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Post by graylady on Sept 29, 2016 21:04:08 GMT -5
Hi Corgi and CJ: You are absolutely right, Corgi, it takes lots and lots of practice to get the hang of free motion quilting (FMQ hereafter).
I have completed FMQ'ing 48 stars on my quilt just now. And I've found a border pattern that I'm going to use - a wave pattern instead - sort of appropriate for a sailor's quilt. And I'll FMQ a heart in each of the corners.
When I began the stars, each one took at least 20 minutes to do. By the time I'd done 24 of them - I'd cut down my time considerably - and have learned to go "backwards." Of course, I marked all of them - with chalk marking.
I've studied many different videos on FMQ - and they've been very helpful. And I continue to do so - just to remind myself.
I've also made quilt sandwich samples - which I've just done for the border - which is very narrow - 1-3/4". I couldn't do it any wider or I would have run out of my backing fabric - but it didn't need it anyway - it's red and it brings out the red in the quilt just right. My binding will be the blue-starred pattern from the sashing strips.
Weaving in the thread endings is a pain-in-the-b-tt - especially from the stars I made at the beginning.
I'm happy I've come this far.
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Post by graylady on Sept 30, 2016 14:14:09 GMT -5
September 30: I've marked the border and will begin the FMQ today - will certainly finish it - and I'm putting hearts and stars in the corners - 2 stars to complete 50 stars on the quilt - and 2 hearts.
I practiced the pattern with a pencil - over and over again - and on my sample quilt sandwiches - and I am going over and over the pattern in my mind.
I think I forgot to mention that I found an aluminum foil that is shiny and slippery on one side that I lined my whole table adjacent and beyond my sewing machine - that was so helpful as I was slinging the quilt around for quilting my star motifs and the long crosswise stitching lines too.
I'm continuing to think about the dedication/signature addition - and that we need to find out our son's service record.
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Post by cj59 on Sept 30, 2016 19:52:28 GMT -5
Hi graylady - sounds like you have made a lot of progress on the quilt. That's a great idea about the aluminum foil I went to the Sewing and Quilt Expo today and there was a guy there selling stencils to use with a chalk pouncer. I bought that and some stencils. They had a continuous heart one there and I really wished there was a way I could have sent it to you . Here's his website in case you'd like to look at his products: www.fulllinestencil.com. I also saw a neat invention for attaching your quilt on hooks and a frame that pulls the weight of the quilt away from your machine and it looks like it would make it easier to quilt. It's a new product so they don't have it on their website yet. My sister-in-law almost bought it but decided to think about it - it was $299 on sale at the show. I ordered a Sew Steady table from this place - www.sewverysmooth.com. I'd been wanting to get one of these and they had a good price and will ship it right to my house. They have a polish to use on the table and it makes it so slick the quilt will just slide around and make it easier to move when you are quilting. My Smocking class was fun too and I enjoyed learning some stitches and how to smock. I bought some fabric at the show too. They had 3 yards of 108 inch wide backing fabric for $29.99, so I bought one bundle of that. Also found a nice Charm Square pack, a panel, and some fat quarters of fabric that looks like bricks. I've made a few quilt blocks that are barns and thought the brick fabric might come in handy. Overall it was a nice day and we had a save trip on the road There's another quilt show coming up in October that we are hoping to go to.
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Post by graylady on Oct 1, 2016 3:02:10 GMT -5
CJ: Going to the Quilt Expo certainly sounds like fun - and you got so many ideas and products to use. Thank you for thinking of me when you saw the stencil. I, too, had bought a star and a heart border stencil - but I couldn't find them. But I did find the wave like border stencil which I'm using and I like it very much.
