Thursday, June 29, 2017

Moda Modern Building Blocks Quilt Porn



"Moda Modern in Print"


The Moda Modern Building Blocks came off the frame nearly 2 weeks ago. I needed to assess and mark the areas requiring more quilting, turn it 90 degrees, and put it back on. While it seemed simple, I was researching behind the scenes. I'd run out of my standard blue fabric markers, and was fairly uncertain I wanted more. I'd had a run in with one that refused to come out in this Costa Maya project, and wondered if there was anything new on the market.




An Amazon search led me to these, which I'd not seen before. No reviewer had a problem getting the marker out so I decided to give them a try. They averaged $1.50 per marker, and that was far below what I'd been paying.

I carefully tested one on my fabric, and a spritz took it right out. I set to marking several areas, and was very pleased with the sharp line! These are slightly shorter than the markers I've used before, but I think that makes them easier to handle actually. Also, the tip stayed firm, and did not crush down. Even after marking two entire quilts, I have good marker transfer and a firm tip. The marker left in for several days is still easy to spray off with water. A 10 pack for $15 makes them very attractive if I misplace one and have a few going at once. I'll let you know how things work out over more time, but so far so good.

*In general, do not heat fabric that you have used water erasable marker on. That will set it. Do not store in a warm car, in plastic bags, or allow a marked quilt to be left in front of a sunny window. All could make marker difficult to remove. 


"Drum roll, please!"




How obvious is it that I love the back? My decision to use matching bobbin thread on a solid backing was not wasted. I think I've looked at the back as much as the front now.



It was hard for me to decide how much more to add while keeping in mind this was a quilt intended for actual use. I still wanted the quilt to be soft, pliable, and warm. This block only got added stippling in the white portions.


This block got matchstick quilting in the dotted outer areas. The outer corner L's were left alone.


Seen from behind, the lion block needed a lot. Stippling, and straight lines, and even some in the center. I was afraid it would detract from the fussy cut lion, but am happy with it.



This was a problem block, in my opinion. The medium large dots were not centered, and not matter how it was broken up it looked 'off'. SLQ on the diagonal helped, but I'm not wild about it.



I'm in love with the loft of this batting!
Warm Company's Warm&Plush



Again, I didn't quilt it all densely.



Whereas I usually agonize over my binding, I walked to my stacks and grabbed an easy pick. Tiny dots in it looked like bubbles coming up from a drink, and give it a bit of a striped effect.


Machine stitched to the front, and hand stitched to the backing. Many of you know how I dread hand binding! 96" x 85" took days, and I still wound up with tight muscles from neck to waist.


I like the anchor of the darker blue with all the brights.


And now it awaits the tag and hanging sleeve. "Moda Modern in Print" was accepted to exhibit with the Pittsburgh MQG PNQE show in Oaks, PA in September along with another I have in process. It will be the first time any of my work has been in any show, and I'm rather excited. I'll snap a picture of the whole quilt as soon as possible, but the weight of this one will require many hands.

And on to the next project! 

Come on, Doxie girls.
Let's go sew.

Linking up with Crazy Mom Quilts



16 comments:

Brenna said...

Lovely! I'm finishing up my Moda Building Blocks, also in prints. I hope it turns out as well as yours!

Angie in SoCal said...

I love how the different colors look on the back. Do you use only white on the front?

KaHolly said...

Oh, my godness, if this isn't inspirational, nothing is! Thanks for the tip about the markers.

Anja @ Anja Quilts said...

Thanks for the tip on the markers. Your quilting is amazing. Good luck with the quilt show!

DeniseClaire said...

The quilting is amazing!!!!! Too bad I don't live near you...I'd trade you quilting for hand binding. I love to do the tiny hand stitching on binding!

Alison V. said...

All I can say is WOW! The quilting is just fantastic and the back is just as pretty as the front! :)

Kathy H said...

Just beautiful. I will see it at the oaks show! Thanks for the info on the markers too.

grammajudyb said...

I think you are being far too critical of the quilting. It is absolutely stunning! I am going to investigate the markers too. Good luck at the show!

Unknown said...

As far as I can see....you are clearly a ribbon-winner!!!!!

Home Sewn By Us said...

Hi Julie,
I can certainly see why you enjoy looking at the back to see the quilting. It is stunning, and I agree with Irene above - a ribbon winner for sure. I look forward to a) hearing the results of the judging, and b) your opinion later on the pens. You have given it great, thoughtful comments already - enough for me to want to try them. I was just lamenting about needing a marking something that was easy/sharp to use but easy to remove. I appreciate it. ~smile~ Roseanne

Unknown said...

impressive!

Linda @ kokaquilts said...

Amazing quilting Julie! Good luck at the show!

Janice Holton said...

I love the back too. The quilting on this creation is wonderful! Congrats on finding a marking pen that you like for less money. :) WIN/WIN!

helenjean@midgetgemquilts said...

Brilliant quilting . Lots of inspiration there . And I must check out those pens

Rebecca Grace said...

It looks fantastic Julie! Great job.

Preeti said...

The word "porn" in the title was click bait and I fell for it. Fortunately, the post and the pictures (ooh the pictures) lived up to the hype and then some. The quilting is definitely something to flaunt - whether it is full frontal or a rear view - very attractive indeed :-D