Seeing Red!!!

Pink Perfection!

Regular readers of my blog will remember the extent to which I dislike red (ref: 'Red Alert' - my post dated 1 April 2017). 

However, my 'Champion of DIY' underestimated this fact and was surprised to learn that his first priority, in our lovely new home, was to obliterate every trace of red paint from the studio for the 'Queen of Quilting'. Needless to say it is now transformed into a lovely shade called 'Pink Perfection' - soft and inspiring! Those of you who know my taste in fabric will appreciate it when I describe it as '3 Sisters Pink'. 

I could not bring myself to take a 'before' picture! But as soon as the painting was finished I set about unpacking all my fabrics, tools and equipment (the previous combined contents of 3 rooms) and arranging them in this wonderful space. 

All that remained was to arrange for the return and installation of 'Auntie', my long arm machine, on the fully extended frame for the first time. 

I am lucky to be only 20 minutes away from Pinhole Quilting, the sole distributers of Handiquilter machines in the UK. Pete Holpin came and spent a whole morning setting her up for me (having given her a full service whilst we were in the process of moving). Even I was surprised at how big a 12 foot frame actually is - but it all fits!!

A place for everything and everything in its place...

I have always dreamed of having all my fabric to hand in my sewing room. 

But now other priorities must be attended to - we are in a house with no curtains. We will be buying 'made to measure' for the most part, but did find some ready-mades at Dunelm that were so right for the kitchen. So we bought them and then decided they needed to be shortened. You'd think that a huge machine would be useful for this task, but sadly not. 

However, the long table at the back of the frame was perfect for laying out and pinning the turn at the top of these 90 inch wide curtains and the poles were great to drape them over. 

Meanwhile my trusty Bernina was up to the task! I took the tape off the top and shortened them by 6 inches.

The 90" long curtains worked out fine. However, when I looked at the shorter pair (which should have been 72"), one measured 73.5" and the other 71.5". Also the pattern repeat was way off! So today I have taken the hem up on one to match the pattern. I used the blind hem stitch on the Bernina for its proper purpose and it worked quite well. Now I need to take the remaining excess length off both tops. I also have a third pair which I am going to use to make 2 roman blinds. Then at least the kitchen will be done! There are a LOT of windows in this house!

But, of course, I am itching to get back to the long arm.  I have just ordered loads of wadding (including some 124" Warm & Natural) and then I will be ready to roll. I am blessed to have this fabulous studio - it really is a dream come true. 

Englishquilter has arrived in the Cotswolds and she can't wait to start quilting again!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Quilting Everyone - Stay safe and keep cheerful! 

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