Fearsome feathers!

This is the latest Sew Cal Gal challenge, the block is OK, not my absolute favourite, however it did give me an opportunity to play with the border a bit. I did some
Mc Tavishing- sort of- on one border , then tried Karen McTavish's feathers- the ones where you do bump bump- as she calls it, it was interesting, it does give a different feather, I found that I was doing one small and one big. It does not create as much thread build up along the spine, which is better when using a thicker thread. Something to be worked on.....
The side with the piano keys was fun, I really liked the effect it made. The thread for the border quilting is Bottom line - top and bottom. Some embroidery thread with a nice sheen for the main design on top.

I am really enjoying Cindy Needhams class on Craftsy, only regret that I am not in Adelaide this weekend to do a real class at the Machine Quilters Conference, oh well another year when I am not busy at work.

A treat, and almost finished

 I bought myself a new pair of quilting gloves this week, a little firmer, different grips, different brand, they are so much better than the old loose ones that are looking a bit manky. Worth the whole $7.50- a bargain!

 This is a blown up part of the quilt that I have just finished quiltng, it needs to be bound and gagged- or bound and blocked, then it is done. Oh and it need a hanging sleeve and label! so much to do so little time... but the main thing is that I am really happy with it.

Some sewing detritus, reels of thread out sewing machine dusters, new needles etc, all the things that make the job a little easier.
Next week is a new week and I will be planning and preparing for my teacher accreditaton class- again so much to do so little time.
Then to find some time to plan a holiday....

A new age

Now that I have had a milestone birthday maybe I will be taken seriously! hopefully not though, as life is meant to be fun, when the fun is gone what is left?

The quilt exhibition delivery date is 3 weeks away, I have 2 quilts bound and with hangers sewn on, no labels yet- maybe today. One large and one small quilt almost finished quilting- well not really....

A whole day off to sew , go to the gym, cook meals, wash etc. But the quilting comes first. A little stretch at the clothes line in between sewing is good for the back.

The back of one of my entires

A samlping of mahine quilting, doesn't the green thread look great.

 Is also exam block week for my daughter, so we are both heads down, bum up madly working at home today.
I have had some lovely and generous gifts for my big birthday which had a 5 and an 0 in it. Lots of vouchers for lovely books to buy!!!
And a treat or two along the way with a  massage, lucky me.

Flowers from friends and my work colleagues- a sideways picture.