I actually finished weaving in the thread ends this afternoon - what a huge job it was - and I finally finished it tonight. So I didn't actually begin the border until this evening, but it's going very smoothly. I used a chalk marker through a stencil - no pouncing - though I too have a pouncing kit somewhere. And all the practicing I did of the pattern really has made a big difference in controlling how well I'm stitching the design - that, plus the slippery surface - and then it's easy to just follow along a straight direction inside the narrow border strip. I'm surprised that it's turning out to be quite easy and actually even "fun."
I can see stippling in my future FMQ.
That Sew Steady table sounds wonderful. I'm so glad you're getting all the equipment you need. It makes a big difference to have all the accessories and set-up that's necessary. It's made a big difference to me this time around - since the first quilt I made.
And now I'm all set up for the next projects I'll tackle - some small quilts for Xmas. And then finishing my daughter's large Bear's Paw quilt.
Goodnight now - I'm really - really tired. I won't be home most of Saturday. I'm going in to Seattle to see a play - I have a subscription - and to see my daughter.
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Post by cj59 on Oct 1, 2016 18:00:08 GMT -5
Hi graylady - I'm glad to hear you are enjoying the quilting. I've always wanted to do some stippling too. I bought some of those printed papers with stippling on it and you can attach them to the quilt and then machine quilt over them. I haven't tryed them yet, but hope to soon. I did buy a chalk pencil from the same vendor selling the pounce and he demonstrated how to use that on the stencil. I'm sure you are going to be excited to get your son's quilt done. I love the Bear's Paw pattern, what colors did you do that quilt in? I've been busy doing other things, but I'm hoping to get into my sewing room and organize my fabrics and then start on some projects
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Post by graylady on Oct 2, 2016 19:17:50 GMT -5
Handel's Chorus burst out of my laptop - listening to great choruses - as I finished the quilting of the wave-like scrolls on the border.
WOW - Next is the binding.
My DH said he'll be really glad when this quilt is finished - hopefully, before he needs to take me to the hospital.
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Post by graylady on Oct 3, 2016 5:11:55 GMT -5
I've attached the binding - using diagonal seams to make the long strip - had enough of my preferred fabric. I machine sewed it to the front - but I have yet to do the hand sewing to the back.
Finally, I'll wash and dry the quilt - make the drawstring storage bag for it and hand sew the insignia and label to the back.
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Post by juliajones54 on Oct 3, 2016 14:30:55 GMT -5
Hi Quilters! I didn't know there was a thread. No pun intended, ha! I've sewn since I was 10 and my aunt taught me to make pot holders on her treadle sewing machine. Talk about a perfectionist, she made me hate it. But in 8th grade we had to take Home Ec and had to make several outfits. I fell in love with sewing. I used to make all my clothes, but those days are long gone. I had always wanted to learn to quilt, and one of the shops where I lived offered the block of the month club. I joined and for 5 years made blocks until I felt I really had the hang of things. I learned a lot of techniques. I bought a Janome 7700 and knew I had to make a committment.The first quilt I made was three years ago for my granddaughter. It was a double bed size quilt and had lots of appliqué and embroidery stitching on it, it went together really well, is so cute and I was hooked. The next quilt was for my grandson. It also was a double size for his bed and I learned to do inner borders and "stop" blocks. I free motion quilted both of them. The third quilt was king sized and is on our bed. I'll post a picture soon. It's half triangle charms from reproduction 30's fabrics. My daughter in law wants Christmas stockings, so I hope to get them made. We just moved and started new jobs so not a lot of spare time right now. When we moved, I had 4 extra large moving boxes filled. I have a mind full of projects, I need to retire! I'll check back from time to time.
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Post by cj59 on Oct 3, 2016 15:22:54 GMT -5
Welcome julia - It's nice to see you posting, please do post again. I enjoyed reading your background history in working with fabric Your first quilt for your granddaughter sounds beautiful and I'm sure your other quilts are too! graylady - Sounds like you are almost finished with your quilt. Will you have it done before you take it to your son? I'm sure he's going to love it!! I just want to say that I admire both of you for jumping into free motion quilting your own quilts I've always had a mind block to trying to quilt my own quilts. I think it's because I feel like I'll ruin them with mistakes, but I know I just need to practice. I'm really going to make that a priority this Fall/Winter.
