Thanks, it’s only been four months now, but it seems like years. I can’t believe how helpful folks have been around here. I pick up hints right and left off the board. Truth told the writing and music have suffered from inattention, but what’s to do? I just love quilting; it beats paying a therapist!

Awww, c’mon Shadow Dancer, give it up, you can always make another.
:wink:

My first quilt was a small lap size double Irish Chain. People probably look at it and wonder what I was thinking with the color scheme, but it made me happy to get my first quilt done, and I learned a lot from that first step.

Learn from what you make and grow. But don't keep looking back and second guessing yourself! You might trip over your current project!

The first of anything usually unnerves me a bit, but that doesn't keep me from trying. I think the second guessing and questioning is part of my nature. Knowing how to do things better keeps it interesting.

When I was first out of the military I swear I would jump at my own shadow. Time, family and friends have helped do a lot of the healing. Gosh, that seems like a life time ago (almost thirty-five years have past). Hey, but look at me now, I'm quilting! :D

Beautiful job Steve, I really like the fabrics you chose and your piecing is wonderful, too! Your quilting skills are amazing! Can't wait to see it quilted :D :D :D

Awesome quilt Steve, I think you colour choices are great, trust your instincts, they haven't let you down yet :P .Quiltingwise: What about some sort of motif in those lovely open spaces.

Yes ShellyQ, the quilting pattern will be complete on the diagonal, so the open spaces will get the full crosshatch treatment. I was thinking about orange. yellow or maybe even brown thread but have yet to decide. The last quilt was white thread quilting, and though I liked it a color would make the thing pop on this one and a neutral such as yellow would still play on the Bordeaux.

These kinds of decisions stimulate the creative side and make quilting fun for me. I wonder if anyone really decides upon everything before starting and sticks to it throughout?

Most of my quilts evolve throughout the process Steve. I might think I've made all the major decisions when I start a quilt, but oftentimes I change my mind about a border, how I'll quilt it, and even how large or small I want it to finish. You're right. It's a continuosly creative process. Keeps us all young!! :D

Wonderful quilt, I love the colors...............hmmm did you finish all those kid quilts? When your family sees this they will all be at your door. lol
A man for all seasons......... :D

Wow! Great job and your Irish Chain is beautiful. Our quilt group made an Irish Chain quilt (king sized) for a raffle for one of the charities we support....we had 12 ladies working on it and all 12 of us couldn't read a grid measure or sew a scant 1/4 inch. We finally asked the best quilter in our group to fix and finish it which she did. Last I heard, the raffle was going good and had already brought in over 2 grand in ticket sales! It won't be raffled until the end of November so they are thinking they can sell another grand or two worth of tickets by then. Who'da thunk???

Feathers

Very cool Feathers. I'm planning to work on a quilt for a local senior center quilting group so they can auction it off. They work on a project jointly and auction it once a year. I'm too young to join yet (only 51) but figure the contribution will be welcome.

Also I've decided that once I get through all the mags and books folks have been giving me, they too will be donated. A good cause is a good cause I say. Besides by the time it's done maybe they'll let me join. :wink: