Monday, June 29, 2009

The Learning Curve


So, I was excited to try my first quilt. I decided to try a small coin quilt. Honestly, I should have tried a DOLL quilt - but I went with a lap-sized one. Lesson number one...start with pre-cut squares. I should be able to cut 4" squares right? I thought I did. And I should be able to sew 1/4" seams. I thought I did. Long story short, my "coins" and sashing didn't exactly match up. Okay. I can live with that. They weren't that far off. Lesson number 2...you can't stitch in the ditch if your ditches aren't matched up. My plan was to quilt 1/4" from each seam. Well, my seams weren't lined up, which made that experience, well, an experience. I'm not too good at stitching a straight line without a guide (a straight seam would have been nice). Let's just say that the quilting on this is beyond horrible. Thank goodness for gorgeous fabrics - because to the untrained eye (i.e. my husband), it looks great. Lesson number 3 - don't skimp on the basting process. I didn't make my backing and batting big enough and I didn't tape the backing to the floor. So, I have some nice puckers in my quilting as a result. Hopefully washing the quilt will hide some of the imperfections. And Lesson #4 - When the quilting experts say to start quilting in the middle, listen to them! In my defense, I really did forget about this rule. I should have remembered it when I saw some of my squares going wonky on me. sigh. Still have to bind this one too. Finished size will be 32" x 39 - which isn't a standard sized anything but my girls won't care!



Quilt number #2 has been started. I used (4) pre-cut charm squares in Wonderland (which I adore!) to make a block and then put a strip of natural colored cotton in between each and the same fabric for the sashing. I finished piecing the top yesterday and am almost done with the back. I had some extra blocks left over that I'm going to piece on the back. Finished size on this one will be about 45"x52" and it will be going in my family room.

I haven't decided how to quilt this one. I was going to do the 1/4" from each seam again, but once again, my blocks aren't completely lined up. I might outline each block 1/4" from the seams. But then I don't know what to do with the sashing. Or, I may try straight line stitches evenly spaced. I'm just worried about my inability to stitch straight! I'm open for suggestions!

22 comments:

  1. It looks really cute! Good work !

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  2. It looks lovely! I don't see any imperfections...besides crafting isn't about results being perfect..just loved!n
    Good work!

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  3. Kudos to you for even attempting to quilt! I haven't worked up the nerve. Your finished quilt looks fantastic and I love the Wonderland one you've started!

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  4. Congratulations on your first quilt! I love the patterns you chose =)

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  5. Congratulations on your first quilt - you learned so much from quilting this quilt yourself! I think it is the only way to learn, just do it! You should be so proud of your work, I think it looks great. Your new quilt top looks fabulous too - Wonderland is is lovely range, a gorgeous quilt top!

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  6. I agree with all the other comments so far.
    Don't expect perfection (I never manage to get it) but take on all the learnings as you go along.
    I think your quilt looks beautiful and the new quilt top is stunning. I'm a big fan of Wonderland.
    Keep enjoying!!!
    Andi :-)

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  7. Both quilts are GORGEOUS!! How about stippling the Wonderland quilt?? I also saw a diagonal grid quilted on a coin quilt on FLICKR - she marked the grid with painter's tape.

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  8. I think your quilt is beautiful! I've never attempted quilting, so I would be none the wiser about any mistakes, looks lovely to me.
    Love Vanessa xxx (do you mind if i knit)

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  9. Looks like you're off to a great start! Love the fabric choices too. Keep it up!

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  10. Great job posting. I spray baste and nothing moves with that.
    I am adding you to my Favorites list. I like how your writing is funny and interesting too.
    A great blog...glad I found you.

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  11. Great job on your quilts. I love them both. Have a great day.

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  12. I really like what you've done. You've done a great job! Cindy

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  13. your recent quilt is so pretty...i love the wonderland fabric

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  14. Your quilts are beautiful! I'm impressed that you're quilting your own. I haven't gotten to that point yet.

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  15. Very nice quilts! I think you can get away with a few mistakes when you put beautiful fabrics together the way you have!

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  16. Your quilts are both beautiful! You're definitely off to a great start!

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  17. Beautiful! Have you considered free hand quilting instead of in the ditch? I was so scared to try it, but I think it is very forgiving for mistakes. I made a similar design and just quilted on the solid fabric--it made the squares puff up a bit, very snuggly. :) Whatever you decide, I'm sure your family will love it!

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  18. Your quilts are awesome. I wouldn't worry about the quilting too much. Just keep doing it and you will get better with practice. If you wash your quilt after quilting, it puckers up and any imperfections will not be noticeable. In the picture your first quilt looks perfect! Be proud that you're quilting - many are afraid to try!

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  19. Love the colors of your quilt. Good job in finishing it! I started one last summer, and still have to add the binding. The idea of all that hand stitching is making me procrastinate.

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  20. Both are beautiful! You are brave to do the quilting on your first one. Wow you really did do the whole thing by yourself! Good job!

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  21. I truly wouldn't have noticed the imperfections on your quilt. It looks planned to me! I love the fabric you used on your second quilt. Post a picture when you get it finished.

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  22. You did a great job. I'm seeing alot of patterns with white striping in this parade and I'm really liking that style. My quilts are at my Stitched Together blog. Please stop by.

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