Been Gone A Long Time.....Redux

Apparently, it was decided that taking the summer off was a much needed respite from the normal routine.  Not much was worked on or completed, but much was learned.   While quilting has not been a primary pursuit, it seems to be where the most time has being spent in the last year.  No fewer than three quilt shows have been attended... Pennsylvania's Quilt Odyssey [August 2009 and July 2010] and Virginia's Quilt Fest [February 2010].  All have been inspiring to expand my knowledge for the most part.

Specifically, a project that has been noted here previously - the quilting of a duvet cover - has been completed!!! And a new skill has been acquired.  Despite owning a late model sewing machine, several attachments to aid in the quilting process, the equipment proved inadequate for the size of the project. A long-arm quilting machine with the harness to mount a queen or king sized quilt was needed.  There were dozens of professionals willing to take on this project but at $.025/inch, the cost would have become prohibitive.  So the search continued for the owner of a long-arm quilting machine willing to rent the machine to a neophyte.

Behold! There is such a place.  A designer in Newtown, PA [Karen Thompson] recommended a shop in Burlington, NJ, Ole City Quilts [http://www.oldecityquilts.com] to be exact.  They conduct classes on their two long-arm quilters ("Hoss" and "Miss Kitty") and each is available to rent by the hour.  A three hour class netted practical application, a test quilt and a finished project - two pillow covers that are a gift for my sister.   As luck would have it, one machine was available that same afternoon and the duvet cover was in the car.  Three hours later, the duvet cover was completely quilted by one very excited neophyte!

The finished duvet is reversible with a napped band that looks darker on the quilted side and lighter on the jacquard patterned side and  has matching pillow shams.  Floppy flanges on the shams were dealt with by adding cording.  Sewed some velcro strips at strategic spots to the insides of the duvet and down comforter so it stays in place very nicely.  Without the comforter inside, the duvet works well in all seasons.  I especially like the idea of having two looks with one piece.  Nice not having to keep space free to store stuff!