments:

Unknown said...

Your quilting is looking so beautiful!! Keep on slipping and sliding! I have the same lumbar support and it is great. As for the foot rest, I am using one know, really helps the back too. I am feeling a kinship with you right now.

Terry said...

Love your pillow! I think I need to look for something for my back too. It was killing me when I was done sewing today. I saw on a blog that a partially inflated beach ball works too. Might try that if I can find one.

Cheryl said...

Your quilting is amazing! The 'scrap' pillow is amazing in its texture!

Janet said...

Your pillow looks just wonderful - I love your quilting and I look forward to seeing the quilt!! That sewing box is wonderful. I can see why you couldn't resist it :0) Is it covered in fabric?

Anita said...

Hi Janet, I can't believe you didn't buy any fabric! lol. Love the quilts and the sewing box. Kind regards, Anita.

Julia said...

What no fabric buys!!
Love your pillow, I must have a go at trying that Janet.
DH and I bought a couple of those back supports at the last craft show, I did not know it's meant to go over the chair back, no wonder it keeps falling off the chair !..
Julia ♥

Lori said...

Oh, I bet you are having so much fun with that quilt! I'm sure you are already seeing improvements in your quilting.

The sewing box is adorable!!

Lynda said...

The cushion is fabulous Janet. Think I visited the same quilt show on Sunday (I live nearby) and didn't buy any fabric either (I recognise the quilt in the centre of your montage).

Tina C. said...

Your quilting is just fabulous! I'm so impressed that you accomplish that on your dsm. Can't wait to see your quilting on the big one!

I'm having s/i issues and my left hip has been bothering me for ages. I'm doing physical therapy for it. Glad you figured out how to feel better!

Nat Palaskas said...

Good gadgets you got there. I can see you are in a good machine quilting heaven. Hope you had a nice time at the quilt show. I'm going to the quilting in the barn this weekend. Will bring some pics to show you - Have a lovely week - Hugs Nat

Meredith said...

Very cute sewing box. Have fun with the machine quilting. Glad you got to a quilt show they are great for inspiration.

Jan said...

I wasn't even aware of those products but I'll be checking them out.
Your pillow is incredible! Wow!

Oops-Lah said...

Your pillow turned out gorgeous. You really have masted the art of free motion quilting! I gives me the motivation to practice again. And what a lovely sewing box you found! So "old worldly". Are you going to use it or is it more for decoration? Best wishes Vreni

Nedra said...

Beautiful work on your pillow and I can understand how you could not resist the cute sewing box.

Lurline said...

Good Girl, Janet - you are forging ahead in leaps and bounds with your machine quilting - so good to be able to do justice to your beautiful quilts! I agree - we really do need to get away from the computer a bit - but then we wouldn't be able to enjoying all the wonderful quilts! Thanks for a nice informative Post!
Hugs - Lurline♥

Quilts And Pieces said...

That pillow is amazing!

Frances Leate said...

Your pillow looks absolutely wonderful and I can't wait to see the finished quilt. On my Bernina I use my left foot for the foot control and the right knee for the presser foot lifter to reduce pain from too much quilting. Perhaps your super new machine does not need a foot control? Happy stitching!

Marit said...

Love your pillow!

Rachaeldaisy said...

I've been wondering what was happening with your Sis Boom quilt. Now I'm really excited to see how you quilt it! The cushion is simply beautiful! The sewing box is a beauty!! Nice quilting inspiration, I think the native flower one was at The Springwood Show this year. If it's the same one it's an amazing quilt!

Shirley said...

Anything you can do to help make yourself more comfortable has to be a good thing. Life with no sewing would be even more miserable. I adore your cushion, a great idea to try and that sewing box would fit like a dream in my home. Keep up the good work.
Shirley.

antique quilter said...

glad to see a post! I figured you were machine quilting away down there.! and quilts at the show with hand quilting???? Love that sewing box, just so happy!
the pillow looks wonderful.
I am impressed with how much room is under that sewing machine ....
Kathie

Jess @ Scrappy n Happy said...

Your cushion is fabulous!
I can't wait to see how your big quilt turns out!

Crispy said...

I hear ya on staying off the computer. It's amazing how much we can get done by being good LOL. Your quilting is amazing and I LOVE the pillow!!

