Sunday, October 1, 2023

What's In The Hoop?

During the summer I usually put hand quilting on hold because without a/c it is too darned hot to have a quilt on my lap while hand quilting.  It has cooled off a bit although yesterday made it to a record high I think.  Well, anyway, a couple of weeks ago I finally pin basted a quilt and got it into the hoop so I have something to do while sitting with a very sick and weak hubby who now has a feeding tube. Like a newborn baby he certainly requires a lot of attention right now but after 50+ years of living with the man I think he is definitely worth it. 

So anyway...I have been big stitch hand quilting on Smitten with red perle #8 because that is what I have on hand.  If I stitch long lines I run several needles at one time in a hoop of fabric. That is particularly helpful at this time because I had to get a new hoop because the other one not only had cracked clamps but one of the base pieces had snapped. The clamps always seem so tight on new Qsnap hoops so it's not that easy to get them off and on.  But now they are starting to loosen up a bit, thank goodness. 

Smitten is one of three quilts I ended up making with three big old Castle Wall blocks. This one is inspired by a vintage quilt and has a couple of my favorite things...hearts and roses.   If you would like to know more of the Smitten story I blogged about it back in February. 


I 💓 this one. It said "Be mine, valentine" to me. 


 

16 comments:

The Cozy Quilter said...

I can see why you are smitten with this quilt. Enjoy your stitching today!

Julierose said...

So sorry that your hubby is so sick, Cathy--sending prayers for comfort....
Nice that you have this project to keep you company on watch...;)))
hugs x 2 Julierose

CathieJ said...

I am sorry to hear that your husband is so ill. My thoughts and prayers are with both of you. Smitten is beautiful. I am amazed at the variety of fabrics that you have used. Enjoy your stitching. Hugs.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

hope your husband will improve soon. Enjoy your hand quilting

Linda said...

What a fabulous collection of roses and hearts. Beautiful.

Angela said...

What a cheerful quilt!

Anonymous said...

Hope your husband gets more comfortable over time - so sorry you are both going through this! Lovely quilt, I love the aquas with all the warm colors.

Ceci

Quilter Kathy said...

Hope this cheers your hubby to see you stitching this happy quilt! Enjoy your Slow Sunday Stitching!

Karrin Hurd said...

Beautiful quilt! Happy stitching!

Chantal said...

I, too, am hand quilting with a Qsnap hoop. Those clamps really grip the quilt. How many times have I broken a nail trying to remove the clamp? Not counting anymore. Anywho! This quilt deserves to be quilted and used. It is way too lovely to stay hidden in a closet somewhere. Still sending prayers for both of you. Take care. You are precious. ;^)

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

I would be smitten with this quilt, too, Cathy! Looks like the perfect project for hanging out with your husband. Sending you and your hubby quilty hugs and wishes for good health! ❤️

Linda Swanekamp said...

Oh, I so wish I could do something to help you and your husband during this ordeal. Your work is so beautiful, I can't hand stitch worth a darn. Once upon a time, I did some handquilting, but I think carpal tunnel affected my performance after a bout with it. Will pray for your strength and stamina.

Melisa- pinkernpunkinquilting said...

I am so sorry to hear about your husband, Cathy. You and your family are in my prayers. It is nice to hear that you are able to enjoy some hand quilting. I hope it brings you comfort. Smitten is gorgeous.

Jenny said...

Such a lovely quilt, it certainly is a Valentine beauty.im sure your husband enjoys your quiet times together.

Mystic Quilter said...

Such a cheery quilt, as you say quilting in the heat is no fun at all. I've just begun quilting a small quilt using the Perle 8 and love it.

gayle said...

Keep holding all your valentines close.
Sending virtual hugs.