Not often

It's not often that I will 'quilt for profit'.  I don't have the ability to use pantographs unless I move the handles from the front of my machine to the back, which is more trouble than it's worth (in my opinion).  I would never mark on another person's quilt in fear of the mark not coming out.  My stitch regulator hasn't worked on my machine in a whole lot of years and I gave up trying to get it (and keep it) fixed.  For my own purposes, freehand is good.  I do have some simple shape templates that my hubby cut out of plexiglass for me, but they aren't exact and perfect, and I'm not bothered by the fact that my personal timing isn't always in sync with the machine so the occasional long stitch doesn't bother me..  So that said... I had a lady approach me about quilting a quilt for her.  I had to let her know that I'm not a professional long arm quilter.  That I don't do fancy and my frame isn't set up to do king.  She told me she didn't want fancy and anything I did was fine.  She just wanted the quilt done.  Well, alrighty then, guess I can do this for her.  Then she brought me this beautiful quilt and it was wider than what I'm able to complete on my frame.  But... I could get the body of the quilt if she wanted to do just some straight stitching in her outer border.  She was okay with that.  So as intimidated as I was by this beautiful quilt, I set out to do the best I could and overall, I'm happy with it.  If it had been my quilt, I would have probably turned it in sections and done a piano key stitch on the borders, but I've done that before on a large quilt of my own and sometimes it gets a little wonky.. The lady was happy with the results and then informed me I didn't charge enough - well, I guess if there's a next time, I will charge more (I don't have a problem with that!):

This lady designs all her own stuff.  These applique roses are one piece of fabric and all the detail she put in with satin stitching - I was very impressed with her work!
So, I've worked on this and worked on Sew Fest quilts.  I have 4 completed, 2 waiting for their binding and one more to quilt and finish - seeing the light :-)  Just in time to start work on some Christmas stuff!  Have some simple things I will be sewing up.  I will sew up a few pair of pajama pants and embroider some T's to match.  I would love to knit a couple of long shrugs / sleeved capes - but I know me, I would never get them finished in time ...  So maybe just some fingerless gloves...
Hope all is well with you...

Katie

Plugging along

I am just plugging along these day.  Getting quilts quilted that I brought back from Sew Fest.  I did bring home some kids' quilts that were then sent on to TN to a children's hospital there.  I was gifted some polyester high loft batting and decided to use it in these quilts as I think most kids like 'fluffy':

These quilt tops were made by Mickey M. from embroidery designs that were donated.  Unfortunately I don't know who donated them as I would love to give credit as the designs are very well done.

The pictures make the quilts look a little puckered when, in fact, they really aren't.  I had not used a high loft batting in quite a while, but I'm thinking there are more quilts in my future that I will be using it in.
I've already started my Christmas knitting.  I love to knit when I have football games on (Yes, I do love football!) so hopefully I will manage to get some slipper socks and leg warmers (granddaughter is in ballet) done.  Not to mention the sewing I will do...
Not much else going on... the g-kids are back in school and so is my daughter-in-law, so at least once a week I pick up the g-kids.  Sort of missed it during the summer...  My 10 year old grandson is playing football so that means Saturday at the ball field.  Love to watch the kids play, too ;-)

Hope all are doing well.. I am looking forward to more fall type weather.  We're still a little warm here in AZ but when it starts to cool off, it will be glorious...

Katie