I was asked to produce an applique project for a retreat - something that could be handled in a weekend, and finished at home. I dutifully completed the applique, and the retreat was called off! Darn! The little piece has been sitting about waiting on the right moment to be completed.
Because it is hand appliqued, I figured I really should hand quilt it, and my machine quilting is not all that good. However, it is assembled by machine, so I thought maybe I could do machine quilting on some of it.
All the layers are pinned together, and how is this for good luck, the quilt is about 40" square, and I managed to use just one width of backing fabric. Must remember that in future when making little quilts, to try and keep them this size or less - saves heaps on fabric.
My plan is to machine quilt in the ditch, and use one of my favourite stencils for the borders, which means I don;t have to do free hand quilting, but use the walking foot instead. Around the applique shapes I will hand quilt as there is no way that I could not make a mess of that if I tried free motion quilting. Even with such a busy background, I am sure to make a mess of it.
In case you wonder where I get my ideas from ......well ......they are not my ideas.
This is one my all-time favourite books on antique quilts, and I have made quite a few quilts from pictures seen here. Look at the bottom RHS of the book cover. Recognise anything?
Another confession - I have actually made every single block of this quilt on the cover, and I have given up as I don;t want to do the border half blocks. I am thinking I will just get out one of my beautiful border prints that I have been hoarding for years and finish it. Take the easy way out. I started it 7 years ago......time to give in, don;t you think?
I so enjoy your blog. I love that book. You do great work. I can't machine quilt (free motion) at all. Not on my Phaff. I would love to see your other blocks, even if thay are still in the block stage. Blue vase is perfect
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the kind comment. I will drag those other blocks out this week and see what you think of them. Might also find some of the border fabrics and get an idea of what to do with them,
DeleteWendy
I can do a bit of FMQ but I'm worried that I'll ruin anything that I try it on - so I don't try. I like the idea of using a border fabric instead of making the half blocks, much easier and then you will have a finish.
ReplyDeleteJust wondering, when you use the pictures as inspiration for your quilts do you put that on the label as well?
I am not very good at doing labels. I usually just put my name, and the year. Good idea though.
Deletedear wendy,it is one of my favourite books,too.and i also made the quilt on the cover but with those triangle blocks,have a nice weekend,susi
ReplyDeleteI love this book too. All the vintage quilts really are amazing, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteI really like your album block and the back ground fabric. Great book, one of my favorites. I am still watching for the Little Sister's princess feather :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Stitching Wendy!
Still working on the Little Sister quilt, Cheri. I actually have all 4 border pieces completed now, and just need some time to assemble it.
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