Friday, January 15, 2010

Gobstopper Progress


Adding borders posed much less of a problem than the piecing of the circle blocks.  Half Square Triangles are my favorite block, so easy to construct, versatile, and adds so much impact to a quilt.

I have been down on the floor, basting this quilt.  Although I do find this part of the process a chore I do take my time, ensuring that the backing, batting and quilt top are all perfectly smooth and aligned.  A well basted quilt is tantamount to a quilt without puckers, tucks and fabric distortion.   Excess fabric cannot be "quilted out" as you go along, believe me I have tried!


I use pins, lots of pins.

61 comments:

  1. Oh, I love those bright colors, and the borders are great. I can't believe you already have another quilt top finished, wow.

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  2. Gorgeous Rita - I love the circles !

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  3. I am going to run out of positive adjectives for your quilts soon! They always blow me away with the design and colour.

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  4. So pretty! And the colours are amazing!! I thought I used a lot of pins... I was wrong! lol

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  5. I LOVE the border - looks like rows of little houses!

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  6. Wonderful! I agree, lots of pins are well worth the effort!

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  7. Oh oh oh!! I jUsT drew up a plan for a circle quilt this morning!! Sooo fun to see yours so close to being finished - wish mine was :)

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  8. OK...so how hard IS it to make those curved squares? I am getting ready to do a few for the 4th round of the Old Red Barn Co. Quilt Along and I'm kinda nervous about these squares...they are the last to learn before we put the whole quilt together...ugh!:)

    Really like how you kept that top and bottom row half circles!:)

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  9. This is beautiful! Love the design and the bright colours!

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  10. really nice and cheerful looking. Love the border adds that extra dash to it all. Great job!

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  11. This border really makes this top. Looks like you are ready to quilt! I agree, you can't be too careful in these prep steps!

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  12. just wondering....have you ever tried matching the centers, etc. of your three sandwich pieces, then easing the entire sandwich onto the ironing board, pressing one side, then turning it over very carefully and pressing the other side ....all before you begin your pinning process. An instructor at one of the quilting classes I attended suggested these steps. I've tried it & found it to be very beneficial....seems to take away all the excess fabric, etc. before the pinning even begins.

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  13. This quilt makes me happy just looking at it. You should try a Curve Master Presser Foot. It makes sewing these and other curves a dream. No pinning! I've got one and it really works. http://www.ozquilts.com.au/curve-master-presser-foot-p18562.html

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  14. Holy Pins Batman!!! I love this quilt - it is going to be fabulous!!!

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  15. Yours are even better - everlasting gobstoppers!

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  16. It looks fantastic! I am a person who pins a lot. But I'm still getting the hang of basting. It's a goal to improve. :-) Can't wait to see how this one looks all done!

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  17. oh so pretty!
    Karen
    http://karensquilting.com/blog/

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  18. Another stunner.
    The border works a treat!!

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  19. Ok, That quilt needs to have a name change. From Gobstopper to Show Stopper!!!

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  20. Oh, I love it. The colors are great and wonderful. Looks good. Steph

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  21. I love it! I can't decide what is my favorite part ....i love all of it. Darling!

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  22. wow! That border reminds me of colourful beach houses!

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  23. Love the name of this quilt -- and the border is just perfect!

    joan

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  24. Gorgeous, gorgeous!
    Hugs - Lurline♥

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  25. That is a fun quilt and a fun name.

    Debbie

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  26. i think i just learned to use more pins....this is absolutely adorable. i can't wait to try this block!

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  27. Lots of pins indeed!

    Great work on those circles... gobstoppers is a perfect name.

    I just bought some quilt basting spray, and I am really hoping it works... because I only bought 50 back-up pins in case it doesn't... (it's just a baby quilt though)

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  28. Georgeous.....even with the pins!

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  29. Glad to see someone who obsessively pins as much as I do.
    PS Perfect name!

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  30. Glad to see someone who obsessively pins as much as I do.
    PS Perfect name!

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  31. That's a hoo-gob of pins! Lovely quilt, a real keeper IMO. Just my colors, too. :)

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  32. You really need to buy the 505 spray. I think you'd love it!

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  33. Love this quilt!! I am beginning to think I don't use enough pins!

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  34. Whauw, this turned out fabulous!

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  35. Perfect, perfect name!!!! Awesome quilt! I love the bright colorst you use!
    Blessings,
    KT

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  36. What a fitting title! I love how cheery this quilt is! Can't wait to see how to quilt it!

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  37. This quilt is so delicious! I am contemplating circles for the first time, they are so scary for me but yours are perfect!

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  38. This quilt has inspired me to try my hand at piecing curves. They are soooo much less intimidating than applique!

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  39. I'm not keen on pinning either but once I'm finished, I feel really good about myself.

    Quilting = instant gratification. Also: cheaper than therapy ;)

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  40. You always use the mose vibrant colors. I just love every project you create. And the border you did on this! WOW! I love how the triangles and rectangles go together to make it look like little houses. So cute!! Jenn

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  41. The border sets of the gobstoppers in the most brilliant way.

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  42. Love this little bits of a bunch of techniques quilt. The color is lovely.

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  43. Just beautiful, Rita !

    You have inspired me, and I gave you credit when I finished my most recent quilt.

    Please feel free to stop by and have a look-see.

    http://dollyshome.blogspot.com/2010/01/two-sides-to-every-story.html

    Thank you !

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  44. Great name for the quilt! You are doing a wonderful job as always.

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  45. This looks great! I'm attempting to bast my first quilt this weekend. I'm nervous....you hate to screw something up that you put so much time into! I want to put a button where the squares meet up with embroidery floss. Any pointers?

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  46. Love it... Fantastic circles - I think I might have a cirlce quilt waiting to happen too.

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  47. gorgeous! your pins are all so neatly lined up too! mine never look neat basted

    Corrie:)

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  48. wow. really lovely colours.
    so pretty.

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  49. Holy Cow, This is gorgeous! I know nothing about quilting but the detail and intricate work you're doing here is obvious. Keep up the good work!

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  50. Ooh - this is just lovely! Love your colors! Happy 2010 to you and yours!

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