I am delighted to be joining a group of bloggers working with Fat Quarter Shop on their new Classic and Vintage quilt. This will be a quilt along for readers in December. It is fun to see the project in advance, and I began by pulling some fabrics. I thought this would be a good time for a Quilt of Valor to support the local guild’s efforts, so out came some stars.
The thing is, this is a secret project. It is all to get you excited to see what Fat Quarter Shop has in store for readers with a Classic and Vintage design.
So, although I can tell you it is coming, and temp you with my fabric choices and chain piecing…
I can’t yet show you the whole design yet. But it will be fun!
In the meantime, I set up for the first of two sew days so I can see my friends and have some fun. I am lucky to have a huge amount of space in the basement to play. I need to use all my machines a bit more to keep them in good working order. My workhorse Kenmore machine had to go to the shop for service, as there are some things I just cannot do. I got it back, and DH found a replacement bolt to get it back in its cabinet, so it was ready to use. I put the Brother machine on the other side of the table so two could sit comfortably.
Around the corner on the work table, I set up three more machines. My Featherweight really needs service too, although it is sewing fine, it is sewing really slowly. My Janome Gem and the Pfaff 7550 are ready for use. In the space for the fourth person, I later set up a cutting/marking station with a small mat and some tools. I had 80 squares to have diagonal lines marked to make 160 half square triangles. You know I love my HSTs, LOL!! The pictures are a bit dark, there is more light in here as the track lights warm up.
Just to give you some perspective, here is the table looking the other way, with the longarm in front of the windows. So, six people and six machines to use, with space at the cutting table for squaring up and the ironing board for pressing available when needed.
We worked most of the day on the units for the other new pattern I have done, and enjoyed a pot luck lunch. I have some good cooks in my quilting circles, just look at the feast, starting with two salads, one spinach and one layered.
I got a pic of the two baked dishes before they went into the oven, a shrimp-bacon-onion-cheese quiche and a baked fruit compote. That Pie Shield is a great thing to have when baking pies, as it prevents the edge of the crust from over-browning. It is much easier to use than foil, and it has cut-outs on the edge for the handles on the pie plate.
Fresh baked onion and cheese bread was sliced to serve.
And a variety of desserts for after the meal, my goodness it was wonderful!!
I forgot to get a shot of the quiche right out of the oven, but did get a quick one of the last piece leftover after lunch. It was yummy!
I reset the table with everyday dishes, the leaf salad plates and everyday flatware for a less formal lunch.
The turkey place card holders got their first use, I love these little guys.
No, I didn’t show the ladies the secret project, we worked on another QOV with lots of bits to use up scraps. I need to come up with a name for it, and I’ll show it to you soon. Our first sew day was yesterday, and I am having more friends come over later in the month to finish up the top on this project and perhaps start another.
What are you working on now?
From My Carolina Home 
looks like a beautiful luncheon for a workday on quilts. I am working on many and would be nice to have one more finished top for the year but I doubt that will happen.
Good morning Carole,
You are absolutely having too much fun, carry on!
Phyllis
It looks like a great sewing setup and the food all looks yummy.
Wish I was there… I’m truly looking at your neck of the woods when I retire! Daughters would love to be back East again, not sure about sons.
Oh what fun, almost like being there! Lucky you to have such a big, wonderful sewing area for many sewers, many hands to help. Such a beautiful tablesetting and great looking potluck dishes. I can’t wait to see the secret project when it is revealed. Thanks for invitig us all in to your group sewing day.
Looks like your friends and you had a lovely sewing day together. And a delicious meal to share. Can’t wait to see the project you have been working on for FQS !
Good food, sewing and a beautiful table. You always inspire me:)
Nothing better than a sewing day with friends list your lunch looks wonderful.
Your play space is fantastic!
OH what fun!!! I’m only jealous I couldn’t be there!!! THIs is my favorite kind of Quilty fun! That quiche sounds especially yummy! Can I put a day like this with you on my life bucket list??? Smiles! V
What a great workday you all had, right down to the lunch on a beautiful table! I’m still poking along on the Pendleton shirt and have another manly wallet to make for book recital gift, but most of my extra hours have been spent on the piano this week, preparing for the Suzuki School’s Fall Workshop. I have a stack of things I want to do!!!
Sounds like you and your quilting friends are having entirely too much fun!! Good friends, good food, and quilting are a winning combination. Now my curiosity is piqued concerning your new quilting project.
What a wonderful day to spend with friends. Your table is lovely, the food looks delicious, and the quilting fun! Getting excited about the new patterns!
That food looked SO YUMMY!!! Don’t quilters have the best recipes??
Wishing I was there to have fun too even though I just spent Wednesday sewing with friends. (Can we quilters ever get enough of sewing with friends? I think not!) Anyway I learned how to piece the 10-Minute Block and am having a ball making more!
Having friends over gives a chance to catch up..but also encourages others to sew/make a project when they may not do on their own. Your table setting is lovely. I’m currently working on my Christmas gifts as EVERYONE is getting a home made gift this year and something store bought. IT has been timely as i have had my vacation leave planned for months but sewing is not quick. I can’t wait till Christmas to see everyone’s faces! 🙂