I've been making a few donations quilts and quilting them - having fun trying new stuff - and since they are only 36" square it's not a big commitment.  I've been using my Christmas present - ruler with a handle - which I do like, it doesn't pivot around - but I do still have a death grip on it.  I'm working on "accuracy" meaning the stitches go where I intend.  I figure I've got to get better at that before I tackle my Christmas applique.

this one you can't see on the quilt so here's the drawing on the acrylic - the ribbon candy is actually much better on the quilt.  I did get lost at one point and got my SID in the wrong place - so there's an extra narrow row across the quilt that wasn't intended - oh well.

I am really liking quilting these small donation quilts - 36" is a great size for practice.  And I'm using up some fabric I won at a raffle that I didn't really want to put in my stash - but still fun.

That looks like a darling little donation quilt from where I am sitting.  Great colors, wonderful blocks and terrific stitching. 

Some little person (and the adult cuddling the little person) is going to be delighted with the gift.

Here's the 2nd one.  I found the backing on the Free table and was able to get two backs plus the 4 patches out of it.  I'm pretty sure it's a blend but still had a nice hand.  I got LOTS of practice doing the ribbon in corners with the zig zag.  And you can see the "bonus" row  in the middle.  I was so focused on splicing in extra batting that I got off on where I was in the SID.  oh well.

Your two charity quilts came out great. They are a great way to try out new things. 

thanks.  I'm enjoying figuring out how to make something cute with what I've got - sometimes the tops are too large and I need to cut them down, or the fabric was donated.  There was one I was given with cute yellow fabric with pink bunnies in a large center and bright shiny jets in the border - um, no.  so I ripped it up and made 3 smaller quilts, only adding a little bit of scraps and some orange from the backing fabric.

It feels like trying to make dinner when you don't have all your ingredients (or the potatoes are getting a little soft....ha). 

Also the practice quilting is a VERY different than my usual mind-set.  You wouldn't ever really want to put "custom quilting" on a donation or baby quilt, but hey, as long as it's still soft & cuddly, it doesn't matter here.  And the batting I'm using is interesting - it's dense but still fluffy poly.  Almost a cross between warm & white and poly.  I think it was donated by a local manufacturer.  Normally the quilting on my I spy quilts is just as basic and quick as possible.  Now they are quilting exercises.  And the puffy poly really shows up the quilting nicely, almost like double batting.  Yes, I'm having fun 

I have been slowly plugging away on my EPP top.  I typically work on it in the evenings, whilst watching TV .. sometimes with Mr. Pirate and sometimes not.

The interior of all the hexies has been completed.  I am now sewing on the white contrast border.  These white hexies were from a different project that didn't work out, so I am recycling them.  :-)    I have 3 edges of the contrast border done and am finishing up the last side.



The last step will be the piano key border on the other side of the white contrast border.  I will continue the color (although not the fabric) of the hexies opposite.  Here is a mock-up of what the piano key border will kinda/sorta look like.    The project continues.  :-)

The white is dazzling.  Razzle-dazzle dazzling.

Like "babes" in a TV show with artificially white teeth.

This is good in a quilt, not so good in a "babe" in a TV show. LOL

Glad you are having fun with your quilting practice and making some useable quilts.  Some little ones will appreciate them.  The quilting looks great.

The white border looks great.  Looks like you have figured out the perfect finish for that quilt top.

how are you planning on sewing the piano hexies?