I’m still hand-sewing the binding to the back. As you can see in the image above, I didn’t attach the binding very well (it’s not an accurate 0.25seam).
School has been back for two days and I thought I would have more time to get things done – but I seem to be achieving less. How does that work?
I like continuous binding, but I always have trouble with the last join. This time I watched a DVD tutorial by Brenda Smith. I watched a bit, did what she did, watched the next bit etc. I achieved perfect results – I didn’t even end up with a pinch in the binding because I put the join in slightly the wrong spot. In fact she made it so clear I’m not sure why I had trouble in the past.
My copy of the DVD came from the latest issue of the Homespun magazine (I know it sounds like I work for this magazine, but I hardly ever buy it. I’ve bought the last two issues for the DVDs).
I’ve still got to hand sew the binding to the back of the quilt, so I shall an image tomorrow of the (hopefully) finished quilt.
I used my acufeed foot to attach the binding, but it was hard to get 0.25 inch seam. I either need to use my patchwork foot or purchase a quarter inch acufeed foot.
Filed under Quilting, Sewing Machine
I’ve cut the binding strips for this quilt. I cut two inch strips (rather than 2.5) because I’m not sure if I have enough fabric.
Yesterday I went and saw West Side Story – it was fantastic. I do like a good musical.
Filed under Quilting
I bought the Homespun magazine (not the current one but the previous issue) because it came with Inspired Machine Applique with Michele Hill DVD. I love doing applique, but I’ve never worked out the best way of attaching my shapes to the background fabric.
Michele’s (she’s the one on the left in the image) quilts are amazing; complex with lots of intricate looking shapes.
Here she is laying out her pieces …
She had quite a simple technique (probably hard when you try it yourself). She copied the design onto applique paper which she then ironed onto the wrong side of the fabric. Cut the shapes out (this is probably a bit tricky), removed the paper and ironed them onto the backing fabric.
She then stitched around the pieces using a blanket stitch an embroidery sewing thread (she prefers rayon).
She has a great method for stitching points – she simply stitches across the points.
I should point out that she would normally use a matching thread (she used the white to make it easier to see).
Michele had a really personable style and a really relaxed approach to the process. If you are at all interested in applique, I would recommend seeing this DVD.
Filed under Applique, Inspiration, Magazines, Quilting
I finished the quilting – above is the front.
Here is the back …
I thought the front was probably too girly (not sure if it is a girl or boy), so I made the back a bit more boyey.
Filed under Free Motion Quilting, Quilting
When I free-motion quilt I tend to do loops and swirls – it just seems to be my natural style. I’ve been trying to make the loops rounder. I’ve been concentrating on the getting the sewing machine speed and the speed I move the quilt right. Sometimes I have big stitches and sometimes small ones but I am getting better with practice.
This time I’ve also had a bit of trouble with the tension – I’ve tried fiddling with the needle tension, but I haven’t been able to solve the problem completely. Increasing the needle pressure has helped, so I might try altering the tension with increased needle pressure and see what happens.
Filed under Free Motion Quilting, Quilting
I’ve started quilting this quilt. I’m doing free-motion swirly things (my version of stippling). I’m definitely getting better with practice. I found a supreme slider (it’s a silicon sheet you put between your sewing machine and the quilt – there is a hole for the needle) made things much easier to move the fabric.
Filed under Free Motion Quilting, Quilting
I’ve used two packets of charm squares (Nicey Janey by Heather Bailey). It has gone together very quickly. I love how clear the colours are in this fabric range (my photo doesn’t do it justice).
Filed under Quilting
I’ve been very unproductive the last week or so and as it school holidays for the next two weeks I don’t think that is going to change. However, I have bought The Gentle Art of Quilt Makingby Jane Brocket.
I have her Gentle Art of Domesticity which I loved (I’m sure she is living the life I should have had!) So I had to have this one.
Once again it is beautifully presented. It contains 15 quilts and a description of in the inspiration behind each quilt. What Ms Brocket does really well is to take away the paralysing effect of perfection – it’s all about having a go and making something usable (and beautiful). Most of the pieces are squares or strips (much easier to cut and sew) and the wow factor is produced by the fabric selections. Who would have thought squares on point could be so spectacular (see the cover image above).
Here are three of my favourites …
Beach Hut (Ice Cream)
Amarylis
Purple Rain
Don’t let my dodgy photography put you off. I think this book is designed for quilters of all levels.
Filed under Book Review, Inspiration, Quilting
I finally finished this quilt for Miss P.
I free-motion quilted the borders and sashing, stitched in the ditch around each block and did straight line quilting on the diagonals of each block (skipping the applique).
I managed to make this quilt entirely from my stash – I’m not sure if this is a good thing or not (at least it’s getting smaller).
I’m now looking around for a new project and I have a few ideas – one involves this fabric …
Filed under Applique, Machine Embroidery, Quilting