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Post by cj59 on Oct 4, 2016 15:39:13 GMT -5
graylady - I'm happy to hear that you'll have everything done before your trip I actually worked on a quilt today, it was so nice to get back to that. I recently bought a Layer Cake (42 - 10 inch fabric squares) from Missouri Star Quilt Company and I saw their tutorial on the Diamond Dash quilt. I really liked it, and it looked easy too. So today I did the cutting of my fabric (except for the outer border) and as soon I can get back to it I'll be doing a lot of chain piecing before I sew the rows together. My fabric is all blues and whites, and I picked some Kona White fabric for the diamonds, sashing and inner border. For the outer border I bought some yardage of one of the fabrics in the selection. This quilt will leave me with a bunch of small half square triangle pieces. In the past I would have thrown these out, but I've been seeing a lot of quilters say that they stack these up and then sew them together and make a bunch of small half square triangles. So I'm going to do that and then see what size small quilt I can make with those.
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Post by graylady on Oct 4, 2016 16:17:48 GMT -5
CJ: You've done a lot - wow! Glad to hear that you've got a project all organized and are beginning. I'll be anxious to hear about "your" progress - as you've been a wonderful quilt buddy to me as I progressed with "my" project.
This hand-sewing of the binding to the back is most time-consuming - I've already put in about 6 hours - and probably 6 more to go.
I am at home today - no engagements. I was gone last night playing duplicate bridge - as I will be tomorrow night as well. But I've disengaged from my activist duties for this month - which is unheard of for me. I'm letting others come forward - I've done too much for too many years.
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Post by graylady on Oct 5, 2016 3:47:05 GMT -5
Happy to report that I finished sewing the binding to the back of the quilt at 1:00 AM, PDT, October 5, 2016. I counted the number of stitches per inch I was taking, at least 6 - estimating about 1600 stitches.
Now, I'll wash it - very carefully - using color catchers - and dry it very carefully as well.
Then, I need to finish the label and attach it - and the naval insignia - and make the carrying bag - which is a simple pillowcase type pattern with a drawstring casing.
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Post by cj59 on Oct 5, 2016 16:21:41 GMT -5
graylady - I've really enjoyed reading your process and progress with this quilt. I know it's been a labor of love for you I can't wait to hear what your son thinks of it. I didn't get to do any quilting today. I was grocery shopping this morning and doing other errands and then this afternoon I made some homemade soup. I can get three meals out of this soup, and it's low points for me on my plan, so I make it from time to time. I also have things to do the next few days. Hopefully I'll get back to the quilt I started later this week or this weekend.
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Post by graylady on Oct 6, 2016 2:05:42 GMT -5
The quilt washed and dried beautifully - no running or bleeding of colours - and even the "color catcher" had just a few faint gray spots - no reds or blues "ran."
It crinkled up nicely just like I expected it to. It looks so "quilty."
I'm not able to print my cloth label on my ink jet printer. I'll have to take it to a professional.
I'll prepare the insignia tomorrow - Thursday - I've decided to keep it in the round-shape - and line it before attaching it with hand stitches to the back.
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Post by cj59 on Oct 6, 2016 18:49:12 GMT -5
graylady - I am so impressed with how you have completed all the processes in this quilt - you really are an inspiration to me and it has been fascinating to follow along with your progess Could you tell me what kind of batting you used? The few quilts I've had quilted by a quilt shop are just so stiff and I like a quilt to be softer. Maybe I need to wash them, but I'm kind of afraid to I'll send you an email with the soup recipe. I usually double it and that way I can eat soup for several days. It's a very low fat soup too. I am on Weight Watchers, but doing the old Momentum program that was out in 2009-2010. I did well on that program back then but then regained my weight. Fortunately I kept all my materials so I've been working the program on my own since March 2015, and have been successful
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Post by cj59 on Oct 8, 2016 17:56:09 GMT -5
I went to a quilt show today and saw some interesting quilts. I'm more of a traditional quilter but I can appreciate the modern and art quilts. A few quilts that fascinated me were 1) a whole cloth that had been machine quilted with a large design that was a compass and 2) a smaller piece that had probably about 40 vertical 1/4 inch strips stitched together. The strips all had at least 3 different fabrics on them and the top fabric was light with the bottom fabrics darker.
