Friday, May 16, 2014

A Finish and a Plan for a Friday Night Sew-In

The I-Spy Stars Kids Quilt is quilted and bound and ready to take to the guild meeting next week.

I-Spy Stars Kids Quilt

It was fun to use I-spy fabrics as "background" ... I definitely will be exploring this idea more in the future.

Detail from I-Spy quilt My second effort at spiral quilting worked out pretty well.

As before I started with free-motion quilting a spiral in the center until it was about 7 inches wide, then I switched to a walking foot and continued around (and around and around). I was definitely more relaxed and confident the second time around and I think it shows.

I used the side of my walking foot as a guide, leaving approximately 1/2-inch between the rounds.

Binding Detail I have concluded that for the skinny bindings I almost always choose to make, the faux-piped binding technique isn't a good choice for me–I had too much trouble with the corners.  For me, making real piping is easier, more exact and my corners work.

I haven't given up on faux piping just yet though ...

I am joining the link parties for this finish:

Richard & Tanya's Link a Finish Friday
Fabric Addict's Can I Get a Whoop Whoop?
Amanda Jean's Finish It Up Friday
Thank Goodness it's Finished Friday (TGIFF)

This quilt is also my Lovely Finish for May–I'll add the link when the Finishing party is posted.

Yesterday, I began quilting the sewing machine cover for my purple 'Nina made from 5-inch violet blocks. As I sat down at my machine, I remembered that I had once sketched an idea for quilting these blocks ... so I had to move over to my desk and go hunting for the post with that image. The Violet block was the August 2011 lotto block.

Violet Block - Quilting Design IdeaKim asked how I'd quilt it and this is the sketch I posted.

It took a while, I found the original post, on the old Block Lotto blog, here:

A Quilting Idea for Kim

It wasn't exactly what I had planned ... but once I found it, I decided to follow my own advice.  Something I said in that article is still true:
I usually opt for something curvy and organic looking when the block is leaves or flowers

I quilted the violet blocks as in my old, rough, sketch, outlined the embroidery (which was easier than I thought it might be), then started filling in the background with arcs and spirals and curves, which, in my mind, represented leaves, blooms and buds.

Quilting the Sewing Machine Cover

My plan for tonight's Friday Night Sew in is to finish quilting and assemble the sewing machine cover.

14 comments:

carol fun said...

Love the I Spy stars - and you violets are so pretty too. Have a great weekend with lots of sewing time!

Ruth said...

The spiral quilting is perfect for this quilt! I like the I-spy stars - may have to borrow this idea for my next baby quilt. thanks! :)

Anonymous said...

I love your take on I-Spy... and the spiral quilting looks fabulous.

Lorna McMahon said...

That is a gorgeous finish. Love that spiral quilting, Sophie. What method are you using for the faux piping in the binding? Here is a link to my fave method. I used it A LOT when first learning to bind by machine and I love it! http://www.52quilts.com/2012/05/tuesday-tutorial-susies-magic-binding.html

Glen QuiltSwissy said...

Everything is so wonderful. I love the stars and have always loved those flowers. I have a dear friend whose daughter grew up with Carrie and we just found out she is pregnant. The reverse star would be perfect. Do you think that quarter would work for the background?

Glen QuiltSwissy said...

That was supposed to be .....would a fat quarter work for the background

Kris said...

Love the I Spy stars!

Michelle said...

I spy stars are a great idea, love the spiral quilting too!

Vicki said...

The spiral quilting is simply amazing

Rosie said...

Gorgeous blocks and cute fabric on the I spy quilt.

Wendy said...

I love that ispy quilt, it's just brilliant!

Jo said...

I love the spiral quilting design. I think I might try this on my next quilt.

Maria said...

What a fabulous I Spy quilt.....

Kathy S. said...

Wow, the quilting on your violets is beautiful! I love your I-Spy fabric backgrounds. You have so many fun scraps. Great work, Sophie.

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