Monday, May 23, 2011

First Quilt - Update # 1.


Not one to call myself an idiot, I have to admit I found the 'Idiots guide to Quilting' book is an excellent resource to fall back on.
I found there is so much information about quilting online, in the library and from lovely people 'in the know' I was getting a bit overwhelmed with it all.
What I loved about this book in particular, for me, was that  it was simple to understand.

Does that mean I really am an idiot?
Better not answer that question! :)

                     I really enjoyed the interesting snippets of the history of quilting.
Heaps of tips and hints and inspiration.



In my previous  post about my first quilt, I had pieced the squares and sewen them together.
The next step was to 'sandwich' the backing, the batting and the top of the quilt together.

Wow!

I say wow because I had never done this before and I must say was a bit apprehensive.
It takes a lot of time and I waited until I had a spare day to get on with it.

Anyhow, I bought a packet of curved safety pins because I was at the pinning stage.
They are brilliant and make this part effortless.
I was surprised.



I laid the backing fabric right side down on our dining table outside on the deck
I then had to tape it to the table so that it wouldn't move.
Next came the cotton batting layer on top.
The top of the quilt right side up was the final layer.
I began to pin through all three layers in each corner of the squares with these amazing curved safety pins.

A quilt sandwich!

After sandwiching the backing, the batting and the top of the quilt, the safety pins began to sparkle as the afternoon sun descended.



Our huge dining table on the deck was the perfect place to lay out and pin all layers together.


Then it was time to sew.
I went for simple stitching on a diagonal angle through each square.
Remembering, I am using the machine and not hand stitching.


That is as far as I have got.


However, I am now up to Chapter 17 which is entitled 'The Finishing Touches.'
Yay!!!
Trimming and binding around the quilt.
Then it will be finished.
Will keep you posted
.
Beginner Pam
x

15 comments:

the old boathouse said...

Well done Pam! I would love to try quilting I will have to borrow your book sometime. It is looking beautiful xx

Makeminemidcentury said...

Pam,
what sized quilt is it?

What sort of batting are you using?

Is the batting the size of the quilt, or did you have to sew two pieces together?

Is your normal sewing machine handling the size of the quilt?

I need answers, Pam!

Jenny said...

I have never heard of bendy safety pins but they obviously do the trick. Looking good Pam and really not very beginner looking at all. ;-)

A Treasured Past said...

Lovely quilt Pam. I would totally need the book too. I have never seen curved safety pins, how cool. Tam x

Rose H (UK) said...

Well done Pam, your quilt looks so lovely. The fabrics you have chosen are so pretty :o)
Best wishes
Rose H

**Anne** said...

Thanks for the update on your quilt Pam. It's looking wonderful and I'm looking to seeing the finished product.
Anne xx

beachvintage.com said...

Pam this is so great. I absolutely love all your choices for fabrics. I can see a real mix in there.

Blondie's Journal said...

I am not a quilter, so I have the most admiration for you. The fabrics are just beautiful! I'm glad you had a helpful book, no matter the name!!

XO,
Jane

polkadotpeticoat said...

I love your color choices....maybe theres hope for me with this book!

Helen said...

It looks wonderful already!!
Well done,
Love Helen x

Unknown said...

awww Well done Pam its looking fabulous ;-)) I may just look up that book on Amazon myself. I haven't done any of my quilt for ages. Can't wait to see yours finished. enjoy it, dee x

vintage mum said...

It looks lovely bet you can't wait ti finish it off, are you still making your soap ?
cate x

Tricia said...

It looks very pretty! I wish I had the patience to make a quilt :)

Tiff said...

I am so excited on your behalf! It looks brilliant already! I am in awe of your progress! I can't wait to see it done! X

Tiff said...

I am so excited on your behalf! It looks brilliant already! I am in awe of your progress! I can't wait to see it done! X