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Post by graylady on Oct 9, 2016 3:44:30 GMT -5
1:39 AM Sunday, October 9, 2016: I re-stitched the one star that had to be taken out - which I found after close inspection - with a magnifying glass. For some reason, the stitches were uneven and pulling out - whether it was a loose needle or tension - not sure - but I managed to re-stitch the star - without using chalk marking. Instead, I simply used long basting stitches in a bright pink - and I was able to see and follow the lines - and the basting stitches pulled out pretty easily. Now - I can see that using basting stitches is probably how I should have done all of the stars.
Then, I sized and made a facing for the insignia - and it's ready to be hand-stitched.
Then, I prepared the label - using a one-inch border - and a facing - and stitched and turned it - and it's ready for hand-applique to the quilt back.
I need to find some stitch witchery at the fabric store to help attach the middle portion of each of these appliques.
Then - all that's left is the drawstring storage/carrying bag.
I put off doing these appliques until I was sure how I wanted to proceed. I did the research - and finally knew - in my head - how to do it. This is pretty much how I figure out procedures - I think about it - research - and then decide. Once I begin, if it's not working - then, I re-think and do something different.
It's been quite a journey. But I've loved it.
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Post by cj59 on Oct 9, 2016 17:25:26 GMT -5
graylady - It's been so interesting and enjoyable to read about your process and progress on this quilt, thanks for sharing I actually did some work on a quilt today I did all the chain piecing for the Blue and White quilt and then pressed open the pieces that needed it. Hopefully tomorrow I can work on the layout and then I can piece the rows together. After the cutting, I ended up with 84 small 1 1/2 inch half square triangles. I'm going to find a way to put them together to make a small quilt.
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Post by graylady on Oct 9, 2016 18:56:26 GMT -5
The long basting stitiches worked because the star is large - about 5 to 6 inches for each leg of the star. It wouldn't work with curves or curliques or anything rounded.
When you're FMQ'ing a quilt top - it's easy to "quilt in the ditch" or do crosshatching - even echo quilting is not too difficult.
The problem with the stars was that it was difficult to see the point of the star - while going backwards.
I had an engagement early today - then went to Joann's afterwards - big sale - lots of people - long lines. But I didn't want yardage. I bought notions, including needle threaders - and thread was 50% off so I got a big spool of navy blue quilting thread.
And I found stitich witchery - or whatever it's called so that I can fuse the large insignia applique piece in the middle of the back before I start the handstitches. And for the label too.
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Post by cj59 on Oct 10, 2016 16:35:52 GMT -5
graylady - hope things are going well with the finishing touches to your quilt I layed out my blue and white quilt today and then pieced the 7 rows in the quilt. I had to change the layout from the pattern since I had some fabric pieces that were directional and they would have been sideways in the original layout. This is a fairly large quilt so I used a flannel backed tablecloth on the floor to lay out the pieces. This reminded me that I've always wanted to get one of those design walls. I really need to look into purchasing one of them. I'm sure it would be a lot easier to layout quilts before sewing. Hopefully I'll get to the sashing, inner border and outer border by the end of the week.