Crispy

Abby and Stephanie said...

I admire anyone who can manhandle a big quilt through their sewing machine. That pillow is simply stunning. I have an adjustable sewing chair that needs replacing...I'll be sewing along at the perfect height then suddenly it drops me down.

Sonja♥ said...

What a lovely way to exploit your absolutely gorgeous free motion quilting!
I'm so fan;)

alobsiger said...

OH MY GOODNESS, JANET! Two swoon-worthy pics in your post. First, that cushion is just spectacular! AND I'm having a fit looking at the room under the arm of your 820. I think I might cry. ::sniffle:: Just when I'm considering "upgrading" by downgrading to a 430, I see this loveliness. ;-)

Barb said...

love that heirloom batting - and I just got the same back rest. It works great when I remember to sit back against it.
The quilting looks great.

Ann Champion said...

You have wonderful harp space on your machine...no wonder you are doing such lovely quilting!
I hope your new additions make it more comfortable to do what you love?
Your sewing box is so cute. :)

Brigitte said...

I love your quilting. I too one day will be able to do that. LOL

Thimbleanna said...

Oooh, looks like you're having some fun quilting. Glad you stopped long enough to pop in, say hello, and give us a sneak peek!

Judi said...

The pillow is wonderful. Oh it takes my breath away kind of thing.

Carrie P. said...

Oh, that sewing box is so cute and different. I can see why you didn't pass it up. Pretty cool gadgets too. I think the foot rest is a cool idea.

Joan said...

Wonderful pillow - the quilting is fantastic! I have some of those supports...one in the car...one in my office and one at the back of a dining room chair.

Barb said...

Is there anything you don't know how to do well? That pillow is amazing....what fantastic work!

Kath said...

Ooh I would have bought that sewing box too :D
I am going to send my freind Silve over to learn about the SLIDER.

Anonymous said...

You've got way more will power than I when it comes to no fabric purchases. I always feel I need a smidgen. LOL
Your quilting is always gorgeous! I just love this sweet pillow! I hope to be as good a quilter as you someday. wink*

Janet said...

Love the pillow. You should be so
proud.
The sewing basket is so cheerful and gorgeous. Is it roomy?
Janet

Quilt Doodles said...

I love your quilting and can't wait to see the quilt. Hope you post lots of photos. Thanks for the information about the lumbar and foot support. We need all the help we can get. I have never seen either of these items.
Happy quilting! :)

AnnieO said...

Your practice is showing so beautifully in your work. I must do the same if my free motion is ever going to change for the better! I have the opposite problem as you--I am tall and have to squish my knees into most desk openings--my kneecaps are always in danger of being knocked compeltely off.

Quilts on Bastings said...

I absolutely adore your cushion! What a fabulous idea - I saw some of the other examples on Jenny Bowker's site.

catielee said...

Your pillow is beautiful!!!

Funoldhag said...

Your quilting is out of this world! Gorgeous pillow - what a great idea for practicing. A friend of mine loaned me a "slider" and I will try it out next time I do some quilting. Will be watching your blog for your current piece. Carol

Ivory Spring said...

Janet,

The pillow turned out GORGEOUS! I love love love it.

I can't wait to see that quilt quilted... :)

Kim D. said...

Love your pillow, such gorgeous quilting! The sewing box is adorable, I would have a hard time passing that up also. Looks like some neat new ergonomic gadgets for your back and feet. I sure hope they help.

pratima said...

Your quilting on the pilow is stunning! The accent of yellow is beautiful.

Cathy @ CabbageQuilts said...

Loving your quilting Janet, that cushion is divine. Gorgeous sewing box you were very restrained! xo

julieQ said...

Wow, your quilting is absolutely to die for! I have that same back support on my chair right now...it really helps.

Kim Brackett said...

Wow, Janet! It didn't take you long to become an expert machine quilter! I'm blown away by your work. It's absolutely amazing.

LuAnn said...

I had never heard of the Supreme Slider, but if you say it works then it might be worth the investment. Most of us like going to the office supply store almost as much as going to the quilt shop. They have great gadgets there. Beautiful quilting.

Nanette Merrill said...

Really love the sewing box. I couldn't resist something like that either! Fantastic.

christine said...

Oh that pillow is gorgeous!