Thursday, December 24, 2020

Machine Quilting

Do you see the snow on the roof?
Great progress has been made on my December UFO. I took  some photos of the process of putting the layers together to share with you. This is a photo of how I prepare the backing - right side down, 
pulling it taut and clipping it to the table.

Then I smooth out the batting and the quilt top on top of the backing, and when everything is smoothed out, I start putting in the basting pins. As I have mentioned many times, my favourite basting tool is the Kwik Klip which helps me close the pins easily. I have heard there are new basting pins out now that close with one hand but I haven't seen them yet.

I love machine quilting  when it works well and it pretty much always works well with Aurifil thread. I am using a free motion foot and stitching in a zigzag way between the notes across the quilt top. I read a little as I go... so many memories! But I try to focus on keeping the lines straight as much as I can.

The label needs to be stitched on and the binding finished, but it should be under the tree tomorrow morning. This is my favourite gift for Christmas 2020 - to bring back memories of happier times!

On Boxing Day the province of Ontario is going into lockdown. Even though most people are using masks in public places and try to be socially distant, the number of covid cases is still rising because of those who can't (due to being essential service workers) or who chose not to stay home (ie. a birthday party for 22 where 11 of the guests got covid). Everyone (except essential workers) will hopefully be staying home now except for weekly grocery pick ups for the next month. Time to hunker down, do jigsaw puzzles and quilt! 
Wishing you all a Merry Christmask!

17 comments:

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

I had heard you are going into lockdown and just my opinion but I think the states need to do that too - all of them - if you do not need to go to work stay home. It will be the only way we get rid of this until most received their vaccines. It is interesting to read there are new basting pins - I do not pin often normally only for something small if I already have something on the quilting frame - I would pay to get new easier pins.
Hope you will all be well - thank you for your weekly Sunday link up it is always so much fun to see what all other slow stitchers are working on - Merry Christmas and stay healthy

Deb A said...

I wish the people in Florida would heed the wear a mask and stay home unless necessary. We are not looking good now after our Thanksgiving the end of November and it will only get worse in the next month I fear. Staying home and quilting sounds like a perfect solution. (I get to work from home as I have for the last 4 years.)

Terri in BC said...

Merry Christmas to you and yours! BC hasn't gone into full lockdown (yet) but me, my family and most of those I am close to have all chosen to act as if it is. Looking forward to the next two weeks staying home frankly, I am so uncomfortable having to go to work (finance is considered an essential service, but my office has closed for the next two weeks).

Terri in BC

sue s said...

Michigan is going in the right direction (again!). Our latest closings go to the 15th of January- schools and restaurants the big ones. I use pins with Klip Kwik also; and haven't heard of the new ones.

ButterZ said...

It’s so hard when people won’t do the right thing. Everyone suffers for the annoying people’s wrong doing. Hope you can enjoy your Christmas

Sarah said...

I didn't realise you were going into lockdown again. My area goes up another tier on Boxing Day so tighter restrictions. I wish you a merry Christmas but also a safe one.

Janet O. said...

Hunkering down with quilting and puzzles sounds like a great holiday--except for the absence of loved ones.
Merry Christmas, Kathy!

Cheryl said...

Thanks for the sneak peek into your basting technique, I love the Kwik Klip too. Happy Holidays!

Lisa in Port Hope said...

Blessings to you and your family as the year turns. I go into the office part time, and have video calls with people who are on the other side of the building in order to maintain distance. The things we could never have imagined 2 years ago.

Cynthia@wabi-sabi-quilts said...

I baste the same way and love the kwik Klip too. What a cozy room you have to baste in, with the wintery light from the snow. Even here, cases are rising but still so low per capita, compared to the U.S. anyway. Hoping for a much better situation worldwide in '21! Merry Christmas!

Gretchen Weaver said...

Have a lovely Christmas, the quilt will be well loved! Happy stitching!

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

Merry Christmas to you too!! We are just staying home as much as possible, but being retired, we can. Stay safe and well, and I hope 2021 is a better year for all of us.

Deanna W said...

For now we will only be a 14 day lockdown but it could be extended. I am sure lots of knitting and quilting will get done. Not much else to do except shovel snow! We are getting lots today(Christmas day) Wishing you well and here's hoping we can see each other in the new year!! Merry Christmas friend!!

Laura said...

We prepare our quilts for machine quilting the same, Kathy.
Merry Christmas! :)

MissPat said...

I'll refrain from commenting on the current state of affairs in the US in order to keep my blood pressure and stress at a reasonable llevel. So I'll just wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Quilting.
Pat

Chopin - A Passionate Quilter said...

I will agree with Miss Pat! Merry Christmas and what a wonderful memory quilt! Great idea from 2007! Hugs

hetty said...

Merry Christmas Kathy! Because of this latest lockdown I am alone for Christmas. But it seems like a small price to pay if the cases go down.