It was in 1998 that I got my first quilting machine. That first machine was quite a challenge. You can read more about it here.
Old Short Arm
From that old machine, I upgraded several times before the current machine. I wish I’d kept track of how many tops I’ve quilted through the years. I know it’s been hundreds and hundreds. But, in the three or four years of having the new longarm, I think I’ve quilted three tops. My friend is going to quilt her own top so I planned to put a donation top on the machine and let her quilt on that a bit so she’ll feel comfortable before starting her own top. Then I thought . . heck, I don’t even feel comfortable quilting on the longarm and it may need an adjustment or two after having sat idle for so long.
In a closet, I keep tops for donations. Some are tops I’ve made but a few are tops that were sent to me to be quilted and donated. I don’t even remember who sent this top or the need for which it was donated but when I opened the box, this one was on top and it’s beautiful. If someone recognizes it and wants to let me know that you sent it, I’ll gladly give you credit here.
Delectable Mountains
It’s a Delectable Mountains top made from excellent fabrics and beautifully pieced.
Backing
I chose this fabric from the stash for backing.
In the next few days, I’ll get this top and backing loaded, get this quilted and bound and donate it .. probably to a local women’s shelter or a church that provides overnight accommodations to the homeless.
During the peak of my longarm quilting, I never thought I’d feel apprehensive about quilting a top . . but I do. The best way to overcome that feeling is to jump in and start quilting .. and that’s exactly what I plan to do.
Judy D in WA says
That’s a great way to get back to the longarm! It’s a fabulous quilt and the maker and you are very generous with your donation of time and materials. Love the backing you chose–wish I had some of it in my neutral stash. 🙂 Maybe I do. 😉
Liz says
You accept quilt tops for donations? Let us know when you are ready for some more! And what size? And if we need to send along the backing fabrics?
I don’t have a long arm to help with the quilting phase and that’s why I have so many tops. Knowing some people to send tops for quilting and donation would really help me. Heck, I’d even donate some $ to cover the batting costs.
Vicky. says
Do I need to post pictures of the beautiful quilting you do to remind you? Glad to see you back in the saddle!
Alycia @Quiltygirl.com says
You can do it – You can do it!!!
montanaclarks says
I have to practice a bit every time I go home to Montana after being in Arizona all winter–wish our AZ house was big enough for me to bring the longarm with!
Carole S says
Glad to hear I’m not the only one who feels apprehensive after not quilting for a while. I need to get started again, too. It really hasn’t been that long, but I don’t have that many hours under my belt yet. I love your quilting and inspiration. Keep showing us more!