Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Just Keep Swimming!

That's the name of my new finish made with the 2015 Modern Bow Tie Block Swap right here at FunWithBarb.

Just Keep Swimming - 46" x 46"
The backing is made with 3 different fabrics in a big nine patch.
I gave it this name because of the quilted wavy lines.
While I was quilting it, I kept thinking: "just keep swimming,  just keep swimming...."
An early morning photo of the back of my quilt in the sun.  I love that texture - mildly obsessed, actually.
Here is a close up of that funny comic strip fabric.
I used 5 different colored threads of 2 different weights.
My quilting buddy, Nancy, got me these fabulous yoga gloves that are perfect, I repeat Perfect for machine quilting.
In other news:
we had another horrid weather event yesterday.  Snow, wind, icy rain....
Here is a (bad photo) of a poor bluebird coming in for a bite to eat.
My new counters and Range are installed.  The sink is still not hooked up but it will all get done eventually.  (That is a Blue Apron recipe card - I love Blue Apron!)
 Is there anything better than pretty contact paper?  Nope.
 I had planned on taking these photos of my new fishy quilt at the beach....oh well.
I'll be visiting The Sister Choice Quilters Guild  in Virginia on Friday with a presentation of my Quilts: The Story of My Life presentation and trunk show.  I'm booking fall 2017 and 2018 and I would love to visit your guild, shop or group.  Just send me an email.
xo

32 comments:

Betsy Schneekloth said...

Right before I read this I was pressing a quilt, prepping it for quilting. I had no idea how to quilt it. Now I know, wavy lines! Love the idea, thanks. My question is, how/where did you use different color threads? My backing is pink with multicolored polka dots and the top is brights with a lot of white sashings so I don't know what thread to use. Home for day 2 due to the storm so taking advantage of it.

Wendy Caton Reed said...

I adore this quilt! Both front and back are sensational! We had 18" yesterday so I can relate! It won't last. Spring will whisk it away!

Anonymous said...

Fabulous quilt Barb. It's cheery and fun.
Norma

Janet O. said...

Just Keep Swimming is great fun--and so are the pink and white bird jammie pants. : )
And the backing fabric is a hoot!!
The Yoga gloves look like something I might need to check into.
Now I want to go find contact paper for my shelves. Yours look so pretty.
I even have a couple of little corner cupboards on my kitchen island like that.
(What is Blue Apron?)

CecileD said...

Oh la la....congratulations for this wonderful finish Barb ! I loooove it ! It sparkles ! And it's sooo funny as usual !
I'm trying to find the best outer border for mine and at this time, I've got no idea...I don't despair. ..the photos with the snow are beautiful!

Chantal said...

Congrats on this beautiful finish. At first, I thought the story was a little bit fishy but the wavy lines won me over. I love it. :^D Now, I have to look for gloves like that. ;^)

Susan said...

That's the perfect name for this bright and happy quilt! I know you must be wholeheartedly sick of the snow, but for me, that last photo is just delightful! And it seems as your winter lingers, so does our summer!

Lori said...

The quilting is great for this quilt and I love the backing and the name! You are so creative! I think we are done with snow, which is fine! We've had plenty this winter.

Rebecca in AK said...

Such a great quilt! Absolutely love all the texture you got with your wavy line quilting. I will have to keep this idea in mind. Love that fishy fabric in the border too! I think I will be looking for some yoga gloves. Your kitchen is looking fabulous! You certainly look warm and cozy in the snow, wrapped in your quilt!

Judy in Michigan said...

Love your quilt and the counters!! Are they quartz? or Corian?? Love them and your quilting motif. As always, you are a star in my quilting life!!

Quilter Kathy said...

Just keep swimming... you'll get through the winter!
Love the bowtie finish!
I NEED those yoga gloves!

Jacky W said...

What a great name for your quilt. Who's modelling it, are they wearing PJ's? In the U.K. we call contact paper "Sticky backed plastic". We don't have any as pretty as yours though. Hope you are coping with storm Stella. Always inspired by your blog. Jacky

Karen said...

That could be a white sand beach. Love, love, love the border and backing fabrics.

Janet said...

LOVE THE QUILT AND THE NAME. WOW, WHAT WEATHER. ENJOY YOUR NEW KITCHEN.

Kyle said...

Just Keep Swimming is a great lesson for all of us. Your quilt is delightful and makes me smile. Especially the photo shoot!

Ginger Scott said...

It's a Snow Beach!

Janet said...

it looks wonderful! I love the quilting! I've been wanting to try that organic wavy line quilting too. What a gorgeous blue bird. Do I spy some pj's in that photo shoot ;0) Your new countertop looks great!

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

Your beachy quilt out in the snow is a perfect shot! :)

Barbara said...

What a fun quilt and great photo shoot! Love your wavy quilting lines and the comic strip fabric on the back. I nearly forgot about contact paper!

Ruth said...

I love the bright colors in the quilt - and the quilting is perfect! The snow is WOW! We've had a super amount of rain this winter and even snow a few times - not a lot you you got though. We're looking forward to spring and less rain for a while.

Unknown said...

You're an inspiration, Barb! Two quilts in one! Very cool.

Chantal said...

Love the quilt and love the name! The wavy lines are so lovely. I hear you on the storm. It was a little wild out there. I am stiff from shoveling snow.

Anonymous said...

Awesome quilt! Love the fish fabric...and the comics too! We had snow a few days ago and -25°C. Yesterday it was +17°C and all the snow is gone! I live in southern Alberta, so the weather can change literally overnight.

Tammy morrowrj(at)telus(dot)net

Robin said...

Thanks for including the contact paper. I thought I was the only one that did that anymore. Nice choice.

Aunt 'Reen said...

Just LOVE your quilt and the perfect title/name!
Your new counter & stove top are beautiful.

Barb said...

Thanks Tammy!

Diane said...

I hope you are warm and safe and that your sink is now installed! LOVE the quilt!!!

pandchintz said...

What a great quilt, Barb and I hope it keeps you warm until Summer arrives. I've not seen the backing fabric but what a hoot! Enjoy your new kitchen.

Ann said...

Those lovely bow ties blend so well from one to the next. I like the way your fish border matches the wavy lines. And a fun back. Great finish!

Lynn C. said...

Your quilt it so cute! Great use of the modern bow ties. I really like how this quilt shows your sense of humor.

Pinkadot Quilts said...

I see your pj's! Your quilt turned out great. I am in the process of putting my blocks together and need to get back to it. Believe it or not, that same comic book fabric is on my sewing table right now!
I highly recommend you to any guild, she gives a great presentation!

Roxanne said...

Bow tie quilt is completely fun and great name for it--love those fish! Gah--I got behind on blog reading and missed seeing you in Falls Church--it's right next door! Did you get around to see any shops or sight seeing? Hope it was a terrific visit.