Monday 7 July 2014

Ideas that make quilting a dream

It’s been a good few days (or more) since I’ve blogged, basically because I’ve been head down, backside up working away at this VERY overdue quilt…….who would have guessed the quilting would take longer than the actually process of putting the quilt together?

This time, I tried spray basting the layers in the sandwich together   lightly before pinning (as was suggested in one of the Craftsy videos) and it’s made a real difference…much easier to quilt as the layers don’t shift.

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So I’m nearly there’…. I’ve finished crosshatching each of the coloured blocks and quilting each of the 41 large beige blocks….

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and each of the 41 small beige blocks…

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and I’ve even got one of the three borders done too….

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and seeing as it’s a 10 inch border, I’ve mirror-imaged the quilting design….more hearts and squiggles (well, it is a wedding quilt!!)

After watching quite a few of my Craftsy online quilt lessons, I saw a great idea for FMQ so I thought I’d try it…..and it worked a treat!  Picked up some of this non-slip matting for $1 at the local ‘cheap’ shop and cut two squares out and voila…instant grip for quilting…..so much easier than gloves!

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made it a dream to quilt….so much easier.

That and my frixion pen for marking my design……makes quilting a treat…..not as stressful as it used to be!  I know that some people hate them, but in our tropical weather, we don’t have the problem of the markings returning in extreme cold (unless we stick the quilts in the freezer) so once they’ve gone, they’ve gone!

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Well, the recipients are back from their honeymoon but it will be a week or so before they get their gift…..I’m close but not close enough, as hubby and I are going on a road trip tomorrow  for a few days….we’re off to Mt Isa.   We’ll be visiting all the fossil sites and stopping off at the little antique shops along the way, just to see another part of the beautiful world around us.   I’ll aim to post some quick blogposts of our travels along the way.  In the meantime, I have to pack…it’s an early start tomorrow so I’d better get a wriggle on.

Sugary hugs xox  :o)

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19 comments:

Jo said...

Looking good.
Did you use a template to trace the patterns in the blocks

Anonymous said...

love your quilt and safe travels my friend.xx

Farm Gate Creations Incorporating Hummingbird Quilting said...

The quilt is coming along nicely, thanks for sharing some of your tips.

Michelle Ridgway said...

Well done on all your hard work. Say hi to "the Isa" for me! Safe travels xx

Maria said...

Great quilting and good tips..
Enjoy your trip with hubby.

e said...

Gorgeous quilt. It will be worth the wait. Wishing you a safe trip, enjoy the shopping.
Love and hugs

Dora, the Quilter said...

I'm so glad to see you are advocating the use of the shelf liner. I've been using it for over ten years--so much faster and so much more comfortable.

Lin said...

Your quilt is looking great and I love the idea of using the rubber matting - I have never felt the urge to try gloves but this I will, thank you. Bon voyage! xx

Jenny of Elefantz said...

A true labour of 'love'....perfect example of married life. :-)
I love spray baste. Brilliant stuff!

Susie said...

Such a beautiful quilt and quilting.

Rosie said...

Quilt looks lovely, I'm sure they will love it.

Christine M said...

Your quilt is looking great, Wendy. That's a great idea with the non-slip matting. Have a safe trip.

Marilyn said...

You are doing well - the quilting does seem to take longer than the piecing doesnt it. I dont like the gloves and have found those rubber matting squares a great alternative. Have a lovely trip to Mt Isa.

Maria said...

The quilt is looking wonderful, Wendy; I love the quilted motif on the beige ...looks great! Have a lovely trip xx

Ondrea said...

Fantastic idea using the grip stuff instead of gloves. I shy away from machine quilting and have tried it but without great success. Maybe the no glove approach will help. Your quilt is looking great. Well done!

Peg - Happy In Quilting said...

Lots of tips Wendy, thank you, your quilting looks awesone..

Pinnylea Creations said...

Great tips - thanks for sharing ..

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Sarah said...

Love the idea of the non slip grip. Much cheaper than gloves and much more accessible for me. I shall remember to try it next time I'm fmq. Thanks for the tip.