The freehand feather sample above has been quilted using Mettler Silk Finish Thread
At last my sewing machine is back home. I spent a fabulous morning last Thursday with the technician working with various threads, needles and tensions to get the best stitch formation possible. He also taught me some neat little hints and tips so I can get the best out of my sewing machine. I learnt so much and just couldn’t wait to start playing with all the fabulous threads I have been collecting. It is the first time I’ve done any machine quilting since my hand surgery last September. All seemed to go well once I got warmed up, I got stuck in and started doodling with the needle. Here are some of the results, each of the pieces of fabric is about 12″ square. I really like to do a thorough test of threads I will be working on in a quilt on a good size test piece before I start quilting on the quilt proper. I file all my test pieces in a journal for reference when I use the thread again. It makes life so much easier!
This sample is a using King Tut thread, I must admit that the feathers were drawn look a bit unusual!
FreeHand feather using Robison Anton metallic gold.
This sample has been made using Polysheen, the heart is a Sharon Schamber pattern.
Pieces of Pye 
Wow, it all looks great to me. Bet you’re like a pig in mud after so long. Maybe you can pass on some of those tips in your classes. Happy quilting.
Glad to see you haven’t lost your touch Sheila!