Beauty. I thought a lot about this word. There are so many things that I feel are beautiful, but during my lifetime a sewing machine is one tool that I can say can and has created beauty. Our sewing machines create beauty by making quilts that are used to cuddle up with, to comfort, to delight by having memories sewn into them. They make art that we hang on our walls. They tell a story.
Sometimes our sewing machines make quilts for those less fortunate. A neighbor had a fire at their home and when I gave her a quilt she knew someone cared. That’s what the Linus project does for children when they are given one. The Quilts of Valor project give quilts to veterans who have served our country. So many of them haven’t been thanked and when they drape those quilts over their shoulders it warms their hearts.
The sewing machine also helps us make clothes that we can feel good in or make clothes for our family members. They repair favorite clothes, and alter new clothes so they fit better. We use our machines to make gifts for friends and families.
The sewing machine is a beautiful piece of machinery that creates beauty that you see and feel.
I don’t know what fabric company or designer the sewing machine fabric is made from other than it is a quilters cotton. I only have a fat quarter of it and there is nothing printed on the selvage. If you look closely there is a cute little mouse on the sewing machine.
The background is blue silk and I used a bright pink thread for the quilting. I used one layer of 80% 20% cotton/polyester batting and one layer of wool batting to give more texture to the quilt. To answer the question of how long did it take me to make it, I only put a timer on when I am doing the actual quilting and on this 11” x 14” piece it took me 1 hour and 23 minutes. I do make it a tad bigger especially when I am doing intense quilting because it draws up quite a bit which means I have a few scraps with the quilting on them.
Judy.... EXTRAORDINARY QUILT !
ReplyDeleteMAGNIFICENT .... BRAVO ! ! !
Judy, I know exactly how long I've known you. We met in 1998. Sometime I'll explain just how I know this for a fact, but I have to say that of all the quilters I know and admire, you are at the top of the list! This lovely testament to the sewing machine is simply perfect for our tenth year of Material Mavens. The quilting that you did on this is as always exquisite. I am proud to own several quilts made by me that were quilted by you. Truly they are the quilts I treasure most!
ReplyDeleteAlice, you are so sweet. I'm so happy I've been able to quilt some of your quilts. We make a really good team! I am intrigued on the story of when we met in 1998.
DeleteJudy, there are no words to describe how beautiful this is - exquisite, perfection, extraordinary, etc. Your machine quilting is a special talent, and I, too, am the proud owner of quilts you have quilted so expertly. You are a treasured friend, just like my lovely quilts that have your handwork. Love, love, love this!!!
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, You don't know how much I treasure your and Alice's friendship and faith in my quilting. To bring out the beauty of the piecing that you do is a joy for me. Wonderful memories made!
DeleteThe machine quilting here is phenomenal!!! I love your color choices and the sweet heart in the middle. Your love of the beauty you create with your sewing machine just exudes from this quilt. Bravo!!!
ReplyDeleteOh Judy, this is stunning! I love how you chose the sewing machine to depict beauty (with Amy Butler fabric? ) At least, even before I read your narrative, I immediately thought of Amy Butler. Anyway, not only is the machine itself beautiful, it creates beauty and an invention that changed the world. I adore your quilting, it totally fascinates me, it is so elegant.
ReplyDelete