What's been coming off the long arm frame recently......

This was a finish from several weeks ago, but because it was a gift that had not been given yet.....I didn't want to spoil any surprise.  This was a wonderful project to be a part of and was given to a special graduate, a grandson of some friends of ours.

A little quilting close-up!

I did a photo label for the back of the quilt to convey the love that this quilt has for the giver to the receiver.  Sometimes quilts are more than just a couple layers of fabric with some batting in between.....this one is a tangible reminder of love from one generation to the next!

Here's a wonderful patriotic number that was so fun to do!  I can never get enough of these types of quilts.  Did a wonderful stars and flags pantograph over the whole top with red/white and blue variegated thread!  What's not to like!

The whole top.....

I have one opening in July for machine quilting.....if you are interested let me know!  

T-Shirt Makeover

I recently took a t-shirt that I liked, but was way too big and remade it to fit better.  It was a simple project and thought you might be interested in the process.

I initially used one of my fav long sleeve t-shirt and laid it out on my cutting table, Then put a piece of pattern paper on top and traced the shapes....sleeve, back, front and then added 1/4" seam allowances.  You could add 1/2" seam allowance if you would prefer.

I folded the sleeve pattern in half and laid it on my shirt and cut it out.  I also saved the hems on the sleeves....I didn't bother to open them up.

I did take a few minutes and a seam ripper and took off the neck ribbing, mainly because I wanted to keep the width of the ribbing, so I could reattach it later.

Lay the front pattern on the front of the t-shirt after cutting the shirt up one of the side seams so you can lay the shirt out flat to work on it. And cut the front out.

Then repeat for the back of the shirt...laying the pattern out and cutting around it.

I next stitched up one shoulder seam using 1/4" and then added the neck ribbing back on stretching it slightly as I stitched.  Then stitch the other shoulder seam....stitching through the ribbing too.  Press the seam allowance away from the ribbing.  Top stitch on the right side through the ribbing with a larger stitch length.

Find the center of the sleeve and the center of the sleeve opening and match those points and stitch the seam.  Press the sleeve seam toward the sleeve.

Then stitch both side seams and under arm seams all at one time.  Notice I was too lazy to take out the hem of the shirt....I left that in as well and just stitched through it and back tacked to secure the seam.

Turn right side out and it is done and fits me wonderfully!!!!