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Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Dreamsicle

Dreamsicle
Hand dyed and commercial cottons, machine pieced and machine quilted, 63.5x82"


My new setup made finishing this quilt so enjoyable. I made the drops (side panels), quilted, attached and bound it all,  finishing at 8pm. So happy! After looking at these photos I realized that I don't have the quilt centered on the bed...the design is centered but the one side is hanging longer than the other. Details!
I am crazy about this straight line quilting, which we at the bedspread factory called channel quilting. Whatever it's called, it certainly makes the quilt lie flat, and so neat.

First thing yesterday morning I took Dave out to breakfast and over to Walmart to get another gas can, which I call thinking ahead on his part. He needs to have gas ready for the rider mower and the ATV and a second can is a good plan. While I was there, I came upon this red iron and knew that it would be just the thing for the new arrangement. One of you darling readers asked me how I place the machine and ironing station for maximum efficiency. I replied that I was still trying to work that out, after all these years. I think the answer is two irons and now I know this is a good idea.

I dragged out my rarely used ironing board and set it up near my machine. I cut all the pieces that I intended to sew and brought them to the machine and as I seamed, I pressed. I did this seated and swiveling in my wheeled chair. Wow, what a revolutionary change.
My main iron (the same one only gray) is at the cutting/ironing/worktable. That's also where the rotary mat and cutter are located, so close to the table with all the fabric. I think pictures would explain this better.

The main worktable with adjacent fabric table and then the machine with ironing board. You'll notice I still haven't changed the hanging plastic shoe organizer next to my table above. Turns out it is doing the trick, keeping everything I need handy, yet out of the way, and best of all visible!

By the way, I took the advice of another fine reader (who???Can't remember, shame on me) and sewed the binding on the back and folded it forward, topstitching it down. So simple and just as lovely as any binding I have ever seen.

This picture also shows a joining strip and a tiny dawgie paw on the right edge of the pic. The backing fabric is vintage Jan Mullen. I bought a whole bolt at a moving sale for $5. Really.


23 comments:

  1. I am so in love with your quilts! I hope some day I will be able to create something as wonderful as this!

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  2. LynneP9:05 AM

    This is a beautiful, finished quilt!!
    Hooray....

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  3. Another quilt that just makes me happy! And I so love all the pics. IMO, best blog ever!

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  4. Joan Potter Thomas9:14 AM

    Yeah....don't know if I'm "darling" but I'm definitely a reader who asked about your ironing station and "efficiency". I ended up putting my ironing station near my machine as well with the same idea that I can swivel and iron without getting up--but I like the idea of the two irons with one near my design wall. Yeah, Melody!

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  5. This is one of the most beautiful quilts I have ever seen. Thank you for sharing it's story with your readers!

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  6. Anonymous9:25 AM

    I LOVE it! It's dreamy. :)

    ~RBC

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  7. Wow. That's all I can say! Just . . . wow.

    Thanks so much for sharing!

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  8. Oh, and I stopped hand sewing my bindings a few years ago. I use the method of binding that you describe, and it is FABULOUS. Easy and neat.

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  9. Dreamsickle is a dream!! Gorgeous colors :)

    I have a question: have you ever "constructed" a quilt starting at what would be a border and worked inward and then continuing out to the other border? I've been thinking about trying this. Do you think it would work?? Why always start in the center. I talking about contemporary or modern quilts not traditional designs.

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  10. Wow! This quilt is stunningly beautiful. I love all the bright colors. I have thought about moving my iron closer to my machine, but then how would I ever get any exercise? LOL.

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  11. I used to think all of the swirly quilting was so wonderful and I have to say I have done a complete turnaround. I, too, love the straight line quilting.

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  12. The quilt turned out beautiful. Great sewing table too.

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  13. Love love the quilt and the iron. My kids say I have an iron fetish. I would never reveal how many I have. Love your setup too. I really like your new sewing machine table.

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  14. Dreamsicle is FAB-U-LOSO!!!

    AND, I have to say, one of my very, very favorite-est things about your blog, Melody, is the way you show us the minutiae of how you set-up and organize yourself in your studio - and how it all evolves -- you are so generous and so dang funny.

    But I get that you are not" trying" to be funny, it is just your sense of humor and worldview that comes across so clearly, down-to-earth authentic.

    Very satisfying to check in every morning and see where your unfettered creative urgings take you -- FUN! And inspiring!

    Love the doggie-paw!

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  15. I love Jan Mullen fabric. I don't think they make it anymore, do they? I love this quilt. It looks so different on the bed than it does in the first photo.

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  16. Dreamsicle - Art For The Bed

    Me wonders if this could be the first in a series?

    Great art for a loft with those oh so high ceilings.

    What ever the use, this is a beautiful modern and contemporary piece of art.

    Well done lady, very well done.

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  17. What a beautiful quilt---such beautiful colors. It's just so...Melody!

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  18. Love the quilt and the vibrant colours! I do my binding the same way and hope to never handstitch a binding ever again!

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  19. You totally rock!
    Someday can u look at my blog in the 'gallery' section... when u have time.

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  20. Thanks for showing the back of your add ons. I was wondering how it looked on the back.

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  21. I love this quilt. It would sure make me happy to sleep under it!

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  22. Fantastic studio setup. So workable.

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  23. Love your studio set-up. My ironing board just bit the dust (after 40 years - AND I think I inherited it from my mom!!!) I couldn't help but notice you seem to have a wider-than-usual traditional ironing board. Just what I'm looking for! Where did you get it?? many thanks for your great blog! doni @ Oregon coast

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Hello,
So nice of you to drop by. I love your comments, and if you would really like a reply, please email me at fibermania at g mail dot com