WIP: Piecing and Pinning and planning

On Monday I mentioned the challenging BOM blocks from my LQS (see post below). Since then I was able to make this month's block and two of the alternate blocks. Here are all the blocks so far since August:

LQS BOM Blocks

The main block gets easier each time I make it, but it still requires careful attention to cutting and handling bias edges.

I pieced these latest blocks on my new Bernina 770 QE. I'm becoming accustomed to the new machine, but I haven't tried anything out of the ordinary yet. The shop where I got it offers classes, but they don't have their schedule for the new year posted yet. I've been watching the video tutorials that came with the machine and they've been helpful. I also made some small quilt sandwiches, just muslin and batting scraps, to try out the quilting functions. I need a lot of practice to improve my FMQ skills, but the stitch regulator is wonderful. The stitches are consistent, even if my lines are a bit wobbly.

I talked DH into helping me move the furniture out of the dining room so I'd have space to pin baste Antler Dance. He whines that tells me my quilting is taking over the whole house!

Pin Basting Antler Dance

My plan is to spiral quilt Antler Dance starting in the center. I still have a lot more pinning to go. As I think about this, since I'm still getting used to the new machine, maybe I should start with something smaller to get the feel of it before I attempt to quilt Antler Dance.

Hmm, an excuse to start something new, maybe a kid-size donation quilt... Do I need another WIP? Yes, I think I've talked myself into it. After all, it's for the purpose of becoming familiar with my new machine, right? Now I have to pull fabrics and plan something.

Linking up with Let's Bee Social at Sew Fresh Quilts and WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced. What are you working on?