Only 24 days until Cindy and I meet up in Chicago at the International Quilt Festival and Market. I cannot wait! I’m trying to hold off on purchasing any quilting supplies or fabric so I can blow my budget there. My fingers are itching to touch some new fabric.
I shall count for you the things that I’m working on in the meantime:
- With the promise of spring in the air, I’ve been piecing True Blue, still reaching for an early May completion date. There are 100 blocks in the quilt. I’ve been trying to design an assembly line so that I can zip through this quilt faster. I’ve found that working on 5 pairs of colors (each pair makes 2 complete blocks) is the most that I can juggle at one time. Do you have a favorite assembly line strategy?
![IMG_1269[1]](https://i0.wp.com/graybarndesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/img_12691.jpg?w=203&h=270&ssl=1 "IMG_1269[1]")
![IMG_1267[1]](https://i0.wp.com/graybarndesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/img_12671.jpg?w=203&h=270&ssl=1 "IMG_1267[1]")
![IMG_1268[1]](https://i0.wp.com/graybarndesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/img_12681.jpg?w=202&h=270&ssl=1 "IMG_1268[1]")
- I had a little trouble (self-induced) with my Bernina machine. I ran it up to The Bobbin Case in Rochester for assistance. They have excellent customer service. I did make one exception to my quilt-buying purchase moratorium while I was picking my machine up after repairs: I succumbed and bought a spool of Aurifil thread. Cindy mentioned that she recently became an Aurifil fan for both piecing and quilting, so I thought I’d run a test too. I’ll let you know what I think after I give it a spin.
![IMG_1276[1]](https://i0.wp.com/graybarndesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/img_12761.jpg?resize=411%2C548&ssl=1)
It jumped into my hand inside the store. I know you know that feeling!
- My French General quilt kit is completely cut out and ready for sewing. I’m saving the assembly of it for a special occasion.
- On Sunday afternoon, I performed a quick purge of St. Paddy’s day house decorations and then revealed the Easter theme. I also took a moment to try my hand at a famous-brand coffee shop knock-off recipe for Iced Lemon Pound cake. It was divine and, although not quite a pound cake texture, it certainly has that tangy flavor that I adore. I cut the recipe in half and subbed Greek yogurt for the sour cream. I’ll make this again and again. My son suggested an orange-flavored version for Grandma, since she does not adore lemon — I think it’s a brilliant idea. This dessert will definitely be on my Easter table.
![IMG_1266[1]](https://i0.wp.com/graybarndesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/img_12661.jpg?resize=509%2C679&ssl=1)
Confession to my trainer: it was only a skinny little piece!
- Baseball — I love it! When spring comes, my thoughts go to t-ball. Here’s my favorite player this year.
![IMG_1260[1]](https://i0.wp.com/graybarndesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/img_12601.jpg?resize=455%2C607&ssl=1)
The logo on his uniform in perfect!
I use Aurofil thread. Let me know what you think or if you know of a better brand.
I am not sure what looked more delicious – a slice of the pound cake or the unopened spool of Aurifil thread! Adorable kid in his uniform!
I also like Aurofil thread, really high quality with minimal shredding. However, my preferred thread is anything that is very light weight. If I could afford it, I would use silk 100 weight. After being a cotton purist for decades, I have swapped to synthetics such as Bottom Line (60 weight) and my new favourite MicroQuilter (100 weight) for piecing and quilting. Glide (40 weight) is magnificent for quilting.
For any kind of detailed piecing, very small pieces and/or fine fabric, then the finer threads make a huge difference. The fold over at the seam is almost no heavier than the unseamed fabric. Ordinary cotton is surprisingly thick, even though it seems fine enough when you have it in your hand.
I always suggest trying every recommendation once and deciding what suits your own style of piecing and quilting – and your sewing machine!
Meg — Thanks for the great overview of thread choices! I just know that thread is going to be next collector’s item!
Hi Sandy,
I have been using Aurifil thread for a little while now – maybe 8 months or so. I used to only use Gutermann but find Aurifil to be much thinner. That slice of pound cake looks delicious! ~smile~ Roseanne
Roseanne– I’ve been a long-time Gutermann user too, but now I’ve got to break the seal and wind a bobbin and try something new 🙂
Wow, you’ve been busy! If only I had a slice of that pound cake, I know I could snap out of my slump! I cannot believe Mr. Cutie Pie is playing t-ball now!
I’m looking forward to hearing and seeing all about your Quilt Festival trip.
Your on a roll with projects, awesome! And that is the thinnest slice of cake ever, you’re good! It sounds so yummy 🍋and so does 🍊
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