I'm starting to wonder why I chose to make a queen size quilt as my first, it really is quiet large and awkward to handle.
I'm planning on using a thrifted woollen blanket as the batting in the middle, and more vintage sheets as the backing, all in all 240 squares worth to make the front. It's now all ready for the three layers to be pinned together, but I've hit a bit of a brick wall, I think I've already packed the safety pins, and I'm not sure which of the few dozen boxes they're in.
Now I need a spot of advice, so I'm all set for when I find the safety pins; any of you experienced in quilting, I'm thinking just quilting it by stitching along the seam lines of each of the squares (like along each row, then along each column, if you get what I mean), is this the easiest way, and will I be able to do it on an average sewing machine?
P.S. I spied this lovely quilt on Dee's blog Dee Construction and if mine turns even out half as good as this beauty I'll be very happy.
Gah...I absolutely loved Dee's quilt, and what a brilliant idea to back it with a woollen blanket :)
ReplyDeleteYours is looking wonderful Zara..I am so wanting to make one for myself in the New Year. Sorry I have no advice re:quilting it and do you mind me asking what size squares you are using?
x
That will be a very special house warming gift for your new home! Do what you thing is right as your instincts appear to be pretty spot on. I have also seen some lovely examples of hand stitching contrasting thread beside the seams. Lee Matthews' quilts have this as do Anna Maria Horner's. In the case of Lee it works particularly well with vintage fabrics. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteIt looks gorgeous! Love the colours!
ReplyDeleteWow, it looks stunning! Can't wait to see the finished product. It's my dream to be able to make something like this, I am collecting sheets and plan to have sewing lessons and buy a sewing machine in the new year! :)
ReplyDeleteit looks amazing so far!
ReplyDelete...and i can't even take the credit for mine...my mum did it for me!! :)
Doing a great job. I WANT one!!! Lol. I knew I have been hanging onto my vintage sheets for a reason and maybe something like this would be perfect for them!
ReplyDeleteI just saw Dee's comment about her Mum making it. I know my Mum will be 'helping me' if I make one. :)
ReplyDeleteLooking gorgeous Zara! I agree, a mammoth job but it'll be so worth it.
ReplyDeleteOh bless. You're doing a wonderful job, can't wait to see the finished product.i would love to do one for Little V.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by my little blog and commenting! I loved browsing through yours!!
ReplyDeleteThis is the exact quilt that I am planning to attempt this year. It will be my first quilt, I am have been collecting vintage sheets (and was part of the swap too!) and I want to make a queen size:)
ReplyDeleteI spoke to a friend who is an amazing quilter and she was hand stitching along each side of every seam - does that make sense. When I saw that I thought - perfect! The thought of using a sewing machine to quilt scares me to death.
Also like Tammi, I was wondering what size your squares are?
To those that are wondering, I used a Sew Square thingo, with sides measuring 6 inches (or 16.5 cm). I found it a good size to work with. x
ReplyDeleteZara, what a great job, looks lovely.
ReplyDeleteHi Zara - Your quilt top looks lovely. I can give you some advice having made a few quilts... When you quilt in the fashion you are planning it is called "stitch in the ditch". Google this term for advice but what I can tell you is that each patch will have a natural 'high' side and 'low' side. This high side is created by the side your 1/4 inch seam is pressed to. As you get more experienced at piecing (sewing the patches together) you will keep all your seam allowances on one side. It doesn't actually matter.
ReplyDeleteWhen you stitch in the ditch it is a lot easier to stitch in the low side (it means your needle will not go through an additional 2 layers of seam allowance). Try it and you will feel the difference quite quickly.
Another piece of advice - sorry, my first comment on your lovely blog is me being a bit of a bossy boots - I have used old woollen blankets as the wadding. It is cheap but more difficult to quilt as it is thicker than wool wadding and gets difficult to handle as you quilt. It also makes for a very heavy finished quilt. I have used layers of flannelette sheets (thrifted, of course) rather than the wadding. I used about ten sheets, this cost $20 and made a lovely soft quilt, softer than the blanket.
I hope this all helps, there is so much love and work that goes into quilting and yours will be amazing.
Cx
Looks fantastic! I'm about to start my first vintage sheet quilt! So excited, all the vintage fabrics are so beautiful. I'm loving all the advice given to you, it's given me some insight too! I've never sewn a quilt before, I think Mum's gonna help me too :)
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