All's well that pulls out easily

Yeah, but I have the distinct impression that this won't be the case.

As I could muster the courage to jump into quilting Black Widow I - even though I wasn't using the thread I initially wanted to use - I have stopped and started work on it several times.  I simply can't get excited with the results each time a section is completed.

I figure walking away for a day or two, then sitting down and looking at it anew will rekindle the joy of it all (or, at least in part), but it's not happening.  So here I am, at a crossroads; teetering heavily towards picking out the many feet already stitched and abandoning altogether the single flat black "metallic" thread I've been using. 

Perhaps, as a finale....a specular highlight (so to speak), I will overstitch with it after everything else is done.  We'll see.  For now, I am thinking of returning to more conventional quilting thread for the bulk of the work.

Yes, removing those already sewn areas will be a pain in the needle, but in the log run I believe I will be happier.  Ultimately.  Hopefully.

Where's my seam ripper?  Time to get started.

[groan]

Let the quilting begin!

Yes, indeedy, the basting is done and I think I have a handle on how I will be quilting Black Widow I, so let the fun begin!

I was falling asleep last night as I rolled the excess backing to the front and basted it down (to protect the raw edge during the quilting process), but managed to get that task accomplished before turning in for the night.  I think that little nugget alone allowed me a great night's sleep.  Go figure.

The back looks primitive, childlike, and perfect, and used up more of the scraps made while assembling the top, and I think the mend to the center batik will hold - especially after the quilting is completed.  Since this is meant to be a (contemporary) wall hanging, more so than a utilitarian quilt, it shouldn't get much 'use', and so should survive a good long while.

What are you working on?

Oh, rats!

That means I can't show you how the sewing 'room' turned out, either.

Fiddlesticks!

Hoorah!

Stretching and basting Black Widow I today.  WAHOO!!!

I would love to show it to you, but the blogger tool to upload pictures is still on the fritz!  Sent them notification about a week ago, but there is still no response or help forthcoming, s-o-o-o-o.....pheh!
By the time they get around to fixing the issue I will have another quilt done.

What are you keeping busy with?

Guess what!

The table has arrived!!

That's right.  I went shopping in my own home and decided the old dinner table - a lovely oak trestle table I've been sewing (instead of serving dinner) on, lo these many years - is the new designated "quilting table." 

As the sun threatened to set on a beautiful opportunity, I guilted the boys into walking the heavy table out the front door, around the house, and down the hill to the back door, where they deftly (but pissed-off-ed-ly) squeaked the weighty item through the door and into the lower level.

After a few minutes wait - while the feeling returned to their fingers (and their humors returned to a normal level) - they walked the table a few last feet into it's new work space....and it looks WONDERFUL!

Thank you to my strapping, thoughtful lads!

Tonight I will locate the felt pads I wanted to affix to the feet of the table (and clean up the last bit of futzy stuff in the way on the floor), but tomorrow I will pull up a chair, position the table in the room exactly where I want it, replace my Bernina to it's rightful spot, and become accustomed to sewing once again in my original locale.

[I'd like to insert a photo here, but the BLOGGER TOOL is AGAIN, BROKEN!]

I can't tell you how many times I have imagined this whole area looking just this way.  It's been a long time coming, but now I am tickled pink and extremely happy!  Just look how beautifully the table and floor match; and the relocated (and restocked) stash wall is a perfect view!  Of course, when I imagine the space, I sort of pictured it painted and with floor trim.  BUT, I will take what I can get for the moment. 

One step at a time.

First entry: new year

I've been spending a good deal of time re-engineering my sewing quarters.  Once that's finished I will be back at the quilting and making up for lost time. 

Stay tuned....photos tomorrow afternoon!

I'm SO excited!