Thursday 29 January 2009
Wednesday 28 January 2009
blue skies
New paper (from here, and just under an hour for a visit just isn't long enough, trust me!) and sunshine. What more could you want?
Sunday 18 January 2009
trees
The tree quilt is finished. All quilted and washed and attractively wrinkled...
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!
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!
Monday 12 January 2009
Friday 2 January 2009
Thursday 1 January 2009
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