Quilting the Quilt of Valor went off the rails this week. When we left off, I had the quilt loaded on the longarm. The backing is a blue background print with a patriotic theme provided by the QOV chapter, along with the batting of 100% polyester. The batting is not my favorite, but it was provided by the chapter. It does have the advantage of not shrinking when washed.

The next task was to audition and choose thread color. I decided on white Glide for the upper thread and white Bottom Line for the bobbin.

The pantograph I chose this time is called Halcyon, and has nice gentle curves like clouds to soften the points on all the stars.

I was halfway through the first row, and the machine blew yet another fuse. This is the third one. We have tried everything that Randy at A1 suggested including unplugging the light bar and checking connections, but to no avail. So, the next thing to try will be to replace the motor. Luckily, My Sweet Babboo can do that, so I don’t have to send the machine to Missouri. Randy will send the parts to us. The machine is 15 years old so it’s not really surprising that something has worn out needing replacement. Hopefully it will be back running again next week.

With the unexpected free time, I decided to go ahead and make the binding I would need later. I cut my strips a full 2-1/2-inches, as I like a bit wider binding on full size quilts.

Sewing the strips together goes fast.

I trimmed the excess seam allowance and pressed the seams open. Then it was folded in half, pressed and set aside for later.

I got out the Art Quilting magazines that I purchased at the show and began reading more articles. I came across one that referenced a three part series on Sewing with Nancy featuring guest artist Nancy Sewell. I watched all three episodes and learned a lot. The technique can be applied to any kind of collage quilting as they talk about fabric selection, shading and light.

I’m still working on ideas for the Stonehenge ombre, but first I want to do a collage style quilted wall hanging for practice. I’ll be using my Perfect Applique fusible web from Sulky. I have to go to the store today for parchment paper. Plus I need to stop by the fabric store tomorrow as I need some burgundy and pinks. If I could find an ombre in dark red, that would be perfect. But several fat quarters in graded shades would work. We’ll see!!

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