Friday, May 7, 2021

A Quilty Catch Up


Currently On the Frame

How's this for a happy spring quilt to lift the mood of a rainy day? Isn't a beauty? Donna Young made this appliqued and pieced top from a Jen Kingwell pattern. I've had it in the studio for several weeks working out how I would quilt it. At the 11th hour the light bulb went off, and I'm so glad it did. Sometimes you have to let a project brew until you see the perfect answer--even on another person's project.



First the whole quilt was stitched in the ditch to stabilize. Then I added areas in the center, rolling the quilt back and forth to fit all the areas into the frame space. Next I started the flying geese areas. Some of the work was stitched with computer design, and other was easier with a ruler.



The Gnadenhutten Quilt Project Rides Again

A quilter with a heart of gold sent this quilt top many months ago for the GQP. I missed it when I thought we were wrapping up the Quilt Project last month. So many of you reached out to congratulate us on such a good run, thank you, but it was a short hiatus. A friend in the county runs a program that would greatly benefit from quilts for the bed, laptop, and wheel chair. I said yes, of course, but this time we will work with controlled restraint instead of all out herculean effort. 



Duvets are especially wonderful at providing inexpensive backings. Even a twin size with seams removed provides a very large piece of fabric, and duvets seem to show lighter wear if any. They're also jazzy colors and prints instead of a solid adding another visual element to the quilt.



I've quilted 4 meant for this project so far, and they are delivered to the next cog in the wheel, Irene, for binding. 



Irene's New-better-than-sliced bread-method from YouTube Using a Pool Noodle

Irene has several other quilts she's tackling on her own, and her methods continually evolve thanks to YouTube. My mom, Joanne, got a special delivery (from me!) of all the remaining fabric we had been using, and is sorting it out to fit her own process. Having some free space in the studio has given me breathing room, and I feel more relaxed about it. 



And we all know being relaxed is the best way to be. 

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


 

4 comments:

Linda Swanekamp said...

All those lovely quilts, oh my, great inspiration. Quilt Project rides again- sounds like it will be more sane.

Gene Black said...

I have seen the pool noodle video but I have not tried it yet.
The quilt on the frame will be lovely with your quilting.

Rebecca Grace said...

I love how you "echoed" the appliqué motifs with your quilting, Julie! And sleeping puppies are the best. :-)

Anja @ Anja Quilts said...

Good luck with the next round. Such a worthwhile cause.