I've been quilting up a storm the last few weeks while I was feeling under the weather, but I'm pretty much back to normal now and have no excuse not to get busy with spring projects - window washing, getting the screen porch ready for summer, gardening, etc. So... probably not as much quilting as I would like. I would like to bind my daughter's table cover. She's anxious to start using it.

I found something interesting this week. I had bought some fabric to use in a pattern that I've made before. The pattern calls for a single rectangle to be cut 12.5" by 42". It's a great pattern for a big focus fabric. I didn't measure the fabric before washing, but after washing the WOF measured only 39.25" selvage to selvage. I had to revise the pattern a bit. The fabric was by a reputable manufacturer and was sold at my LQS. I guess you can't count on even 40" WOF these days.

I finished quilt #2 of the three tops waiting, yesterday. And while I should be doing some house chores today, I plan to start #3.

So this brings up a question. When do you decide on the quilting design? Do you have your quilting plan in mind before you start the whole piecing project? Do you wait until the top is finished, sandwiched and start there. Or do you change your mind in midstream and go a completely different way.

I do only straight line quilting, haven't mastered the FMQ bit. I lay the quilt out, stare at it for a day or so, see something and go for it. Then I will be sailing along with that plan and midway think that I should have done something else. Frustrating!

Lois, did you by any chance check the width listed on the bolt? I wonder if they have to be accurate?? I wonder where we could find that answer??

Nannykins, I rarely have a quilting design in mind while I'm making the quilt. What I wind up doing usually depends on how ambitious I'm feeling. Sometimes if I'm over the quilt and just want to get it done I'll just tie it, but that takes up time, too. My easiest go-to is to use the walking foot and do the Serpentine stitch, it's easy and gives a little more interest than a straight-line stitch. And it always looks good.

Rita, I looked up the fabric on-line and found out that it is an aboriginal design produced by an Australian company. Maybe their fabric width differs. I do know that many domestic fabrics are only 41 or 42 inches selvage to selvage, but this was the first time I encountered anything less than 40.

No quilting for me this weekend. I am hosting a "girls' scrapbooking" weekend at my house for me and 3 friends. Tobey took the dog and went camping. We stayed up late, late, late last night and are having a blast. I am trying to get my son's books done - he is 31 and I am up to 1998 - only 19 years to go!

Crafty, creative, but no fabric involved.

Today is our 34th anniversary. We are on a weekend getaway to Jacksonville. This morning we went to two national parks and this afternoon we went to the zoo. After resting up a bit we are going to a nice restaurant for dinner.

Donna

Happy anniversary, Donna

and happy scrapbooking Sue.

sound like fun for all.

Theresa

Went to our church's ladies retreat in Shipshewana, an Amish area. So lots of quilts at the hotel and lots of quilt shops. I hit up a couple, but didn't buy anything. Quilting will be on hold for a couple of weeks while I work a lot this week and also try to get the gardens cleaned out and the mulch pile off the driveway.