Ta Da! - Times Two

I’ve been playing with Monique and am starting to feel a bit more confident with using her.  I have quilted two small donation quilts this week and am fairly happy with how they turned out.  Mind you, I can see things that need much improvement, but I’m not telling you where those things are and you won’t notice them.  Each quilt is proving to be a good learning exercise, as I make mistakes and encounter problems.  I’m taking Jude’s advice - Practise, patience and perseverance.

Firstly, I completed the little gingham quilt.

The front.

 I used a free scrolly pantograph, which is quite effective.

The back, with the cute little dachshunds in flannel.  It will be nice and snuggly.  

The binding has been stitched down by machine, to be more durable.  I feel I’m starting to get the hang of this, but will always prefer to stitch the binding down by hand on better quilts.

Then, it was time to complete my One Monthly Goal and complete the Harry Potter quilt that has been waiting patiently in the wings for quite a few months now.

This time I used a free star pantograph.  The star legs are supposed to be straight, but that just wasn’t going to happen with me directing the machine.  However, I really think I like the curved effect better.  I can see me using this pantograph on more kiddie quilts.

The back shows the stars nicely.  When I started, I was worried about the colour of the thread, but once it was all done, I was really happy with it.

Another binding stitched down by machine.

I have another identical Harry Potter quilt cut out, ready to stitch.  The only difference will be the backing fabric.

Both these quilts will be donated to Ronald McDonald House.

I’ll be linking up with Elm Street Quilts later in the month.

This week is rather crazy busy, so I will report back with the rest of the week later on.

Finally, I have updated my little kitchen shelf for St Patrick’s Day with a few little cuties.