In Memory Poem

When the clouds part and a ray of sun shines through
We look to the sky; and think of you.

You see our tears and feel our ache

We breathe you in with each breath we take

There is no need to miss, what is not gone

For you are right here, where you belong.

You are the suns warmth on our face

Guiding us through this dark place

You are the whisper of the wind through the night.

That gentle sparkle in a stars light

You are the colours of the rainbow after a summers rain

Dazzling, vivid colours, nothing could ever tame

You are the elegance found after a first snow

That small, beautiful,blinding glow

You made your own path from the start

And we continue to carry your footprints on our heart

When we stop to think of all we miss

Look around and think of this

Something so special & rare could never fade

& That is how we know you stayed

Because when the clouds part and that ray of sun shines through

We will smile, knowing that glimmer is you.

In Memory

Machine Quilting Vintage Quilt Tops....LongArm Tutorial

Being in the Machine Quilting Business has given me many opportunities to deal with Vintage Quilt Tops and their owners, who often have their grandmothers tops or they have purchased them at estate sales and antique shops. There are many of us who love the 1930's to 1960's quilts and fabrics, and some of us who specialize in making them a finished quilt. 

So, if you have a Vintage Quilt Top and are wondering how it should be finished or if it should be finished, here are a few guidelines to consider.

1...Are the fabrics in good enough condition that they can be gently tugged on without tearing. Many old tops that have been stored in cedar chests or plastic will rot and stain due to the chemicals released by the wood and polyurethane.

2...Are the fabrics mostly cotton. Many old tops will have a variety of fabrics besides cotton...ie..silk, linen, denim, etc. that have a tendency to ravel away at the seam or deteriorate from age or strong dye processes. Red, black and indigo are the ones to watch for rot and dye run.












3...Are the seams and stitching secure enough for mounting on the machine. Gentle tugging without coming apart, and the top lays relatively flat. Piecing that has puckers and puffs will result in overlaps and tucks.
4...Does the quality of the Piecing (craftsmanship) and the Pattern...ie..Applique or Intricate Piecing Design vs Scrap Pattern...merit HandQuilting vs Machine Quilting.
5...Does the top merit the expense of finishing either for sentimental or other reasons, and what kind of use is planned for the top once it is quilted.

Many Vintage Tops loose value when they are machine quilted. This depends on meeting the 1-5 criteria and the historical significance of the top. Let's say for the purpose of getting on with the Machine Quilting that your Top is much like the 1930's String Quilt pictured here. It meets the requirements for Machine Quilting. It was purchased at an estate sale, is hand pieced in a very scrappy string pattern, is relatively flat and square. Let's get it Quilted.


Step 1...Backing...
select a New Print fabric that reflects the time period and theme of the quilt. For this one the Red small scale floral works perfect as the thread color will blend on both the top and the back and there are many small scale florals within the top. The New Fabric will add much stability to the old top as will the New Fabric for the binding...the blue floral for this top.

Step 2...Look over the top on the Right Side to check for raveled or coming apart seams. Repair as many as you can find...the one's you miss will repaired as you quilt or after the quilt is washed. Do Not wash top before quilting. Many a stained and dirty quilt has been quilted on my machine. They will tolerate a washing much better after the stablizing of the quilting.

Step 3...Check the top for Square. Most old tops will be out of square with frayed or ragged edges. Fold in half with the fold being straight and square (not by the corner edges). Fold in half again (now quartered) with the the two folds being square. If the edges are within an inch or two of being the same leave them alone. If they are more than two inches use a rotary cutter and ruler to even them enough to mount on the machine, but not to a finished square. That will be done after the quilting.

Now, we are ready to 'Mount' the Top on the Quilting Machine.

Let's  TakeABreak and Tour the Quilting Studio and meet QuiltALotty! 

 Click HERE for the Tour!

PS...The 'Mounting and Starting' Tutorial is under construction.  If you would like to be notified when it is Up and Running, please return to SuKnitWitty, join the Followers and Add SuKnitWitty to your BlogList.

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MakeOver LeftOvers to the Storage Closet

I'm so glad to have this closet to clutter up with the stuff that won't fit into the KnittinSewinQuiltin Studio. Here's another view of the Madeover space with the MovedOver Bed! I'm going to try really hard to keep it clutter free. Yeah Right!!!!


If only I COULD move this Rack of Tops TOBE Quilted in here. I guess the picture will have to do for now. It's going to be a challenge to get them all done in 2010. Especially since Texas Mother Nature has her panties in a wad and keeps the freezing temperatures around. I wish she would Thaw Out her Thong!


I thought you might like a wider view of the entry into the Studio. Quilta..that's my LongArm Quilting Machine takes her own sweet space and does not like to be crowded. Tough Buttons, Quilta. You are going to have to adapt til you get that rack of quilts quilted!


All that 'PomPom WandWavin' was worth the work it took to do the Studio MakeOver when the WandWaver can share the space with Knittin Friends like SusanB and Gina.


What do you do when all the walls are covered with Quilts and Stuff? Ya start stacking pictures on the shelves. I'll have to Hang them Higher when the shelf begins to get stacked with the YARN I'm NOT Buying in 2010!


Of course there is the matter of the Stacked UFO Baskets! Here's my 'ThinkinTheory' on buying more YARN! "What I have in the UFO Baskets, on the Shelves, in the Baskets on the floor, under the bed, on top of the shelves, stashed behind curtains and stuffed in HERE is ALREADY PAID FOR". Besides some of it was FREE, SWAPPED, BARTERED and BARGINED for. So, with all those $$$$$ I saved last year, I can go BUY, BARTER, BARGIN and BEG for YARN this year! Works for ME!!!