There are a few things I'd do differently next time. First, I would find a flatter magnetic clasp. This one, purchased at JoAnn, was too thick in my opinion. Second, I would try harder to place the snap according to the pattern. I moved mine down a bit because I was having a hard time getting my chunky little hands in there enough to move it higher. Third, I'd consider putting a D-ring and hook on the tab instead of the key ring. The pattern is written to have a lanyard hook onto the key ring, but I'm unlikely to ever use a lanyard, and that key ring was hard for me (chunky little hands with stubby fingers). Other than that, there are always things you do to make the pattern your own, but it works well as written.
I finished quilting the S'mores Snowman quilt. I learned quite a bit on this one. First off, the pantograph I chose was just a little too large for my machine throat, so I could only sew one pass of the pattern at a time instead of two. So I had to think about how to advance the pattern in a little different way. Secondly, this quilt was pretty wavy. I got down to the last 14 inches and realized there would be a huge tuck or the quilt would be extremely out of square. You Tube to the rescue--I found a few videos (one by Kelly Kline, and sadly, I can't find the other video to credit) showing how to use starch and your iron to reduce waves while your quilt is on the frame. It took me a bit longer than the demo videos, but I did it and it reduced enough bulk to finish off the quilt. I still need to sew down the binding and bury all the threads before the final reveal.
We're close to drywall in the basement, and once that starts, I will likely be without access to the longarm until we're done painting. I'm trying to get as much done as possible until that point.
I really want to go to MQX Midwest this fall. I've received the green light, but am feeling guilty about the amount of money. Registration for classes starts Monday, so I'll need to decide soon. Until next week, happy sewing!
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