Sunday, January 18, 2015

Slow Stitching Sunday!

Well, this week I started quilting the final block of Simple but Not!  There is still probably a week of stitching to be done. It's a bit sad to think in a week, I won't be able to have my morning coffee and then come over and sit and stitch on this quilt.  I love quilting in the early morning!  But, I shouldn't get too upset, I have plenty of projects that need my attention.  But, by this point, I have become very comfortable with this quilt and it has become like  a friend.  This week Kathy has asked that we include a picture of our hand as we quilt.


They are after all, the most important tool we have when it comes to hand quilting.  As I have gotten older I realize we need to appreciate what they can do and make sure we don't over do.  So link up today and honor your hands and take a break and visit all those that link up to see all the wonderful stitched projects.






44 comments:

  1. I am sure you will find another quilting project to capture your morning attention. Your quilting on Simple but Not is beautiful.

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    1. Oh I know i will, sure hope my hands let me quilt for many more years!

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  2. I love hand quilting. I should get mine out of the cupboard too.

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  3. You are making wonderful progress on this beautiful quilt :)

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    1. Yes it is amazing what an hour or two a day means. I find when I just quilt to enjoy the stitching for that hour or so the quilt gets done so much more quickly than when I set goals and rules.

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  4. What do you mark the quilting design with?

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    1. I mark the feathers before I sandwich the quilt with a mechanical pencil using a light box. Then after the quilt is basted I mark the straight lines for the crosshatching with a hera marker. I just run it next to my 6X24 inch quilting ruler. The quilt needs to laid out on a hard surface.

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    2. How do you get the pencil marks off afterward? Your design is beautiful.

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    3. I use the soft leaded cheap disposable mechanical pencils cause i like the fine line. I find most times the mark wears away once I quilt it. But it just washes out with regular detergent in the washer. I have never had a problem with it washing out! When I first started marking I marked more heavily and sometimes it would take two washings but it always washes out.

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  5. Every time I see this one I like it more!

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    1. Thanks Kaja! I think it is going to be one of my all time favorites!

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  6. YES! Love how you said we should honour our hands because they really are our most important tool!
    Thanks for linking up with such a great photo!

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    1. I had to give up epp because it really bothers my hands. So far, hand quilting has not bothered my hands. The wisdom we get as we get older, sure wish I had had it when I was younger. Thanks for the linky party each week!

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  7. lovely quilting - I think I really need to order one of those spoons and try to use on the underside and give that finger a break from all the needle pricks - I do so always need to feel that needle come through - how do you know it has when you can't feel it? do you hear it hit the spoon?

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    1. I used to rock my stitches but it bothered my wrists and I didn't like the pin pricks in my underneath hand. Then I came across Jean Browns video and decided I wanted to give her method a try. The spoon works the same way. Yes you feel when the needle hits the metal. The one down fall is you go thru more needles but I buy them in bulk and prefer they wear out than my hands. I do like that by pulling that spoon back and forth your create the right tension and it really forces your needle down to the fabric so the stitches on the back are as good as the top. Jean has a video on line with Shar Jorgenson that gives a good idea of the method. It has a big learning curve but I am proof it can be done.

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  8. It's a very lovely project. Nice you've tried methods to find one that works for you!

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    1. I love that about quilting, so many different ways to do things. Something for everyone!

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  9. Loving your close up shot of your hand quilting... thanks for sharing! Our hands are so very important too.. I am glad you have been able to master so well using that spoon.. would love more info or if you have already shared would love to know if you have written a blog post on this already :) Have a super sunday Carla! Kathi

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    1. Thanks Kathi! Jean Brown's video and there is also a video on Jinny Beyers website for the spoon. One uses the aunt becky and one the spoon but they work the same way. I must warn you its a big learning curve but I think it is well worth it as it really improved my stitches and is easier on the hands.

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  10. Your quilting is phenomenal. Love the follow up info in the replies about the method with the spoon. I will have to check it out. I don't do a lot of hand quilting because of the stress on my arthritic hands. Thanks!

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    1. This method is really easy on the hands and is why I chose to change my method of quilting.

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  11. Wonderful quilting Carla, and I love this color!

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    1. When making quilts it is all about color for me! The cheddar is fun to quilt!

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  12. I think it's wonderful you are so close to a finish. Thanks for sharing so many tips.

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    1. I haven't had a finish in a long time, so it will be very exciting to finish this one up!

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  13. Oooh, you might finish it up, but then you'll be able to cosy up under it! It's looking absolutely gorgeous. I'm intrigued by your spoon technique, your stitching is so even (unlike mine!). Do you find you work quickly this way?

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    1. I must say that the spoon or the aunt becky methods do help make your stitches more regular and smaller. I find it faster also. The nice thing is you never have sore fingers so could quilt as long as you like. Thanks for stopping by!

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  14. Great to see your hands in action Carla - such a lovely close up of your perfect stitches! What do you have on your right thumb? am always on the look out for more gadgets to help LOL :)

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    1. Hilda, I get them at the office supply store. They are gel grips. They help pull the needle through. Sometimes i wear them on my thumb and sometimes on my index finger. They are the updated version of the old rubber tips. I also have a rubber disc I use sometimes but I have to stop to pick it up so the ones that go on your finger tips are ideal.

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  15. I'm inspired and in awe...at your work...not your hand!

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    1. Thanks Cathy! I found out it is hard to take a pic of your won hand! Thanks for stopping by

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  16. Beautiful stitching, I see you use a spoon. I use a metal disc on the bottom.

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    1. Yeah I started out using an aunt becky but I have graduated to the spoon. Some quilters tell me they use a regular demitasse spoon. I have also heard that some tape a quarter to their thumb. I say what ever works go for it. I just don't like poking my own finger over and over. Thanks for stopping in and leaving a comment.

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  17. It is so important to appreciate our hands--hands express so much in our lives. I just had a light bulb moment--making a quilt as a tribute to our hands. It seems everyone has their own ways of quilting, whatever works that lets us keep quilting. Love the colors in your quilt.

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    1. That is a wonderful idea! I agree so much about finding our own way when it comes to quilting.

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  18. Beautiful stitches. I've been puttering on some handwork today too ; )

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  19. Carla, beautiful quilt you're working on there -- I love the colors!! :)

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  20. Beautiful quilting and I love the shot of your hand. I think I'll have to do that for next week's post.

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    1. That was Kathy's request on Slow Stitching Sunday. It was hard to try and take a pic and look like you are quilting at the same time.

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  21. Oh thanks for the tip on Jinny's free class @ Craftsy--I am enrolled! YAY ! I love your TATW and of course your big quilt is gorgeous..hugs, Julierose

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    1. Your welcome, Julierose! I hope you enjoy it as the year progresses! I am just a beginner hand piecer so I need all the help I can get

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