thanks Nana Susie and Mellissa for you input ,these are all some wonderful responses. Barbara
EAT!! SLEEP !! QUILT!!
I too am looking forward to see what has been done to my center. This has been so good for me, has made the long nights much easier. Instead of wondering why or what, I now work through the designs I have in my mind and some have even made it to paper.
I would like to add my two cents on the rr. This is the first rr I have done online. I did one about 10 years ago with a group here and learned several things during that one. I learned you cannot have any expectations about what the finished product will be as everyone sees something in their minds eye when they look at the project. I was thrilled with the finished top I got back from that group and have wanted to do another one but just did not think I could devote the time to it. This year I decided I was going to make the time no matter what! I saw this one online and decided this would be it.
What we did different in the first rr I did was we included a story of what we envisioned our quilt to be about. My quilt was about spending time at my Grandmother's house. She lived in the country and we could burn leaves in her yard which as a kid I thought was so cool. She had a fireplace and we did not have one. There was a pond on her property and I spent a lot of time there while if was with her. I would catch these great big black grasshoppers in Mason jars that Grandmother would give me and put holes in the top for them to get air. They were always around the garden where the black eyed susan flowers were. All of this was in the story that I sent along with my top and I was just amazed at what the ladies did to the quilt top. I will try to post a picture of it if I can get my husband to do that for me.
I would not like to do a rr with rules as this takes away all the creativity to me. I like the challenge (and this one sure has been) of coming up with an idea and figuring out how to execute it. Perhaps if groups could be formed based on where people are with their skill level, that might help. Since this group has a discussion section where everyone participates the ones with more experience would be here to offer help if the more beginner people needed help or had questions.
My hope is that everyone will be so overjoyed with their tops that they will agree what a great thing round robins are.
Let your creativity shine!!!
Pamela
Yesterday I bought, from Walmart, a new ironing board for myself. My old one is an in-the-wall one in a tight corner in our office. The new one I know I will love for quiltiing. it measures 18"x48" and can go up to 40" high, all metal, so sturdy. I'm about 5'8 1/2" tall so this is great for me, although I don't think I'll use it at 40". And I can have it in my sewiing room. Just in case anyone is interested in a big ironing board.
Next step: I had attached a fold down addition to a desk I used for sewing. Since I bought my new sewing table (half price) a few weeks ago I can open the top of the desk and use it for cutting. But, it's a little too low, so this morning asked my dh about raising it. Suggested I ask one son to build an open metal frame to sit it in with casters to the height I wanted. It would be lighter and more open then a wood solid one. Great idea.Then I won't have to use the dining room table. Okey, drool, drool. (LOL) I'm really getting ready for some serious sewing! Won't have my "stuff" scattered all over the house.
Just some thoughts before starting my housework this morning. It is foggy and expecting rain here today.
Linda , go back to Walmart and buy a box of bed risers, and put your table up on them. This is what I do, and at the retreat all the women brought theirs , so we could put a bunch of tables together , all up higher. It worked out great.
Ginny L: Linda , go back to Walmart and buy a box of bed risers, and put your table up on them. This is what I do, and at the retreat all the women brought theirs , so we could put a bunch of tables together , all up higher. It worked out great.
Thanks Ginny. Never thought about the raisers.
Linda sounds like you are geting your sewing area all set up ,You're gonna love jthat.My late husband took some plywood we had and made me a large top top go over my ironing board ,and I use it for a cutting surface,work area and ironing .Its set low so I just turn my chair ,it sits to the right of my sewing cabinet. I make my own ironing board covers , I love my set up as it is all right where I can get to it without leaving my chair.I have bad knees and legs . the bed rosers wprl great as we;; I now carry a set in my car for retreats. Once you get all set up take a picture we'd love to see it . Barbara
Pamela,thanks for your input . the rules are going to be simple so don't worry about having a lot of rules. I'm redoing them before the fall project starts. I love the creativity shine of all the quilts I have gotten so far. the two groups I'm in now have done a really good job on the quilts and the girls are really going to like them. thanks for taking part in this RR. Hope to see you this fall.. Barbara
Brenda ,these are the things we love to hear. going outside our saftey zone is good for all of us. I now know I can be really bold with my own quilts . thanks so much for taking part in this RR.Hope to see you for the fall RR. Barbara
Hi all ,we are getting close to our EOM time ,if any of you need more time.please let me know,I for one do .,as I'm working on two and Susies is taking more time then I thought it would .LOL You're still gonna love it Susie. Just drop me a message and let me know .thanks everyone. Barbara
Barbara, I just tonight finished Beverly's quilt. I will be getting it in the mail tomorrow. Sorry it took me so long but I was very sick for most of the time I've been back home.
Bonita, I think alot of us ended up ill after the retreat. I blame it on the crazy weather. We got about 8 in of snow last night . So we are buried it it again. Not as bad as lost time but still a pain in the rear. anyway I hope you are feeling better now.Barbara
Just checking in as requested by Barbara -
Beverly, I received Brenda's quilt. My oh my, have you ladies been busy! It looks fabulous and I am not sure what I will do for a border as it is gorgeous by itself.
Brenda, I am mailing Bonita's quilt top to you today. Just have to go at lunch to get the picture printed to insert in the package. Then to the Post Office to mail it. It also is looking fantastic! You all have done a fantastic job on both!
JodieNewberry, Florida
Barbara , I'm packing up Kristin's top to send to you this week, I have to clean up my sewing room for Easter company, and yours is now on my design wall. I think I know what I want to do, just have to find the right fabrics for it. Ginny
Okay Ginny, I should have Susies top finished today ..thanks Barbara