Thursday, May 9, 2013

Hand Quilting

I love this quote from greenQuilts blog:

"There's just something about hand quilting.  It speaks to slowing down and enjoying the process.  In this world of rush and hurry and get MORE done, it's quite the opposite.  Take your time and enjoy the process.  I certainly am."

The $5 Goodwill Quilt

I needed a break from the sewing machine so I have picked up the $5 Goodwill quilt to work on again. I took it out of the frame this week and have been lap quilting without a hoop.  I have discovered there are many quilters who quilt this way. (Celebrate Hand Quilting Blog)  It has been so relaxing to sit in the recliner, with the quilt in my lap, ( a little dachshund under the quilt), and being able to stitch away, without having to sit at a frame for an extended period of time.  Downside:  my lap quilting isn't as pretty on the back as the quilting that was done on the frame.  :(  I think I'll look for a small hoop this weekend and try using that method.  I had forgotten how much I enjoyed hand quilting.  (funny how the internet makes us think we have to go high tech to be in the quilting 'race')  I'm going back to the basics; quilting is for ME.

26 comments:

  1. I like that you are doing things 'your way' - I think whatever works and is pleasing for you is the 'right way'...and it's going to have a wonderfully 'hand made' look to it...but I'm also sure you are doing VERY GOOD STITCHING!!!
    What a pretty quilt and $5 is all...lovely.
    Karen

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  2. I'm with you Penny. I've decided to do my own thing, my own way in my quilting. There are no quilt police.... I hope! Nothing I do will be perfect, but that's ok. Its me.

    I really, really want to finish the handquilting of my Grandma quilt that I started soooo long ago. I just have to get motivated.

    I like this quilt you are doing a lot. It will be very special with your sweet little stitches and puppy dog kisses going on. (I made a rhyme... I'm a poet and didn't know it!)

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  3. Yay you! Doing what you like, and liking what you do.

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  4. I have always hand quilted. I use a round hoop I got at Joann's. a bit expensive, but if you wait for a coupon it is not so bad. I used to use a wooden one but LOVE this one. I don't know the brand, but it is a tan color, made of fiberglass(I think) and has a locking system like the laminate floors, so doesn't slip.
    Brenda

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  5. Me again. Just checked Joann's. (should have done that first) It is a Dritz hoop . I use a 14" which seems to be a good size to hold in my lap. Bonus, it is on sale tomorrow, online or in store.

    Brenda

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  6. **thanks, Brenda** I will check that out!!

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  7. The quilt is lovely and what your doing sounds very relaxing.

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  8. Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog. Love the $5 quilt!

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  9. Hi, Isn't it great to let go of the quilt "race" I love to find so many handquilters. Dineke from the Netherlands

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  10. The best about handquilting is the unvinding bit. And of course to get a soft quilt at the end.
    Like your quilt.

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  11. That is a very pretty quilt for $5 and your stitching looks nice!

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  12. I love your $5 Goodwill quilt - great find!

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  13. do what you like and enjoying making it.

    Your stitching is just beautiful!

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  14. So happy you are finding quilting is for you time... unwind and relax and let it happen... sometimes it happens faster when you enjoy it that way too... so it is awesome! Hope you find a hoop that will give you the back you want! I may try a hoop this summer just to see how it changes my stitches on the back since you said it does yours... but so far I am happy and that is what matters... sewing happiness into cloth to make it priceless!!!! Kathi from Fla :)

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  15. Hand quilting is alive and well! It IS so relaxing. Love to hear others say they love it too. Your goodwill quilt is lovely and will be loved for many years. Nice work.

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  16. I too love to hand quilt, and hand sew. Love your qoodwill quilt - thank you for sharing!

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  17. I quilt for me too! I really like your goodwill quilt. Don't worry about those stitches on the back, most people won't even notice and are impressed that someone could even hand quilt a whole quilt.

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  18. Thanks for showing us your Goodwill quilt and telling about your hand quilting. I'm a self taught hand quilter, learning from books. I couldn't get small stitches with a hoop so I've been going without a hoop for years. I used to frustrate myself trying to get the tiniest stitches, but now I do my own thing and enjoy myself. Sometimes I quilt with embroidery floss. Anyway, I think it's good that we do our own thing and simply enjoy the process as you are.

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  19. I love hand quilting. It just soothes my soul. I'm in no hurry, but pray that I will live long enough to finish my quilts. This doesn't stop me from starting new ones. I guess I start new ones to ensure a long life. (ha ha). I quilt in Providence Village, Texas, USA

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  20. It is very relaxing to stitch with the quilt in your lap--may favorite way by far!

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  21. Well said - where is the satisfaction in a race!??
    Somehow when quilting without the hoop, my stitches on the back are better. But either way it is a struggle to get both top and bottom even.

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  22. I enjoyed reading your blog. It's nice to see others with the same interests. I love hand quilting for both the beauty of it and the peace it brings while stitching.

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  23. I agree, hand stitching is so very relaxing. This is my go to thing when relaxing on the couch. Haven't hand quilted yet but I am very interested.

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  24. I love your $5 goodwill quilt - so pretty and colorful

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  25. I agree 100% . Something soothing about hand quilting, like knitting. And I love that you rescued the $5 Goodwill quilt. :)

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