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Post by graylady on Oct 11, 2016 4:30:31 GMT -5
CJ: You are making good progress. I love blue and white quilts. I had an old family quilt that was raggedy and dilapidated (my mother-in-law never knew its value and my DH used it in the garage) and I gave it to a friend of mine who treasures all old things - and she rehabilitated it. (I often wish that I hadn't been so quick to give it away. But I wanted it salvaged and I wasn't in any place sewing-wise that I could have done the work at that time.)
I finally finished hand-stitching the insignia and label to the back of the quilt. It is completed. I feel like crying - I'm so tired - but also with great relief that I actually accomplished what I set out to do. Truly - I never thought I could do it. (And my DH is also amazed. He told me tonight that he had doubts that I would persevere. But I did.)
I have a doctor's appointment on Tuesday - haven't seen him in over a year. I have symptoms that must be treated - high BP and shortness of breath on exertion. I know what those symptoms mean - and I've been trying to ignore them - but I can't any longer. My DH and family are worried about me.
I'll find out tomorrow how serious all of this is. I've never been on BP medication but I think I should be. I've prided myself on not being on any prescriptive medications at age 78 - but I guess I can't continue with elevated BP. The dental school took my BP last week and cautioned me that I should see my PCP.
If I hadn't had this quilt project, I think I'd be even more stressed, though. It's been a salvation for me - in a way.
And you, CJ, have been most kind and supportive- thank you so much.
I'll let you know tomorrow what's going on.
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Post by cj59 on Oct 11, 2016 18:38:06 GMT -5
graylady - I'm happy to hear your quilt is done, I'm sure it did help you to work on it. I find working on my quilts to be a stress reliever too. I hope there is nothing seriously wrong with you and your doctor can help you out, thanks for letting me know how you are. Please take care of yourself It is too bad you didn't keep that old quilt, but at least it was given a new life I didn't get to the quilting today, since I did my grocery shopping and errands. Hopefully I'll get back to it tomorrow.
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Post by graylady on Oct 12, 2016 18:34:04 GMT -5
My blood tests were all good - within normal range for everything.
However, he still wants to do a stress test and a spirometry. And he insists that I do the stress test before we leave on our trip to Nevada - and to the national parks in Utah - due to the high elevations.
So I'm scheduled for 2 PM on Friday.
Otherwise, I'm preparing for a visit this evening from our youngest son and his GF who are announcing their engagement.
And I've sent you photos of the completed quilt, CJ. And if you have the capability to post them, please do so.
Just doing laundry in preparation for our trip. Have yet to do the storage bag.
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Post by cj59 on Oct 12, 2016 18:56:03 GMT -5
graylady - I'm glad to hear your blood tests were all good, I hope the stress test and spirometry are alright too Congratulations on your son's engagement, I'm sure that must be exciting! I received the pictures, thank you. The one of the front of the quilt I had to view in a media player, it wasn't a still picture, but I could still see how beatiful yur quilt is. The back of the quilt is lovely too - the insignia and label are so nice. I'm sorry but I'm a bit technologically challenged, so I'm no help with posting pictures. I don't even own a smart phone I added the sashing between a few of the 7 rows on my Blue and White quilt today and hope to get the sashing an inner border finished by the weekend. It's all the same fabric for those things. Then all I would have to do is add the outer border to finish the top.
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Post by graylady on Oct 13, 2016 16:31:25 GMT -5
CJ: What are the dimensions of your quilt? You're making good progress - and I hope you're having fun. I love the experience - and am anxious to begin my next project. But no time for that right now - getting ready for our trip and my stress test tomorrow. A dear cousin is coming over in the early evening tomorrow to see the quilt and to take us out to dinner. So that is something I can look forward to.
My son and fiancé came over last night - and we admired the ring - and I gave her a big bouquet of flowers and a gift of "something old" from my father's side of the family - a pair of earrings well over 100 years old - worn probably by my father's maternal grandmother - probably 150 years old. They're hand-fashioned and fragile - but they do look lovely on my future DIL.
They stayed until after midnight - so I slept late - and am doing laundry right now.
Happy Quilting!
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