Wednesday, May 06, 2009

A Thousand Colors ready to go!

The Thousand Colors quilt is finished! Well, it's not a thousand colors but it will be one of the thousand colors quilts that will be given to children in Italy this summer. I had a great time using some of my scraps and trying Bonnie's technique of sewing the blocks.

I had another "Duh." moment when I realized that sewing two 2 inch strips together would match up with a 3 1/2 inch strip and sewn together they could be cut into blocks. As previously noted, figures do not behave in my head and I was so astounded to find that these two sets of strips could be used together! I've made other things with Bonnie's instructions so why this was such an eye opener I don't know. I also realized that my 1/4 inch seam is not precise so the 2 inch and 3 1/2 inch strips weren't matching up.

I love seeing all the colors put together like this and although I could have been a bit more adventuresome with the quilting, the goal was speed so I used the walking foot and went up and down the diagonal lines. Either I've gotten better at this, or the backing was stiff enough to hold things smoothly, or the quilt was a manageable size for the sewing machine. At any rate, the quilting was very easy and there were no mishaps whatsoever! Maybe it was due to the support of my quilting helper, Vel. He faithfully held down the quilt for me every time I made a new twist or turn.

My trusty sewing machine though looks like it is need of some repair. The light will no longer go on (that's why the lamp stand is there) but I think it is a short problem rather than a bulb problem (it lights when I bang it) and the thread cutter no longer works (maybe because I banged it too much?) But can I live without my sewing machine while it gets a check-up? Somewhere in the deep recesses of my closet is my former machine that doesn't sew a straight line. Maybe I can hold out til summer when I'll be in the States anyway...

My Thousand Colors quilt is waiting for a companion to join it on its trip to Italy. I called Mrs. Furui and mumbled and hemmed about making this donation quilt and might she be interested though I know she's real busy and has lots of other things she needs to get done. She immediately said,

"How fun! I'd love to make something!"

Isn't that a wonderful way to approach something. Not, "Do I have enough time?" "Do I want to commit myself to something new?" "Is this a need that I feel for?" "Should I do this for Tanya?" Just "HOW FUN!"

Mrs. Furui is such a good friend.

12 comments:

June said...

Your quilt turned out wonderful and I know that it will be a real blessing to someone in Italy. Everyone needs a great friend like Mrs. Furui. You are so lucky to have such a good friend! Remember the man at your Church who you made the Prayer Quilt for...I was wondering how he is?

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

It is amazing, whatever it's destiny...

Mimi said...

Oh, Tanya...I really really really love this quilt. I love the colors and the way it all went together.

You're so sweet, you deserve a great friend like Mrs. Furui.

Hugs

Janet C said...

The colors are so bright and cheerful and I'm sure it will bring lots of comfort to the child receiving it.
May god bless the maker and receiver of this quilt!

meggie said...

I just love that quilt!
Mrs Furui is lovely. I love reading about her.

Mary said...

It turned out so well Tanya, I know it's going to comfort and delight a child.

Allie said...

It's beautiful!!!!! And how wonderful your friend is making one too!

Marilyn R said...

What a beautiful quilt! I am sure it will bring at least 1000 smiles by the child that receives it!

Nancy said...

Another lovely story, T.

roberta said...

Tanya, i somehow felt that this morning i was going to find a surprise on your blog.... and i did !!! It is so beautiful!!! And please thank Mrs. Furui for her kindness, it is a blessing to have a friend like her.
Remind her that the deadline is july 15, so there is still time....
Love, Roberta

Shasta said...

Of course Mrs. Furui would have such a great attitude. She gets it from you. Didn't you say pay pretty much the same thing when you started to make this beautiful quilt?

Belva said...

I feel your broken sewing machine pain. My Bernina just broke in the middle of a project and I'm dreading how long it may take to repair it. It's a wait just to take it in to the shop. UGH! I have to make that call today.