Now that you mention the adjusting and resizing it makes sense. I always thought you load the quilt, start the computer and the machine does the rest. Not so.....haha! You need to have panto's to let the machine work on its own?

I always bind the quilt I quilted right after the quilting. Otherwise I might use the binding fabric in another project LOL. I don't join binding strips diagonal, I know I should but I never did. I know how to, that's not the problem, I just don't without a reason.

Funny because I use to think Machine embroidery was like that, hoop your fabric, load the design, thread the machine and hit "go" - very little thought required :p.

I guess we both were wrong!

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Silly, Anael! Welp, I gotta hit the LQS to buy another yard of my stem fabric. I don't have enough to cut on bias so to LQS I go after dentist appointment tomorrow. Bummer...:D Applique'd some more pieces today but had to stop until I have more stems. I should be on target for handing this off to LA at end of May. I'll share pictures when quilt complete...*wink*

On binding, I sew at the diagonal and do that technique that joins the ends. (I don't know what that technique is called if it even has a name). I started cutting the binding for SBS since I had to stop on applique. I'm gonna have to piece the back since it's so wide. I have plenty still on the bolt of the 2 main fabrics. I'm so glad I am using that stuff up. I am so close to finishing this baby I get more excited.

Interesting dialog about faux flange binding, long arm & embroidery machines, etc. I keep it pretty simple - I'm a hand quilter, almost exclusive. I occasionally machine quilt something if I need it quickly, but otherwise enjoy the zen of hand quilting. In, out, calm, peace, serenity - love it. I also just slap on the binding, hand sew it down. But you've caught my interest about faux flange binding - will look it up. That's what's so interesting about this board - exposure to so many different techniques.

2 more blocks done since the weekend:

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Oh wow, such great fuzzy cutting again!!! And such lovely colours :)

Yes I agree, you can learn a lot here! The faux binding is so easy and looks great on a quilt. I'm going to use it more often now that I know how to do it.

Wow you, ladies have definitely been a talkative bunch.

Anael, love the photo of the castle and the swan. Such history you have. It's really beautiful to see.

Actually, all of you have shared such beautiful photos of your areas. They are really nice to share.

I would say I'm a tentative quilter at best. I much prefer piecing and sending out the larger quilts. (Much easier on me.) I carry a lot of tension in my hands and tend to pull and stretch to an inch of a "quilts" life. Not a good thing when quilting. They smaller projects I do quilt at home. But, still keep quilting down to a smaller scale. So as to not psyche myself out.

Donna Pea, congrats on making it to the half way point. Things are looking great. Your all scrappy blocks are going to make into an amazing quilt.

Teen can't wait to see your quilt with the applique borders on it.

Anael, I loved your first pp block. The blue and the stars just came out amazing.

Thank you Judith!!

Riding my bike is really great as I learn about our history too :) I thought I knew a bit but actually I don't know anything at all. It's been such a long time since I learned it......I forgot everything, oh well almost everything. And seeing the places where it actually took place is even better.
I'm planning on riding for a long time to come, hopefully I will be able to.

Today was my neighbor's funeral. My quilt was on his casket, he had a basket like casket made of cane (or reed?) instead of wood. It really was a beautiful casket/basket. I managed not to cry, though I was crying inside.
They mentioned the fact he was about to retire but didn't make it.....so I decided not to waste time on stuff I don't want to do or don't like besides the few things you really need to do.

Anael, sounds like it was a beautiful funeral. I love the visual picture I have in my mind of your lovely quilt on a basket-type coffin. So sad he didn't get the closure to a work-life that retirement brings. You're right - that does sort of put things we think are so important into perspective, doesn't it.

Donna....love your blocks. The kaleidoscope block turned out awesome with the he fabrics you chose. Keep on rockin girl! And, like you, I have learned so much from QB members. Truly a talented bunch of people, more so on this thread. Amazing skills. When you try the faux flange, you'll be doing it for all your quilts...it's super easy.

Judith....I've been quilting here and there but mostly take my quilts to LA. This SBS will be a bit of a challenge since I'm only asking her to do the blocks and I'm going to do the borders because of the applique. There is another LA who does FMQ on applique quilts but she charges an arm and a leg. My quilt shop friend has all hers done by this gal (she does really amazing, intricate hand applique stuff ....tons of ribbons received....3D layered stuff....phew...beyond me). The last quilt she took in cost $500 and took LA 6 mos to do. No thanks....I don't sew show worthy stuff so I'll keep my money for something else.

Anael....sad day for you and I'm so sorry. Funerals are sad but also reminders for the living that every moment is precious and should be lived as such. I'm sure your quilt looked amazing....very touching for you, I'm sure.

OMG!!! I shouldn't have let my husband choose the applique layout. I auditioned 3 borders and he chose the most challenging in terms of location on quilt. Then...Miss Picky (namely me) adds another splash of color here and there...more vines etc...so more applique. Ugh! I need to just stop it and finish this thing but I am enjoying playing. I think I've nailed the creative process down so it's just sewing now. Geesh!