Saturday, December 23, 2006

Merry Christmas

Everything is going great here. I have totally fallen under the spell of Florida. It's so warm and wonderful. I'm so happy I'm not trying to fly into Colorado to see family for the holidays, but boy do I feel sorry for all those folks stranded across the country.

I had some questions from folks the last time I posted an update of my quilting progress on Merry Penguins. Yes, this is regular old quilting thread. I do have pretty nice stitches if I don't say so myself, but that is completely due to not using any kind of hoop or frame. Really and truly. Check out my tutorial in the sidebar. This pic should get quite large if you click on it.

The M is 3 3/8" square if that helps give you an idea of scale. Hey, look at how uneven my freehand fans are - that's part of the charm.


I've been quilting bit by bit, but am not yet even half way done yet.

Everyone have a very safe, happy, healthy holiday.

20 comments:

QuiltingFitzy said...

o-o-o-pick me!

I know the next word!

CHRISTMAS!

Same to you, I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog!

YankeeQuilter said...

So glad you are settiling in with the cats in Florida! The tree looks great. Have a happy holiday.

Siobhan

quiltpixie said...

your quilting is great. I've tried quilting wihtout a frame, but find my hand gets really tired, but your stitches are enough to encourage me to keep trying :-) Enjoy the sunshine and warmth...

Candy Schultz said...

Wow if that is hand quilting it is beautiful. I sometimes leave off the hoop but I don't like it. What I do insteat is use the hoop but keep the fabric very loose in the middle of it. Sort of the best of both worlds for me. There was someone on Simply Quilts a couple of years ago who was advocating quilting without a hoop. Again your stitches are gorgeous.

Quilts And Pieces said...

Baloney - your fans are not uneven! I can't get mine that even with marking! It is beautiful!

Elaine Adair said...

You DO have beautiful stitches! Great job.

I was in New Port Richey, Florida, and wonder where you are? I did not like Florida at all, although the warmth was wonderful, the traffic was unacceptable! But then I live in a town with only 5 traffic lights! LOL

Thanks for the clever "Merry"

Susan said...

That "merry" looks great. Looks like you are having a good, quiet catch-up time in Florida - yay! It also sounds as if you got the apt. in Paris that you had blogged in the past - the cool looking one with tall ceilings? That's great!

You'll get all the health issues cleaned up and get to fly over without having to worry about anything but cats. You'll have an apt. with furniture already in it. Life can be good. =)

Simonetta said...

Have a great Christmas,joy and serenity!!!

Unknown said...

Tonya - your quilting is beautiful as ever - that will be one lovely Christmas quilt once it's done, it will be an odd Chrsitmas away from DH and dealing with your health but I wish you a peaceful happy Christmas and a healthy, French 2007 :o)

Lucy said...

Merry Christmas Tonya.. and I love to see you stitches . they are so beautiful!!

Unknown said...

Beautiful quilting like this is a wonder to behold. I just love that fan pattern.

"Merry..." to you too!

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas, Tonya, and the new year bring you the well deserved health, good spirit and lots of new quilts.

With sincere admiration

Cher said...

I can only concur with everyone's comments on your delightful quilting Tonya=always inspiring to see up close.
Glad you can quilt some of the waiting time away until you are cleared to fly to Paris..hope your holiday is as merry as possible!

ForestJane said...

Wow, your stitches are great!

Do you dive under the letter with the green thread, then start in that spot with red? That's an awful lot of start/stopping.

Merry Christmas, Tonya!

Tracey @ozcountryquiltingmum said...

That's fabulous and so pleased you are well enough. As all my family sleeps after a big Chrisymas day, I had to log in and say Happy Christmas and I'm thinking of you. Have fun, Tracey. ps the kitten was such a hit and never ate the chook!

Carol E. said...

Beautiful quilting! I'm in awe. I'm happy to hear you sounding so rested and relaxed. The FL sun is good for you. Love your free spirit Christmas tree. There are small perks to being separated from loved ones at Christmas - a tree like you could not have otherwise! Best of luck with the health issues and may you have a quick and imminent reunion with your sweetie in Paris, the city of love.

Hanne said...

Your free hand quilted fans are lovely Tonya, as are your stitches. Your blog has been a great inspiration to me through this year. I am looking forward to read it every time. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas.

Katie said...

I'm doing my first hand quilting without any hoop too. Sure makes sense to me. I don't know how you get such small stitches but I'm working on it. I'm also having trouble keeping my line straight between needle loads. Scratch kitties ears for me and keep enjoying the FL sunshine.

CarmiƱa said...

Hello Tonya,
I like so much your differents quilts (from another quilters) with letters.
My first attemp to quilting was without any hoop. I learn by myself reading and seeing magazines and books about quilting. Now I normally use a big round hoop but I will try again without it.
I like to see your wonderful Quilts, and your tutorials.
Thank you for share.
Happy Holidays.

Deni said...

Tonya,
Your stitching is fabulous. I am sending this picture to a friend of mine. I was trying to describe Baptist Fans and not doing a good job. This shows it great.

I hope you are feeling better now that you are in Florida. Wish I was there. We are so cold here in Oregon.

The cats are cute!

Denise