Basting in the Kitchen

I basted this adorable baby quilt together tonight.  It's not mine; it was made by a friend's daughter and they asked if I would quilt it.  

I am honored that they have entrusted me with it, and I'll do my best. They understand I am still learning so it is bound to have some...idiosyncrasies.  The plan is to use a blue variegated thread and stipple it.

I came across this post at Shelly's Quilts several months ago, and I bookmarked it to read and re-read whenever I need a quilting pep talk.  I really should print it out and post it somewhere in my sewing room.

Last week, I bought a couple of delightful quilt patterns.  The first was this awesome Funky Peppermint table runner from Penny at Sew Take a Hike.  It's for sale in her Etsy shop here, but the first link has a nice, close-up photo.  It's a paper pieced pattern, which I didn't know until after I bought it, but I guess it's as good a time as any to give paper piecing another chance and hopefully get more comfortable with it.

Next was the Chain Linked pattern by Amy at Diary of a Quilter.  I fell in love with this quilt at first sight and am so glad she made the pattern available.

Finally—oh-my-gosh!—is the Mod Beads quilt pattern from Liz at Lady Harvatine.  It looks a little tricky with those curves, but she claims it's easier than it would appear.  Check out the Christmas version she is working on now (scroll down toward the end of that link).  Too cute!

Sorry to have you jump around with all those links, but remember you can right-click and select "open link in new tab" instead of navigate off the page and back.  Most of you probably already knew that.

Before I can start on any of those, however, I need to get a few other things finished.  Remember the Christmas whirlygig quilt?  

'Tis the season to get it quilted!  I found the Sheri Berry fabric on clearance at Fabric.com recently and ordered what I hope is enough for the backing.  Unfortunately, the 4 yards came in 3 pieces, which will present a "design opportunity."

Did I ever show you the selvage from this fabric from when I pieced the top?

Cheistmas?  (The green writing is mine).  That's definitely an E not an R.  You can see both below, for comparison.

 If I were the designer, I would be more than annoyed.

Anyone need a proofreader for their selvages?  Call me—will work for fabric!