I love working on charity quilts for so many reasons.  I like helping others who want to clean up UFO quilt tops.  I like helping people who are disaster victims.  I like helping people who are organizing relief.  BUT…I’ll admit.  I like machine quilting on my long arm and I like practicing on quilts  I always figure that someone who is truly in need doesn’t mind if I experiment with a different batting-or thread-or new quilting design.  The quilts are still fine when I am done with them but definitely not show quilts.
My newest toy that I am experimenting with is a little template to make a clam shell (and other) designs.
I have to put my base plate on the machine when I use the tool. Â Then I just position it which is easy to do and run the machine along the arch. Â It has taken a bit of practice to hole the template in place yet not hold it down too hard so that the machine can still move.
Then I just reposition the template and go over the arch again. Â It isn’t hard but of course harder than a simple stipple.
It wasn’t the ideal design for this quilt but it’s allowed me to practice and I am sure the recipient will be happy with it. Â If I can get this bound in time, this quilt is heading out to an elderly shut in the area.
Although it’s wonderful to help out others, sometimes it’s nice to know a charity quilt is staying here close to home.
Check out the Kaplan sponsored  post here.
Kudo’s to you for learning to use the longarm templates/rulers. I was wondering how long before I would see a post where you had used them. I love them and have a large assortment of shapes and sizes and use them often.
Do you like your clam shell template? What brand is it? I’m slowly accumulating thoe kinds of toys . . .