In the Pipeline

Reconstructive Surgery

It's not like I've not got anything better to do (or tons of NEW fabric to play with), but something possessed me to finish 'reworking' a ten year old + cushion this weekend. It was one of my very early attempts, featuring some very dodgy curved binding and some free-motion  stippling, which wasn't quite as bad as I thought when I looked at it again. It is so old I don't even have a 'before' photo, but I do use it to take out to workshops. 

 As I had already dismantled it few weeks ago, I thought I would take the opportunity to practise free-motion on the Bernina before I put it back together. After much unpicking of the original quilting, whilst swatting up on quilting videos, I got my 'machingers' on and practised hooked swirls on a scrap wadding sandwich. This is so much easier on the long arm, but it really is just what you are used to. I had to learn to use that machine, just the same, and I'm determined to get better on a domestic machine. 

A bit wobbly, I know, but I got the motion fixed in my brain and filled the two halves of the cushion back with the same design. (I had already done some echoing with the walking foot and some feathers around the heart on the front). It was harder though, because I couldn't see where I was going so well with matching thread and the puckers from the original quilting were rather confusing.

But of course that all worked in my favour and all you can see is texture! This morning I reused the original binding as a piping - a bit tight and awkward around the somewhat over scalloped edges, but I got it all back together. Not my best piece of work maybe; I realise now it never was square! But it is a usable cushion and a reminder that we can always learn and improve. 

I also had a light bulb moment while  I was trying to get in a comfortable position for the quilting. I have been struggling with the height of my chair ever since I installed my new Ikea cabinets as the base for my table. I suddenly remembered I had the pieces of a very sturdy desk that the previous owners had left in my loft when I moved in. I hauled it in from the shed and it makes a perfect platform. Now I have gained 2 inches!

Happy Bunny!!!

Happy Quilting Everyone!

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