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Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Floating

Dre in Pa asked what Floating the quilt top meant. 

I will try to explain.

On a quilt frame, one can load the quilt so that the quilt top rolls out from a bar.  This requires loading the top onto the bar and it can be tedious, IMHO.

If you notice in the above phot0 (from the internet, by APQS) the quilt top is fastened to the take up bar in the belly of the machine.  This particular frame also has a dead bar that holds the quilt sandwich in position.  I don't have a dead bar.  Please don't ask any questions about it.  

Please also note that the quilt top is rolled up on a bar in front of the needle.  This is the way many quilters mount there quilt tops; fastened to two rollers providing the flat area to quilt.

Floating the top means that the quilt top floats over the backing bar with the batting also floating in between the backing and the top.  The back is positioned on two rolers, the batting lays on top of the backing and the quilt top floats on top of everything.  Like this

I fully intend to make a sling to hold my batting and top off of the floor.  I just don't know how to do it yet.

I think it is easier to float the top.  I have had no problems keeping the quilt edges straight.  I may try to mount the quilt with a top bar in the future.  That means getting a ladder so that I can retrieve the bar from the beamsit down from the sewing loft collar ties.  Maybe in the spring.

I am pleased to report that I have come up with the quilting design for the dark pieces of the log cabin block.
I like.  I think it is just the right combination.  I share it here in all of its imperfection.   You know what?  When I finished this part of the quilt, I was HAPPY.  I was HAPPY for the first time in WEEKS.  I mean, with the election results and a diagnosis of lymphoma happening ON THE SAME DAY I have been a TRAIN WRECK.  Add to that, the uncertainty; is it really lymphoma or could it be SOMETHING WORSE?   So, coming up with this design, HAPPINESS.

Soon the light will last longer.  I will recover from the brutality of diagnostic biopsies and start my treatment.  I will continue to fight the insanity of Trump as POTUS and, if nothing else, be on the right side of history.   Oh and when I get bummed out, there is always The Princess Bride on DVD.



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14 comments:

  1. Linda SwanekampDecember 20, 2016 at 5:12 PM

    Yes! My all time favorite movie! Our family wore out the VHS tapes and are on our third DVD. A couple of years ago, the large performance theater (Sheas) in Buffalo had free Sunday afternoon movies. One was the Princess Bride. Our family, with grown children saw it on the really big screen. Everyone in the theater knew all the lines and it was hysterical.
    So you used the lazy 8's- looks terrific. I am a floater. With the center measuring tape, I have no problem keeping it straight.

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    1. ElizabethDecember 20, 2016 at 6:30 PM

      I like that. I'm a Floater. And I remember that you love The Princess Bride.

      Delete
  2. Betty TDecember 20, 2016 at 5:53 PM

    This is not a question about the dead bar.
    I am so sorry about your double whammy. I keep telling myself, "We survived Nixon." Now you have to survive lymphoma. And the orange dick.
    Please do not quit writing. Your posts go on the "plus" side of life's scales.

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    1. ElizabethDecember 20, 2016 at 6:34 PM

      Oh Boy. From now on Trump will be known as the OD. No one but us will now what it means, unless I take pity and put it in parentheses on occasion.

      Delete
  3. LanaDecember 20, 2016 at 11:55 PM

    I enjoy reading your posts. Princess Bride is great and laughing often helps. I will you a speedy remission and recovery.

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  4. JustGailDecember 21, 2016 at 1:09 PM

    floating the quilt certainly does look easier than getting all the layers on bars and lined up and straight. Although, I think if I were doing this, I'd make a sling to hold the quilt in front for fear I'd be stomping on it.

    Sorry about the health issues, I hope you get a clear answer soon.

    OD....now I'm going to be giggling over that one for a while.

    Oh, and I come up with 252 drawers in just that set of drawers in the last post, so if there's more parts in other drawers, your comment of 400 may not be all that far off.

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    1. ElizabethDecember 21, 2016 at 4:12 PM

      I KNOW!!!! I really do need to make a sling. Maybe this weekend. An old sheet would be fine. Now you have inspired me.

      Delete
  5. LisaDecember 22, 2016 at 1:51 AM

    i am a career teacher and one thing i know from my students is that we make a difference in each others' lives whether we know it at the time or not. you make a positive difference in mine and i'm selfish enough to want that to continue as long as your blogging makes you happy. OD can piss himself, NMP!! my best to you as you find your way!

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  6. LisaDecember 24, 2016 at 11:53 AM

    Elizabeth, Thanks for all the good lessons in sewing and life. I will look for the occasional blog update your thoughts always inspire me.

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  7. UnknownDecember 27, 2016 at 5:58 PM

    Elizabeth, I echo the sentiments expressed here> My younger sister was given the news that she is in remission and will only have to undergo monthly bouts of chemo. Our family had a very thankful Christmas as a result. I empathize with your family and hope for good news for you. Any chance to lighten your mind and enjoy life is a blessing. My future prayers will be for your healing. You take care and enjoy life where it takes you.
    Best wishes.

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  8. BCDecember 30, 2016 at 11:23 PM

    I love how your humor and spirit shines out to us in your writing. We need it. Sending all good thoughts to you.

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