20061119 - Tucson

I spent most of this week quilting. I took two half day classes on the HQSixteen (the long arm quilting machine). In these classes I learned and then practiced setting up the machine and then quilted 2 small doggie quilts. These quilts are made with simple fabric that we quilt and then the quilt is edged by a serger. Once the quilts are finished they are donated to the ASPCA for their animals. For the quilts we tried many new designs, especially dogs and cats, paws, and letters. The doggie quilts encourage us to try new things, while still producing something that can be used.



This is the HQSixteen, our Long Arm Quilting Machine. Unfortunately, I did not think to take the photo while it was being used.



Anna (another woman in the Quilters II Group) and I are working on this donation quilt. We have worked several days on this quilt. We used blue and tan fabric from the group’s stash. We had some challenges with the quilt but we are very happy with our results so far. We do not yet know what the group will decide to do with this quilt. It is not finished yet but we are making good progress and it is looking pretty good. I will post another photo when it is complete.

I have also started work on another quilt. It is still in the beginning stages but I think it is going to be very nice. As soon as the top is pretty much complete, I will post a photo.

And finally I took a half day class on the Flying Geese pattern. At the end of this class we each made a square with 4 or more Flying Geese. These squares will be put together and made into another donation quilt. This is how the group got to 100+ donated quilts last year with another 100+ donated quilted items (like place mats).

In addition to quilting I continued with my morning exercise classes. My knee is definitely getting better with the exercise classes.