I have so many projects to get done that sometimes I don’t know where to begin. I made a rule for myself a couple of years ago that I have to finish one thing before I can start another, because I had gotten into the habit of not finishing things. I would make the quilt top, but not follow through with putting the layers together and quilting the project. Since I made that rule for myself, I have finished lots of things.
I DO still buy fabric, and cut things out before I finish the project at hand, but this just gives me something to pick up and sew. Today, I finished sewing the star pieces together for the Star of Bethlehem quilt I am making for Seth and Sarah.
If that looks familiar, it may be because I am making one very similar to it for Becca and Ken. There is only one fabric that is different in the two quilts. These are king size, and I am sending them out to a long arm quilter to be quilted. My sewing machine won’t handle that big of a job. Here is a photo of Becca’s quilt ready to go:
Yes, I was working on it in the maintenance shop. I had to clean of the work bench and tape some plastic on it to have a space big enough to work on. Sometimes I go to a quilt shop and use the tables in their back room. I have never been turned down for doing that, as long as they don’t have lessons going on at the time.
I had bought some yellow and purple fabric for the new baby’s quilt when a month or so ago:
But then this cute cute girlie girl fabric came in the mail last week:
So now our new little missy will be getting this purty fabric called “OH, Cherry, Oh” for her first quilt from her FabGrandma. I haven’t decided on a pattern yet, but I think I am going to let the fabric tell me what to do. I got what is called a “turnover”, which is a pack of 40 pre-cut triangles, and three 1 yard pieces. I love those pre-cuts–they make it so easy to get started doing something.
Marilyn says
Pictures look good. When do you find time to do all you do?
Fab Grandma says
Marilyn–I am not working at the moment, so I have plenty of time to do these things. I hope I get it all figured out before I go back to work.
Judy Bell says
I’m thrilled you got the pictures to enlarge. Good job on both the pictures and their content. 🙂
Fab Grandma says
Thanks, Judy! It took me a little bit but I did finally figure it out.
Cheryl says
So Pretty! You amaze me, doing this all while living in an RV. How much does it cost to have someone do the quilting. I like piecing it together but cannot make myself do the “top” quilting or whatever it is called, so I just avoid quilting. Then I see yours, and want to quilt : )
Fab Grandma says
It really depends on the the long arm quilter, but usually anywhere from $.015 to $.02 per square inch. The quote I had for the king size quilts was $105.00, but it could be more or less depending on how much you want done. There are extras for providing the batting, the backing, more than one color of thread, etc. But for me, it is worth it to have it professionally done. I put a lot of work into these larger quilts and I want them to look good when they are finished.
Kathleen Ensminger says
Where do you get the pre-packed Turnover fabrics?
Fab Grandma says
Kathleen: I ordered mine from an online fabric store. I’ll send you some links to the ones I have ordered from and had good experiences with.
Alice Workentin says
Hi Karen
What a neat site. I look forward to checking the whole thing out in a bit. I did read your blog and love the material for the baby quilt. Can’t wait to see finished pictures.
Fab Grandma says
Thank you Alice–I have been planning it and thinking about what I wanted it to look like for a long time, and this just seemed to be the right time to make the move, since we are not working right now and I have plenty of time to work on it.
Oh, and me too, I want to see the finished product on the baby quilt, because I have no idea what I am going to do with it other than just sit down and sew.
Bobby says
Incredible work Fab Grandma! What a cool grandma you must be to have. Those quilts are exquisite!
I wrote a blog about cool grandmas, think you may like it!
http://bobversus.com/archives/477
Susan Adcox says
The new site looks good, as do the quilts and fabrics! I like the larger size of the pictures on the new site. You post such lovely pictures.
Fab Grandma says
Thank you, Susan. I appreciate the feedback.
diane says
You are so clever. The quilts are fab. Fab quilts by Fab Grandma. My poor old grandson won’t be getting such a wonderful quilt. However, my friend has crocheted a lovely soft rug for him.
Susan O says
I did have to snicker at this post! My mom passed away at the young age of 62, two years ago. I inherited 28 quilt tops that have not been finished. These are all cut from all kinds of scraps but will keep us warm. My only question is: Will I get them all quilted before my chldren have to go thru my things? hmmmm….
Susan
http://heknowstheplanshehasforus.blogspot.com/