Welcome!

Welcome to In A Stitch Quilting!  As my name suggests I offer quilting services.  I use an Ansley 26 Tin Lizzie long arm quilt machine.  I would be more than happy to quilt your next project.  You may drop me a line by leaving a comment on this blog or by emailing me at cindy (at) inastitchquilting.com for further information.

In the Beginning

I entered the world of blogging in 2010 when my husband’s cancer returned.  Through that blog I chronicled our journey from discovery, through radiation and beyond.  While the blog is still up and running I typically only post when we have updates to share.  This blog has been active since May 2012.  I started this blog as a way of promoting my business and as a platform to share my love for quilting.  As you browse through my blog you will find pictures and stories of my projects and quilts. Stay long enough and you may even meet my sweet little puppy, Sadie.

I am currently participating in Freshly Pieced’s WIP Wednesday and A Lovely Year of Finishes.  Friday’s are set aside for “favorites.”  Favorite notions, shops, fabrics, food, etc. What falls in and around those days varies.  I have great ambitions to join a variety of other challenges and activities.  Nothing more can be added to my schedule though until I finish my last quilt for the Hurricane Sandy Project.  If you are curious about the first three quilts I have finished for that effort search my categories for postings.

I am a member of three quilt guilds.  There’s the Rock Valley Quilters Guild, the Rock River Modern Quilt Guild and the Madison Modern Quilt Guild.  I hold the positions of treasurer and public relations at the Madison Modern Quilt Guild.

Now that you’ve learned a little bit about me it’s time to get this ball rolling.  Time to learn what’s going on.  Here we go . . .

Beat the Winter Blues

Michelle at Quilting Gallery has a serious case of spring-fever.  To add a spark of excitement to these long days of winter she’s organized another blog hop.  I could use a bit of excitement as well so I have decided to join in on the fun.

Last time I participated in her blog hop I made two adorable Hold Anything Bags by Dancing Crane Designs.  I purchased the pattern from Mill House Quilts in Waunakee.  While the bags were a huge success I thought it might be boring to offer the same type of item.  So this time around I’ve decided to do something different.  Just like with December’s prize this one is hand-made as well.

Garden Party Runner

One very lucky winner will receive a hand-made table topper.  The pattern I chose was the “Garden Party Runner” by Mary Cain of Cain Creations in Sun Prairie, WI.  I’ve tried without success to locate an internet address for her pattern.  If you are interested in obtaining a copy for yourself you might try contacting Mill House Quilts through their website.  They have a wonderful supply of fabric, and patterns as well as notions.

The pattern normally produces a 14″ wide x 38″ long adorable, super simple table runner.  The first time I used the pattern I followed the instructions exactly as they were printed.  Being a rebel who likes to do things her own way I decided this time to change things up a bit.

Modifications

1. To start, I’ve made this one a table topper with measurements of 20 1/2″ wide x 27″ long.

2. Next I changed the dimensions of the piping accent. I thought the piping on my first project was too narrow.  The pattern instructions don’t really tell you how wide to cut the piping strips so I guessed.  Obviously I guessed wrong because they were barely visible under the binding.  I was very unhappy with the appearance so I remove it.  The piping on this new table topper is 1/2″ wide.

3. The third change I made was the order in which the components were assembled.  The pattern tells you to sew on the piping before you quilt.  With the piping already attached it made it difficult to quilt.  The only way to quilt underneath the piping was to pin it out-of-the-way.  That seemed a bit odd.

This time I added a row of stitching 1/4″ from the edge to stabilize the seams.  Next I quilted the table topper.  Once the quilting was complete I added the piping on all four sides.  I was so much happier doing it that way.  The outcome was much more pleasing.

So What Does it Look Like?

Are you curious what it looks like?  Well I won’t make you wait any longer.  Time to reveal this blog hop’s prize.

As you can see I used the  Metropolitan Fair charm pack for the body of the table topper.  You can find a link to the fabric here:  Barbara Brackman’s Metropolitan Fair .  The piping was made out of Berry Blue Spirit of the Fair and the binding and backing are Charlotte Russe Chocolate Old Curiosity.  Sandwiched between the fabric layers is a layer of Warm & Natural batting.

So what do you think?

How Do I Register?

* * * * *  U P D A T E  * * * * *

THE GIVE-AWAY IS NOW CLOSED!

Now I suppose you are wondering how to register.  Well, here’s the deal.  You have two opportunities to win.  For your first chance all you have to do is leave a comment.  To earn a second chance at winning start following my blog then post a second comment telling me that you did.  If you are already a follower tell me so in a second comment.

You may register for my table topper until Midnight (CST) on Thursday, March 14, 2013.  One very lucky winner will be chosen by Random.Org and announced on Friday, March 15th.  If for any reason the winner does not respond within the allotted time a second name will be chosen.

Get Registered!

So what are you waiting for?  Get ready to participate in Quilting Gallery’s Beat the Winter Blues Blog Hop Party.

Register to win my table topper then slide on over to Quilting Gallery and get connected to the other wonderful participating bloggers. Who knows?  You just might be lucky!