The Potting Shed

Leonie2 · Posted: Thu Sep 20, 2007 2:47 pm Post subject: Quilting projects?

Is anyone starting a quilting project now that the summer looks like it has gone? I'd love to hear about any projects on the go and see photos if possible Very Happy

I made a start on S's quilt today. I promised him a quilt last year but never got around to making one. I haven't told him, I think I'm going to keep it quiet and aim to finish it as a christmas present. I've been collecting his old outgrown clothing and today I started cutting it up into squares. I'm planning on making a simple quilt using only squares of fabric. Tomorrow I'm going to have another rumage through his wardrobe and see what summer clothes he has outgrown which can be cut up for more fabric. I thought it would be nice to have a quilt made from his own history of childhood clothing, so apart from the backing fabric I want all the fabric on the front to be patchworked from only his clothing, he should be able to look at each piece and see it's from his old jeans, shorts etc. hopefully that will hold a lot of memories for him.

Bovey Belle · Posted: Thu Sep 20, 2007 7:55 pm Post subject:

I've just finished a hand-pieced hexagon quilt (very bright and colourful) for my middle daughter to take off to Uni with her. Instead of tufting it, I used some pretty (matching) buttons which I got recently at auction in a box of needlework "odds" that cost me £2! I have taken photos, but can't load them onto Photobucket yet, as AOL still hasn't restored Broadband to me so I'm on dial-up.

I am just playing with a Triangles quilt, pieced on the machine, and that's quite fun to do and looking good. I am also sewing 4 blocks for a friendship quilt on another forum. The block is pretty, but only 6" square, so a bit fiddly, as the smallest components are only an inch square, and although it's sewn together in strips, cut and then pieced together, I'd be happier if the block was twice the size!

I've also just finished a hand-sewn hexagon cushion cover for my other daughter for her room at the house she's renting at Uni this year. I had a lot of hexagons left over from G's quilt!

I've also recently bought a pre-printed cushion front with a spaniel on it which I have hand-quilted and am about to assemble into the cushion cover. This is for a penpal of mine for Christmas. She loves all animals, but especially dogs and cats.
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Leonie2 · Posted: Thu Sep 20, 2007 7:59 pm Post subject:

you like to do more than one project at a time BB Very Happy

The spaniel cushion sounds really interesting, and difficult. I'd love to see a photo of that too when you're finished, once you get your broadband sorted out. Very Happy

Libby · Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2007 7:38 am Post subject:

I must admit that sometimes I can be a bit dense! I know quilting is usually lots of hexanganal pieces sewn to gether but did I hear someone say 'sewing machine' now this sound more like it, more info please Laughing

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Bovey Belle · Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2007 10:12 am Post subject:

Libby - Quilting can be any number (100s!) of patterns, usually constructed as "blocks" which are pieced usually by machine these days. You can have very simple ones which are just squares of different colours or patterns. You can have extremely complicated designs. You can even have art quilts, which are the most FABULOUS things - literally paintings in textiles. The skill is unimaginable and they are truly stunning. I'll find you some links, but if you pick up any of the quilting mags in shops (especially the American ones) they'll blow your mind!

Leonie - I'll take photos of my finished projects, and post them, don't worry. Your son will love his quilt as it is so personal to him, with so many memories.

The spaniel is a pre-printed panel - I just quilted into the obvious deliniations. I think it took me two evenings, and I did go to town with the quilting. It stands me in 50p so far - what I paid for it in a bargain bin in a favourite shop of mine in Brecon. I had the cotton backing and wadding already here in the house.
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Bovey Belle · Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2007 10:13 am Post subject:

Try this for starters!

http://www.freequiltpatterns.info/
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Leonie2 · Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2007 10:21 am Post subject:

Libby, n gave me a lot of help with my first quilt and she recommended a book to help me get started. Actually she loaned me the book and I found it so useful for a beginner that I bought my own copy. This is the book Singer Quilting Bible. If you can get a copy from the library or buy your own copy it really will help you a great deal, it did me. I would lend you my copy but I'll be referring to it over the next few months now that I'm starting another project.

Libby · Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2007 11:03 am Post subject:

Righty ho! I shall get my little hands on one of those then, another craft to give a whirl!! Think I might need a new house with more space Laughing

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