So where were we? Oh yes, way back last summer, I started a baby quilt for my friend's new baby. It was all going smoothly...until it wasn't.
Because it is a baby quilt and will be washed frequently, I had a few criteria for it. These aren't "rules" or anything, but they were my criteria for making this quilt:
- The circle edges had to be clean, not raw.
- I didn't want to hand appliqué the circles down because it took too long (the irony of this is not lost on me, trust me) and doesn't wear well.
- I didn't want the edges of the circles to be satin stitched.
I was going to use interfacing to get clean edges, but I've done it before and the white interfacing showed along the edges. I didn't want that to happen again. And so it sat...stumping me...and then life got crazy.
Well, young Malcolm is coming up on his first birthday soon -- how is that possible?! -- so it's time for this quilt to be finished and get cuddled. I put on my big girl panties and did the interfacing trick again, but this time, I paid more attention to hiding the interfacing when I pressed it. It also helps that the background for the circles is Kona Snow so if any interfacing does peek out the sides, it will blend.
I was also worried about the edges of the circles shifting as I did a tight zigzag stitch around them so I used a glue stick and pins. It worked! Bye, bye creative block!
I'm so very pleased with how this top turned out. I started quilting it too.
Think I'll finish it before Malcolm turns one?
this is a very neat quilt M- R...I love how modern it is!!! May use it sometime...ok? Maybe...not getting ahead of myself here....lol. but Inlove it!!!! Love all Kona too. waiting for my order from Pam now....
ReplyDeleteVery cool! Might have to do something similar one of these days... put it in the inspiration file.
ReplyDeleteWow! I love the bubble top ... totally worth all the pain :)
ReplyDeleteI love the bold, graphic nature of this baby quilt. And thanks for sharing the nitty-gritty on how you achieved the results you wanted. : )
ReplyDeleteIt's always those "simple" designs that are the trickiest to achieve. And this one is a stunner! I've yet to use the interfacing technique for appliqué, but I will be very soon on some Orange Peel blocks. Fingers crossed!
ReplyDeleteI know exactly that feeling, not wanting to do something because it takes too long and then realizing if I had only bit the bullet, it would have been finished! Anyway, your top is gorgeous and I am sure the momentum of that will carry you through.
ReplyDeleteYou nailed it! I totally love what you did and when the quilting is finished this is going to be amazing!
ReplyDeleteI love applique, and your bold circles look great. Ha! I totally get the "it takes too long" thing...I've always wanted to stitch on applique with the turning method, but...yeah...too long. Thanks for hosting the link-up! My link isn't necessarily a finished product either, but a way to keep the sewing going while you're out at VBS, gymnastics, camp, swim lessons, beach days, and vacations (at least that's where we've been!). My machine time has definitely been limited this summer!
ReplyDeleteI do have a trick for circles but maybe no circles that large. I'm glad your method worked (have used your technique as well - by Eleanor Burns). Very fun and exuberant quilt!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great modern quilt! I think you can get it done; especially since you are so happy and already into the quilting. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI love your quilt and would love to make one. All that negative space, oooh.
ReplyDeleteI love your quilt and would love to make one. All that negative space, oooh.
ReplyDeleteIt looks great M.R. and I'm glad you got over your creative slump. Using the glue stick is a great tip.
ReplyDeleteThat's a beautiful, fun, and so unique quilt. Just love it.
ReplyDeleteLove the colors on this one!
ReplyDeleteVery nice, M-R. I love the colors. My quilt top is a TGTTIF also. The extreme high heat index is making it hard to get it quilted this weekend. Thanks for hosting this week's linkup.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely GORGEOUS!!! Well done!
ReplyDeleteVery modern, very chic. Love everything about it.
ReplyDeletesewpreetiquilts at gmail
This is beautiful! I love the colours and the minimal design. I am looking forward to seeing how you are quilting it!
ReplyDeleteQuilting and glue go together very well. I use Elmer's clear water soluble glue for all my applique'. It washes right out and holds those applique' piece in place until I can get them stitched (if you heat set the glue with an iron).
ReplyDeleteAnyway, it is a wonderful quilt especially for a 1 year old.
Looking good! I really like those different backgrounds and the whole thing :)
ReplyDeleteIt looks great. but how do you define raw? I thought it was raw (even if you zigzag it) unless it was needleturned or seamed under... Hmm...
ReplyDeleteWhen you've hit a quilty road block, being past it is definitely worth celebrating.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great pattern. Good luck finishing it in time for his birthday.
ReplyDeleteI love this block!
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