Riding a Bike and NTT

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, y'all!  I've been making steady progress on my throw size Greek Cross quilt, and it's finally all quilted. (pouring rain outside though, so still no pretty photos).

Since I haven't done free-motion quilting (or any quilting, for that matter) since September, I worried that I might have trouble keeping my curves nice and smooth.  As it turns out though, for me, smooth stippling is like riding a bike.  Woohoo!  I put on some great music and got right in the zone.  You know what was out of practice and caused me to take more breaks than usual?  My arm and shoulder muscles.  I remember when I first started free-motion quilting, I felt like my shoulders were up in my ears after a little while.  Over time, I learned to relax and and built up some stamina, and eventually my muscles never protested even the longest quilting sessions.  Apparently it's a use it or lose it thing, ha!  Better get busy using them more often then.  :)

I still have the binding to put on this one, which is happening tomorrow for sure, and then if the rain will stop (please!!), I can get some pretty photos of the finish this weekend.  I am using this dark blue print from Cotton and Steel's Macrame collection, which I think will frame these happy colors perfectly.

Last week's party was full of creative inspiration as usual.  Angela at Better'n Dog Biscuits shared this gorgeous improv quilt-

Janine at The Sweetest Dreams linked up this adorable baby quilt finish-

And oh my goodness!  I'm in love with this sweet hummingbird by Jayne at Twiggy and Opal!

I could have chosen SO many more, but I am a little bit late with this post, and I want to go ahead and get this party started!  Sooo....show me what you've got!

1. You can link finished projects or WIP's , but just keep it about quilting and sewing!

2. Link to your specific post (not to your home page!) to make it easier for others.

3. Please remember to spread the word and post my button or a text link within your post.  

4. Spread the comment love far and wide!

5. Following me is not a requirement to link, but is so very appreciated!

*If you're new to the party, here's a helpful tip for linking up- select "Auto Crop"  when selecting your thumbnail photo.  For some reason, trying to crop your own image results in the dreaded "white question mark box," and we definitely want to see your awesome work!  :)