Not a lot of time for blogging, but I thought I would do an update on my medallion and Texas star quilts. I was able to finish piecing the eight sections of hourglass blocks to go with the center medallion. I got into a rhythm and my eyes soon got very good at noticing when an hourglass block was turned the wrong way. I still need to sew the sections together. Right now they are waiting on the guest room bed. Safe and sound. I need to do some math and shopping before I can go ahead with the border.
This photo was taken before the last three sections were made. It is a king size quilt which is hard to get into one pic, so this will have to do!
On Wednesday, I decided it was time to get my Texas Star quilt basted. Basting is right up there with cutting as not one of my least favorite parts of quilt making. But ironically, once I get started it really gets done quite quickly and I end up wondering why I kept putting it off. I work on my kitchen island so putting in the pins is not back breaking. I recently bought two wool batts, but I always check the tub of batting leftovers. Yes, to my surprise there was enough Hobbs poly down to use for this quilt. I had to sew the two pieces together but that is easily done.
Once basted a decision needs to be made about the quilting design. I had seen an old Texas star that was quilted with double diagonal lines and I have always wanted to try that, but when I started with the hera marker I couldn't come up with anything that said yes this is it. I tried 1/2 inch to 1 inch space between the lines but nothing seemed right. The nice thing about the hera is you just spritz with some water and all those attempts disappear.
So I tried the ever so boring quilting 1/4 inch from the seams but I didn't want to stitch around each star point. So then I said why not sew around the whole star and then again around the hexagon in the center. It still needed something. Then I remembered the circles I had added to the border so I found a quarter and marked a quarter size circle in the cheddar center hexagon! Perfect!!!!!! On the alternate blocks I am stitching 1/2 inch around the hexagon and adding a circle to the center! I was pleased with both and it will be very easy to mark as I go!
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| My progress as of this morning! |
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| I am loving all the circles!
I set my hoop and chair up in the corner of the kitchen eating area. There is great light and I can watch tv or listen to podcasts with my earbuds. I love having a quilt in my hoop for when I need a bit of zen time.
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You certainly do not waste any time once you get at it. It is looking marvelous so far. The circles do soften it.
ReplyDeleteThanks, your description of what the quilting does is right! It's so wonderful when the quilting and piecing come together and play nicely with each other.
DeleteI love your piecing progress and your quick progress on quilting too! What a successful post :) Kathi
ReplyDeleteThanks Kathi, It's nice to be hand quilting again
DeleteThe quilting on Texas Star looks perfect! The medallion quilt is looking so lovely. Can't wait to see more.
ReplyDeleteThanks, It's nice to have a break from the medallion and get in some hand quilting.
DeleteI can see how you would have to really check to make sure all the hour glasses are turned right - this is really looking good as is your quilting. It is always nice to have a quilt on the frame/hoop at all times isn't it
ReplyDeleteYes, once I got into the groove it really wasn't too bad keeping them facing the right direction. Sometimes the same fabric was used as a light and a dark. There are also a few that probably would have worked either way. Love that about color and quilting. Yes having a quilt in the hoop is wonderful!
DeleteWow, both will be treasures. The circles in the TSQ are just right with the other geometric designs in this quilt.
ReplyDeleteThanks it's nice to hear feedback about the quilting. Isn't it amazing that a simple shape can make such a difference.
DeleteBoth of your projects are wonderful! I wish my arthritic hands would allow me to try hand quilting--you have beautiful stitches!
ReplyDeleteThanks, I have to more careful these days and not over do with my hands either. I learned to piece so I could quilt it has always been my passion to hand quilt. I love quilting thru moda 60x60 some of the other fabrics are more challenging. Maybe I need to think about doing a whole cloth!
DeleteGorgeous ... the circles make it perfect!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kathy! Simple but effective circles!
DeleteThe circles add a super detail. They are a bear to quilt aren't they? you can do like 2-3 before you turn. What size needle do you use?
ReplyDelete