Melons Quilt

Hello there
its been a while since I blogged but I always like to have a finished quilt to show.
this is my latest one. It was a happy mistake.  I actually wanted to make an orange peel quilt but couldn't find the tool.
Instead I bought an uneven nine patch ruler, thinking it would do.  When it arrived, it was far too big for an orange peel block.  Never mind, thought I'd play with my new ruler anyway!

 I used a charm roll called Love Glows from Crafts and Quilts.  Isn't it lovely fabric ?

These blocks measure 10.5".  Once they are made, I used the ruler to cut these shapes.

 Using the nine patch ruler again, I cut melons in cream to join the blocks together.
Then it was onto the frame for quilting.

 I used one layer of Soft and Bright and machine quilting thread from Empress Mills.

 So far, so good.......

 The only marking for quilting I did for the melons was a dot in the middle.  Its all freehand.

 This is my machine, a Janome 1600P.  I don't have a stitch regulator.  If you are wondering what the silver lever is by the handle, its a modification my husband did for me.  I really didn't like the gizmo that came with the set up, a start/ stop button and a dial for setting speed so now I have this.  My husband's a gem!

 Just off the frame .....

Finished and bound!

 I'm busy working away on a new quilt so will have more to show soon.
Have a great weekend and thanks for visiting today.
happy quilting
Rhianon

Patches and Pinwheels Quilt

 Way back in February of this year I decided I wanted a vintage sewing machine so I bought one from Ebay.

Its an old Jones, 1929 and is called The Royal Ruby.

Isn't she lovely?  After some initial problems with the tension, my clever husband got it sewing beautifully.  I find it very relaxing cranking that handle.

Of course I had to make a quilt on it..........

I was very kindly given a lot of batik scraps which I couldn't wait to use.   Where do you go when you want to make a scrappy quilt ?   Bonnie Hunter's website of course, www.quiltville.com
She has lots of free patterns and Bonnie is the Queen of scrap quilts.

This one is Patches and Pinwheels.

I used scrappy neutrals as a contrast to the batiks.

Here I am playing around with borders.

I made a stack of batik string blocks but decided not to use them.
So, onto the frame now......

I had a bit of a break from sewing over the summer so this was my first quilt on the frame for around 3 months.  For anyone who doesn't know, my set up is a Janome 1600P on a queen sized Gracie frame.

Borders.....

It was quite a slog finishing this one with all the small feathers but I got there in the end.

Now it is waiting to be trimmed and bound.

I'll be doing Bonnie's Grand Illusion mystery quilt this year but I am doing it half the size.  I don't often make other quilters designs but I love the way Bonnie constructs a quilt and she is a master piecer. If you'd like to improve your piecing skills, then do a Bonnie quilt.  She makes it easy and fun!  I'll be posting here regularly and joining in with Bonnie's linky parties.
I'm working on a couple of cushions just now and will get them finished before the start date.  Might even get Luna's quilt finished!!

This just happens to be another Bonnie design - Blue Ridge Beauty from her Adventures with Leaders and Enders book.
Off to sew for the day now.
Have a great weekend. See you next time
Rhianon.