Have had the Urban Renewal quilt top sandwiched for over a week. Because of never-ending interruptions, the hand basting (which SHOULD have taken 2 days) took a week to complete. I hope I don’t come to regret that I forgot to iron the quilt backing before basting. I’m not thrilled with the wrinkled appearance. I’m being extra-careful to keep from quilting in creases.
I began the quilting process last night and am totally enjoying it. This top is being hoop quilted in my lap at night as I watch movies on my computer. Last night, I enjoyed ‘Savannah’ and ‘The Physician’ as I quilted 10 units. I liked both movies.
For those interested in the details, I’m using Hobb’s Poly-Down batting and a light grey and black ‘stone’ 108″ wide backing (trimmed). The thread is black YLI Quilting 
40/3 ply. The needles for this project are R.J. Roberts Betweens, size 7 and size 8 (depending on what I grab from the pincushion). I always use Crayola Washable Markers to draw my quilting guide lines. They’re readily available, cheap and wash out completely. My 36 years experience with these markers proves to me they are stable, leave no residue and wash out without returning. I won’t risk my handmade quilts to anything else.
I’ve spent a little time doing more canning recently. Yesterday, I cooked two large packages of 15 Bean Soup. I included lots of onion, bell pepper, garlic, celery, ham and bacon. Just as it finished cooking, we lost electricity so I postponed the canning process until today. Although our stove is gas, I didn’t want to stand in the dark as I processed the jars.
Rain is predicted for the next couple days. Since getting the new roof, I LOVE it. No more worrying about leaks! Yippee! I didn’t realize just how much I worried until the burden was lifted. Once again, I can enjoy these wet days.
Shirl