Longarming the Fourth Flannel Quilt--Finished!

The top before quilting

Leaf pattern

I made an appointment to longarm this quilt. It had been about two months since I last had an experience on a longarm.  I crossed my fingers and hoped that the session would go well.  I envisioned that I had forgotten a lot! I took two variegated threads as possibilities to quilt the project. One was a variegated 40 weight polyester because the colors were like what was in the top. The second was a variegated cotton thread in shades of purple. 

Thread options

I used the variegated polyester thread. I purchased this cone of polyester Rainbows/pinata by SuperiorTthreads at a quilt show in 2012. I liked it in the project that I chose for it; but, didn't find that it was a "go to" thread until this year. I've used it in at least three projects! Now that I'm seeing its worth, I'll be purchasing a
replacement cone!

I used a Pellon brand of 80 percent cotton and 20 percent polyester batting. I quilted it with a leaf design. I liked the point on the leaves because the points reminded me of the points on the bear paw blocks.

Quilting pattern

It took a long time to get the tension adjusted. Flannel front, flannel back along with the batting made the project extra thick. I loved the texture the quilting created. I also loved how nicely the variegated polyester thread played with all of the fabrics in the top. I ran out of the bobbin during a quilting pass once. I had no thread breaks. 

I did forget how to do some parts of the process; but, I remembered a lot more than I thought I would! It took me seven hours to quilt this flannel quilt. I'm calling it "Bear Paw." I used about 11 yards of fabric in this project. This brings the total of fabric I've used from my stash this year to 32 1/4 yards. I figure I have about $350 and 102 hours invested in this quilt.

I practiced improving my machine binding skills. It was a little better experience; but, I've still a long way to go! The top measured 76 x 91 inches. After it was quilted, it measured 73 x 88 inches. After it was washed and dried, it measured 70 x 85 inches. Flannel shrinks a lot. I hope it will still be a good size for a six foot guy!

Trimming the edges

My dear husband shipped the package a week ago Monday. The package arrived a week ago Tuesday which I thought was amazingly fast given this time of year. It traveled from the Portland, Oregon area to the Seattle, Washington area.

The graduate was flying home from Washington D.C. later on Tuesday. I have received photos of him opening the package and from the body language in the photos, I can tell that he loves it! 

I'm linking to Cynthia at Oh Scrap/Quilting is More Fun Than Housework. This was goal number four on my December list. It was goal number 12 on my Fourth Quarter list. 

Label

This project was also my One Monthly Goal with Patty at Elm Street Quilts. Please click on Cynthia's and Patty's links to enjoy a lot of eye candy! I completed my monthly goal every month this year. That is an accomplishment in itself! I thank Patty for being the inspiration behind my success. I couldn't have done it without her!  Elm Street Quilts One Monthly Goal - December Finish Link-up

Regarding COVID:

Worldwide: 279M cases; 5.39M deaths

United States: 52M cases; 815K deaths

Oregon: 411K cases; 5,598 deaths

Texture after washing

I hope you are all having a Merry Christmas today no matter your circumstances. Some of my friends had to change their holiday plans because either someone was exposed to or contracted COVID or the threat of a winter storm kept people from traveling. At least this year, it is possible to get together with family and friends. While in person is the best, a Zoom session is better than a phone call. Before COVID, I had no idea of a Zoom session. Now I use it about one to two times a week.

It is disheartening to see people in long lines waiting to be tested. It is disheartening that there is a test kit shortage. This COVID is hanging around much too long! 

This morning, I heard the jingle of Santa's bells and caught site of him just as he was finishing his delivery at the neighbor's house. He looked like he was ready for Mrs. Clause's dinner and a long nap!

Quilt back

I've baked the cinnamon rolls my husband made yesterday. Soon, they will be cool enough to eat. I also baked a pecan pie which is my husband and my son in law's favorite pie. My daughter and granddaughter prefer a fruit pie so I baked a gooseberry and blueberry pie for them. As for my preference, I'm an equal opportunity pie eater. . .if it is a piece of pie, I like it!

Our daughter and son-in-law are cooking dinner. We are looking forward to playing with the grand daughters and their new toys. I look forward to seeing all of their Christmas decorations and hearing if they caught Santa delivering their packages or not.

Quilt front

About the time dinner is planned to be served, snow is supposed to fall. I like white Christmases. Those happen rarely here. When they do, the driving conditions are treacherous because people aren't used to driving in those conditions and because there is often ice or freezing rain that accompanies the snowfall. I hope we have no ice.

Last night marked the fifth anniversary of my dad's passing. I can't believe it has been five years as it seems like it was last year. I think fondly of him often.  He loved the season of Christmas. In addition to giving gifts and watching the recipient open the gifts, he loved the Christmas tree. He would sit for hours enjoying the lights while sipping a beverage!