Last Wednesday I wrangled this quilt through the sewing machine to complete the sashing on the back.
The quilt is made in a "quilt as you go" method. The blocks were originally made by (someone unknown to us)sewing strings to a calico foundation.
DD and I then quilted them onto wool/polyester wadding and a backing made from hand-dyed fabric that had been donated to the quilting group.
The combination of the thicker backing fabric and the extra layer of fabric between the top and the batting made the quilt very stiff and heavy.
When I tried to sew the sashing on, I really had to wrangle the quilt. When it hit the back edge of my sewing table, it was so stiff it didn't bend and go down the gap between the table and the wall, it just crashed into wall and sent my stitching way off (It's rarely straight at the best of times).I finally got the machine work finished. I'm not at all happy with it but it's done. On Thursday I took the quilt to the Caring Hearts Community Quilt group monthly meeting to hand sew the binding down. I made the mistake of stitching every 1/4 inch or so - only to remember (too late) that binding a quilt is not the same as hemming a pair of trousers! Nevermind, more stitches is better than less (I guess).
I finished sewing the binding on Friday night and washed the quilt and put it in the dryer yesterday.
So here, for your viewing pleasure, Wonky Strings completed!
The finished project looks cool. I have a string block from the Skill Builder yet to attack.
ReplyDeleteIt turned out very nice! Did you wash it after binding it, sometimes that makes it much more soft and draping. I always stitch the binding by hand stitching every 1/4"-you did it just right! Nice work and exercise in perseverance!
ReplyDeleteit looks great! i really must explore the quilt as you go method. I'm curious.
ReplyDeleteHow far apart should the stitches for the binding be? I think mine are way, way too close together if what you're saying is true!
It looks good Lynne, you've taken someone else's UFO and you've finished it! You are a star.
ReplyDeleteLooks like I have to put the string block quilt on the very long to do list. Yours turned out great. I hand stitch my binding every 1/4" too according to Elizabeth Hartman's instructions.
ReplyDeleteLynne, I think it looks great! The blue sashing and binding really works well! Aren't you glad to have this off your list?
ReplyDeleteString quilts are so great. I made some myself. Your turned out really nice and someone will love it.
ReplyDeleteThe quilt looks wonderful! Great job. The sashing pulls all the colors together nicely. As for binding, I always hand stitch 1/4 or slightly closer. Farther than that it might get caught on something and rip.
ReplyDeleteIt looks great!
ReplyDeleteLynne, this is an excellent result. The finished product was well worth all your effort.
ReplyDeleteIt turned out great Lynne!
ReplyDelete