Machingers Gloves

A machine quilter I am not.
I've always been more than happy to let the nice lady who really knows what she is doing use her long arm and talents to quilt the top of my quilts.
But every once in a while, we need to stretch ourselves and work outside of our comfort zone.

I've finally gotten brave enough and have been machine quilting Row By Row.
See post 3/17/11


Because this quilt is so geometric, I felt it would be a good place to practice.
I just aligned my walking foot along the seam lines and went for it.
Things are not perfect, but I can see some progress from the beginning of my stitching to the end of my work.
I did learn a thing or two.

One thing that really helped with control was to use Machinger Gloves.
Have you ever tried machine quilting with these?
I like how they help me grip the quilt, and were comfortable to wear for hours on end.
No sweaty palms or hands, even during the hot summer months of sewing.
They are light weight, made from nylon with fully coated rubber fingertips.
I still had enough dexterity to pick off stray threads or to remove pins along the way.

Machingers come in 4 sizes. I read how to find which size is right for you:
Measure from the base of your palm to the tip of your middle finger.
xs/6.25"
s/m 6.25-7"
m/l 7-7.75"
xl 7.5"
And yes, now that I have Machingers, the old yellow rubber gloves are only going to be used for housecleaning.
Plus I feel a little more confident to try quilting a few more of my quilts.

Mr. Owl

Mr. Owl
I saw an owl up in a tree

I looked at him and he looked at me.

I couldn't tell you about his size
For all I saw were two big eyes.

Vintage Owl Embroidery

I really enjoyed stitching this one, and using a variety of colors to create the owl.

Free pattern offered by PatternBee

Oh, Deer

The deer runs fast
With nimble feet

By lucky chance
You may just meet!

Sweet deer, do pause
Beneath the tree-

Won't you please
Make friends with me?
(The Fleeting Deer by Swapna Dutta)
*Vintage Deer Embroidery. One more block finished towards the baby quilt I am making.

Mary Fisher Fabric and Quilts

While visiting Quilter's Store Sedona, I noticed a beautiful fabric line Pathways by a local artist Mary Fisher.

I was drawn to the earthy shapes and colors, and learned that Mary's inspiration came from her travels and work in Africa.

Later that afternoon, Mr. Cactus and I entered the Goldenstien Gallery where I was delighted to see a collection of Mary's art quilts hanging along one wall.

Previously, I was not aware of Mary or her work, and desired to learn more.

A gallery employee approached and told me parts of Mary's story.

She is an artist, author, AIDS activist and International speaker.

At one time she was a television producer and assistant to the President of the United States.

In 1992 she delivered a very impactful speech "The Whisper of AIDS" at the Republican National Convention.

I could see a sadness in her work, and learned that Mary contacted AIDS through her ex-husband.

"What has influenced my art most is the living with AIDS while raising children as a suburban, white, American mother. The contradictions in my life are so clear, so absolute... but when it all begins to come together in a sculpture or a print or a quilt, it comes together as a single message. It's my truth, my story, my prayer."
~ Mary Fisher

"In the United States, Mary founded the Mary Fisher CARE (Clinical AIDS Research and Education) Fund to support long-term, outcomes-based research for the care of people living with HIV, especially women. In Africa, she established support groups where women infected or affected by HIV/AIDS can earn a living wage, producing hand-beaded bracelets that Mary designed and markets in the United States. "

Each quilt back contains a label of Mary's thoughts at the time she was creating the piece.

Quilting has always been therapeutic, and often provides a charitable influence.
Especially so in the works of Mary Fisher.

You can read more about Mary on her web site http://www.maryfisher.com/

Quilter's Store Sedona

One of the first parts of my itinerary when visiting a new area, is to check out the quilt stores.

I thought of trying to explain this compulsion to you, but then realized I would probably be "singing to the choir".

True?

Sedona only has one quilt store, but well worth the visit.

Quilter's Store is conveniently located on the main drive into town on Hwy. 89A, has a friendly staff, and carries over 3,000 bolts of fabrics.

I had hoped to be able to take a lot of pictures to show you their beautiful selections of batiks and Southwest designs, but they requested only exterior shots.

I can tell you that in 2008 they were voted by Quilt Sampler Magazine as one of the top 10 Quilt Stores in the United States.

Inside they show the pattern for their featured quilt Desert Sunset.

More details for this kit and others can be found on their nicely maintained web page.

Quilter's Store offers one the best selection of Southwest patterns and fabrics I've ever seen.

My favorite Whirling Yei (by Eunice Hill of Bee Creative), and others are available through their Online Catalog.
While wandering the store I thought of my friend Pat Peters, an award winning quilter who loves everything Southwest. I gave her a call to tell her of my find and to see if there was anything I could pick up for her.

Me: Have you seen No Dinner Tonight by Off Your Rocker?

Pat: Oh yes! I've made that one.

Me: What about Shaman's Dream also by Off Your Rocker?
Pat: Yes, made that one too. In fact, I've been to Quilter's Store, I'm on their mailing list and have ordered from them many times.

Pat had already made Whirling Yei, and many other of Eunice Hill's designs.

We had a good chuckle.

Knowing Pat, I should have guessed she would already have investigated every crevice of Quilter's Store.