I wish I had used a solid color fabric for the inside blocks, so the 'chain' effect would have shown. I used an Eleanor Burns pattern to make this quilt; the quilt in her book was blue and white and it showed up so much better. It was an easy quilt to make and I'll definitely use this pattern again. I'll just pick my fabrics more carefully.
I decided to baste the layers together this time, instead of using safety pins. I had to snip a few threads as they would catch under my quilting foot, but all in all, I think my quilt was much smoother on the back than usual.
I have to show you the thread I used to baste with.. how old do you think this thread might be? I bought it in Greenville, NC many years ago. That store as been closed for a very long time. Do Piece Goods Stores still exist anywhere? This was a spool I had given to my grandmother as part of a gift (a future post) many years ago. It will be perfect for basting quilts!
I was not happy at all with the back of the quilt before I washed it. Thanks goodness for the 'crinkle' effect when it comes out of the dryer. (although I don't always like the crinkle look, I did this time!!) I used a different color thread in the bobbin....variegated blue on top, cream color in the bobbin. When I finished, there were blue specks everywhere on the back of the quilt. It's probably a 'tension' thing, but I wasn't sure how to fix it. Thankfully, when I washed and dried it, the blue specks were not nearly as noticeable. I also used flannel for batting instead of regular batting. It makes a nice lightweight 'summer' quilt, but I don't think I'll use it again.
I'm curious as to what type of batting you prefer: cotton, blends, poly....?? Do you ever use blankets? Do you prewash your batting? Do you like the crinkle look? Do any of you still hand quilt? (I miss hand quilting) Please leave a comment with your preferences and any advice you might have! Thanks!!
**Sheila, I can't find your email. Can you send me an email?**
A delightful baby quilt. One that can be enjoyed, used, and washed many times. I haven't had the need to make a baby quilt in a good long while.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe there are any Piece Goods stores anymore, you've got some vintage thread there! ;) My favorite batting is Quilter's Dream BLEND which is a cotton-poly blend, it's soft and strong at the same time and has a nice drape to it. I don't pre-wash my batting. I love to hand quilt, unfortunately there's just not enough time to devote to that. Liam's quilt is great, well done!
ReplyDeleteLiam's quilt is very pretty! You did a great job and your friend will love it. I think washing and drying it added to its beauty.
ReplyDeleteI've been using mostly poly cotton blends (from Walmart) I think its 85% cotton or something like that. I also have recently used Warm and white because I had Joann's gift cards and found them on sale (still not cheap!!!)
I know I should wash and dry, but I don't necessarily like the way some of mine have turned out. It does help hide some mistakes I've made though. I do like an older quilt that's been washed and is soft and crinkly.
I still handquilt, but not much lately.
I found some Piece goods thread in Mama's sewing stuff. I don't think that store exists any more.
It is a lovely quilt and it will be appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI love Liam's quilt!!
ReplyDeleteI love cotton batting the most but I have never used flannel and thought of trying that in a "summer quilt" as I live in Fla... how did it work for you? I LOVE the crinkle effect of a well worn and loved quilt!!!! Thanks for sharing and asking! Kathi
ReplyDelete