Sunday, August 24, 2014

Ahhhhhhh! Returning to Slow Stitching

After a marathon week of week of making a quilt for my daughter's birthday, it is so nice to return to some slow stitching.  I am sure all of you have heard of Eleanor Burns and her Quilt in a Day patterns.  Well, I have a new respect for anyone who can make a quilt top in a day.

I started making my daughter's chevron quilt on the fifteenth and plan on putting in the final stitches today.  I know I had two to three marathon days of sewing to make up the 72  blocks and another couple of days to assemble it into a top.  I do know the pressing took a lot of time. I decided since I was going to machine quilt this quilt that I would press all the seams open.  There are a lot of seams in a chevron, but I think the time was well spent.  It really made for a very flat quilt top. 

Today, I am looking forward to putting in some slow stitches to hold the binding down.  I am so glad to get back to my slow stitching.  Only one more side to stitch and it will be finished.


I also spent some time yesterday preparing these leaves for the next Baltimore Garden block. Look at all those leaves that need some slow stitching!


 

44 comments:

  1. Wow, that went quickly! I love that polka dot binding! What a nice little pop it adds. Your chevron quilt looks fantastic!

    I'm machine sewing right now ... piecing. And I'm so over machine stitching ... I can NOT wait for the slow stitching!

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    1. I agree Kathy, I have days I like to sit and chain piece but, I prefer the slow stitching. I guess a binding foot for my sewing machine will never be on my Christmas list.

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  2. WOW! Was there smoke coming out of your sewing machine? Unbelievable. It's a very cool quilt. I know a teenager who would love such a quilt too. Congrats on a very fast finish.

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    1. Let me tell you I felt like smoke was coming out of my machine. It got a real work out! I hope to get a post of the finished quilt out tomorrow, so glad I got done in time to get in the mail so it can reach her by her birthday. Although, I love antique quilts and traditional patterns, I must say I like a lot of modern quilts. I follow the quilt vintage and antique on facebook and a couple of days ago someone posted an antique chevron done in black and white prints so maybe it's not modern afterall.

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  3. Replies
    1. I agree its the color of her newly painted room. It must be very popular right now, I see it on newman's ties, hgtv, and in the box stores a lot right now. I do agree it looks great with the black and white. I decided putting it on the back this quilt will allow this quilt to stand the test of time.

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    1. I agree, I like the color combinations and the polka dot binding really adds a lot to it!

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    1. I agree, it was really kind of plain and boring till I added the binding!

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  6. The quilt is fabulous. There's something about black and white! The back is awesome. Enjoy your slow stitching.

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  7. I know what you mean - I never really want to make a quilt in a day or a weekend - I'm not really sure where the enjoyment is in that do you?

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    1. No kidding! I felt like I had a job and was working overtime! But I did want to finish it time to ship. Makes me appreciate my slow projects all the more!

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  8. I love doing binding! Enjoy your slow Sunday

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    1. Yes binding is like turning the final corner. A time to reflect on making the quilt and dreaming about the next one.

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  9. Perfect binding! And I loved seeing all those leaves just waiting for you to stitch!

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    1. I am so happy to have my folder full of leaves that need some stitches! I really missed the hand work.

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  10. Love the white on black polka-dot binding. It's a zinger on the aqua.

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    1. Oh I so agree it is just what this quilt needed. It was like adding colorful flowers to an applique block, just what it needed!

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  11. Quilt in a day...false advertising I think. After the other week when I made one in three days...I think it is impossible to do one in a day!!! Your quilt looks great and it always amazes me where we spend our time on a quilt top...some are sewing, pressing or piecing itself. Way to go girl!!!

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    1. You are so right! I was plum wore out by Saturday when I sewed on the binding!

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  12. It looks great. Sometimes I think it benefits us to move away from our usual comfort zone and try a new style.

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    1. I think you are right! I find myself drawn to some modern quilts as I am some antique quilts. I think it is the negative space that you find in both!

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  13. Carla, I think you made great progress being it is just now the 24th and you are sewing down the binding! Love your binding and your backing is nice and fresh too! Can't wait til you show it washed and being loved by your dd. Enjoy your applique... when you finish that binding! I too am just back to slow stitching so I understand :) Kathi

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    1. Thanks Kathi! It was a real change of pace for me! So glad I can get it in the mail so it can arrive in time for her Birthday!

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  14. I love your black & white quilt...and especially the aqua backing & polka dot binding! Very modern & an unexpected pop of color! Love it!!!
    Debbie
    ===^..^===

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    1. It was my daughter's request. She just painted her office/guest room that aqua color so I hope it will great there. The black and white top will always fit somewhere but that extra color does bring it alive with those polka dots!

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  15. Ooh I love that polka dot binding! And I think anything "in a day" means one LONG day. It turned out great.

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  16. There is nothing like a deadline to make us get going on something. I love the polka dot binding. Your daughter is lucky!

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    1. That is for sure! I think part of it was the nervousness of machine quilting it! It went pretty well, but it is something I am just learning. I kept it simple and got thru it!

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  17. I love hand stitching bindings. your quilt is pretty!
    xo jan

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    1. Me too! They have binding feet for machines now, I am so glad my machine did not come with one and I learned to do it by hand. It is like adding a bit of applique to every quilt! So relaxing!

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  18. WOW--"Quilt in a Day" is but a dream for me..I am a slow piecer and certainly appliquer..actually I don't want to rush--hate deadlines. Your Chevron is lovely--very nice..hugs, Julierose

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    1. Well, take my word for it, impossible! This was a simple quilt with machine quilting very simply done and it took me over a week. I agree I much prefer working at a slower pace, so much more enjoyable.

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  19. Wow! That went quickly and is a beautiful quilt. Lots of little leaves prepped. That is the hardest part for me. Enjoy your binding stitching.

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    1. Binding done! Quilt washed and boxed and ready to take to the post office! I just put my Baltimore Garden block down and have eighteen leaves done. I think that will be it for the day!

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  20. That's amazingly quick work - and it is stunning! The backing fabric is a great choice.

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    1. Thanks Hilda! I think it really makes it pop! The machine quilting went pretty well. I kept it simple! I am posting those pics tomorrow.

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  21. Oh, I was surprised (pleasantly) by the backing you chose! That's one beautiful quilt. Congrats on the speedy finish. Let us know daughter's reaction!

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    1. Thanks Cathy! She lives near Seattle, so it will go in the mail tomorrow, wish I could be there when it arrives. Hopefully it will look great in her new office/guest room!

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  22. I love the aqua backing and the polka-dot binding. What a pretty quilt. I can't believe you finished it that quickly.

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    1. Me either! But I did spend a lot of time last week in the sewing room. So glad to get back to my other projects!

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