So I told myself I had to complete a couple of table runners for a pattern I am working on before I let myself get involved in the July Free Motion challenge. In one respect that was a good decision, because I got to see what other folks were doing, and it gave me some ideas. I really studied the swirl pattern from Angela Waters, and I think I started to get it, but as I think about it after the fact, there are a few things I would do differently. I noticed a couple of things: my stitch length is way more consistent, and I am getting better at moving back and forth across the quilt sandwich by doing the patterns upside down.

This is progress for me, because normally I read about something, try it out, and then feel satisfied. That’s how I’ve always been, even though I know about muscle memory. This time I made myself stay with the one pattern, and it truly made a difference in completing the piece. Much more comfortable with the pattern, with the hum-purr (thanks, Cindy!) of the machine, and my stitch length.

That said, I used a cotton lame on the top, a cotton on the back, Bottom Line in the bobbin, and an Art Studio light purple from Superior Threads for the top. My batting was some left-over Quilter’s Dream, low loft. I found the absolutely perfect binding in my stash. This will be a great table topper for some of my plants.

It looks so much better in person! The colors are truer – and it’s really shiny!

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