This quilt top was pieced out of some scraps over five years ago. I will be the first to admit, that piecing quilt tops is not a skill that I have perfected, but I continue to try and improve.This top was intended to be machine quilted, but that is another skill that never came together for me. My love has always been hand quilting, and so alot of my later quilts are appliqued with alot of background to hand quilt. So, what does one do with a quilt top that isn't pieced very well? So I pulled it out this week and decided to Big Stitch it. I believe back in the day, quilts that were big stitched were called utility quilts.
The utility quilt was the quilt made to be used in everyday life. Those made out of bits of fabric and clothing and used on beds to keep the family warm. It seemed a fitting way to quilt my not so perfect pieced quilts made out of scraps of fabrics from other projects. I must say so far, I am really liking the process. I am using presencia #16 black on the cream areas and Guterman cotton thread on the patchwork. I am marking as I go, using a sliver of soap and a ruler in the patchwork areas. I am using a mechanical pencil and stencil for the motif in the light area. I am so glad I have come up this solution, and am pleased so far with the results.
I really love your hand quilting...so pretty!
ReplyDeleteI love big stitching! I use it a lot for my primitive quilts from homespuns, etc. It just "goes" with casual and primitive. I love that it progresses so quickly. Have you seen the fairly new book out called "Utility Quilting"? Lots of great info in there. I recommend you check it out. Even though I've been doing it for years, I found much great information in the book.
ReplyDeleteThanks Patti, I have not seen it but I will.
ReplyDeleteI love it Carla!!! It's the perfect solution, and I have always loved the big stitching for the contrast and design that it adds to the overall look of a quilt. This will be wonderful when you are done!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree, the big stitching does seem to balance things out. I am really loving the process and results.
DeleteWhatever your original intent, the big stitching looks like a perfect match for this quilt.
ReplyDeletePerfect solution for this lovely quilt. Love how the black thread adds so much interest in those white areas. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks Deb! The black thread does show off the quilting motif so it doesn't get lost in the cream.
DeleteSo cool! Love the dark thread on the light fabrics! I've always wanted to try this kind of quilting. I enjoy using soap slivers to mark dark fabrics too!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kathy! You need to give it a try, so much fun!
ReplyDeleteYou know, this quilt just might become one of your favourites! Love what you are doing.
ReplyDeleteI do know it has shed a new light onto a project that almost ended in a disappointment. The more I do the more I am liking it! Thanks for stopping by.
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