Off the frame

Toddler Quilt

This lovely quilt was hand-embroidered by a grandmother (I think) for her granddaughter.  I've had the top for over a month now and it is definitely time to return it.  This customer would like a little help with the binding and we discussed adding a label to one of the corners too.

So the bias binding is ready to be sewn to the front and I just need to get the label for the back.  I know there's a little girl who will be delighted to cuddle up with this special quilt.

We decided to match the quilting threads with each fabric.  That's a lot of thread changes, but it showcases the embroidery, which is definitely the star of this show.  The backing and binding is the same pink gingham as the sashing.

More technical details (feel free to skip this if you don't quilt on a frame) :
I didn't have the right size circle template for the wreaths and really didn't want to trace a lightly drawn circle.  There would be slight wiggles and I wouldn't be happy with that.  Since the templates don't come in the size I needed, I would have had to have one custom made, which would be cost prohibitive.  Waaaay more than the price I quoted to quilt this one.  So, I asked for help from other longarm quilters.  One suggestion was to purchase an embroidery hoop in the desired size (minus the hopping foot radius).  I tried it a few times on practice fabrics first to make sure it wouldn't slip and I was pleased with the results.  I prefer templates, but the hoops work when needed.  I started at the circle top (12 o'clock) with the inner metal ring pinchers at the 10 o'clock position.  Then traced around the circle until I approached my thumb (near 5 o'clock) .  I pinched the inner ring and rotated it to 2 o'clock.  Then repositioned my hands so I could complete the circle without needing to reposition again. 

I'm off to a fencing tournament today.  It's been a long time since we've fenced regularly, but it's definitely time to put this back in my routine.  It's felt good and a bit awkward to pick up that sword again.

Enjoy your day!
- SeeingStars

Well, now I'm grinnin'

After yesterday's post with the awful quilting in the borders, I'm happy to share new photos of Judy's quilt.

Now that it's off the frame, you can really see those spots stand up at attention.

Can't tell you have many times I've bounced my fingers off those poofy stars and circles.

Yesterday, I was a pickin'.  Today I'm a grinnin'. 


Enjoy your day!
- SeeingStars

Pickin' and a Grinnin'

Quilting detail for Judy's Baby Quilt Pattern

Once the circle templates arrived, I tossed a Project Linus quilt top on the frame to test out those circles.
They're fun and fairly easy to use.  I also have a new template foot which I've put to good use on these last two quilts. 

Double layers of Hobbs 80/20 batting lets those circles poof

There are several filler designs quilted densely enough to puff those circles.  My goal is to enjoy the texture.  Since the threads are a soft baby blue, those wonderful fabrics are still prominent.  Those stars also get to puff up and be noticed.

That white border just isn't right.

 

So the pickin' part is going to be to remove the stitches in the white border.  They just aren't pretty.  Too wobbly and uneven.  I only wish I'd decided this wasn't working before I got so far, about 50% around the quilt.  Oh well.  I'll listen to an audio book while I pick threads.

Now the big decision is to find a better design.  One that I can do without ugly wobbles.  Guess I'll practice those figure 8's on paper a lot more often.  I knew that I have trouble making them balanced, but still wanted them on this quilt.

Switching subjects to current events, my prayers go out to those affected by the tornadoes yesterday, especially those who lost loved ones.  Our community was hit hard again, but the injuries were minor.   The aerial views of damage in Indiana is saddening.

I plan to take extra time today to hug those I love.

Enjoy your family today and let them know you love them.
- SeeingStars