I've enjoyed every stage of making this quilt, cutting all the bits and sewing them together (no ruler or rotary cutter required!) then basting and quilting. I did intend to hand quilt, I had plans for tiny stitches outlining the trees, and filling them in and covering the whole quilt, all closely spaced... And then I was ill over Christmas and then I realised I had four evenings to finish the whole thing and decided machine quilting was really the best option...
But it was still a pleasure to quilt, absorbing. And although I did end up with a few knotty caught stitch bits at the back (I think perhaps the foot was too low, but I don't think it can be altered) my old machine was still a pleasure to use. I love the patterns created on the back too...
I did finish the binding by hand, a very satisfying task, gradually seeing the quilt become complete, it's weight on my knee...
Every stage of this quilt has been so interesting and relaxing to create. Time suspended. I've always looked forward to the next step, always been eager to get back to it, had to drag myself away at bed time. I think, because I had no preconceived ideas about how it should look or how it should be, I've felt a great sense of freedom whilst making it.
But it's also made me realise there are things I would do differently, better... a wider seam allowance, better pressing of seams, more bravery with the colours... I based the quilt with red thread and it really made the greens and browns sing. I also still want to have a go at hand quilting... on to quilt number two I think!
9 comments:
This is an absolutely adorable quilt. I think it looks all the better for being spontaneous and irregular, gives it a folky look I think. The next one that I make I am going to free myself from the shackles of measuring!
Do you have a walking foot on your machine? Also, did you lower the what's it's name, tread?
You should join us for our next meeting, a workshop making piano hinged books.
this reminds me of some paper cards I made once with little triangles of paper. It is so simple, yet so attractive. Probably more difficult in sewing as I consider how you had to piece it.
Love your color palette, too!
very lovely!
sarah, it is breathtakingly beautiful! i love it. i am in awe that it is your first quilt... you did such a beautiful job from start to finish! the final design retains that sense of freedom that you write about, of playfulness... it's wonderful.
xo
Hi Sarah.
I'm beginning to become slightly stressed about my book making - or lack of it. I'm thinking if I aim to have done about 15 that's loads isn't it??! That will probably mean that I'll get about 10 done so that should be fine. between us all we'll definately fill a table.
Ruth and I are having a conflab tomorrow about the text photos we need to submit on friday - some telephone conferencing might be needed! Hope you're well. see you soon.xx
wow!
this is lovely!
Great blog. Very interesting. Greetings from Spain
i love it! well done xx
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