Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Gingham Galore ~ Two Finished Quilts!

As promised, here follows a gingham update together with a warning for another picture heavy post:


It certainly was pedal to the metal this weekend!  Thankfully both quilts basted and quilted really easily and without problem, and my sewing machine played nice.  The few hiccups encountered along the way were operator error, brought about perhaps by lack of sleep.  Self-inflicted.


Thank you so much for all of your comments on my previous post featuring the start of these two quilts!  I loved reading all of your comments, and have been spurred on by your enthusiasm.


Several readers wondered how well the gingham would fare during the washing and tumble drying process.  Upon hearing these concerns I immediately threw all caution to the wind and soaked the finished quilts in a tub, spun the quilts in the washing machine to remove excess water, and then tumble dried on a "crease guard" and "gentle" mode.


Both quilts emerged from the tumble dryer wrinkly and crinkly, but in cozy and comforting way that really suits the style of these quilts!  The images seen here are post washing, and I must admit that the crinkle factor has been played down somewhat by the use of a warm steam iron. 


There was no color run, or noticeable fading.  I am really pleased with how well the gingham, vintage linens and quilting cottons endured this process; so much so that I've been back to Spotlight to stock up on a little more gingham! 


I have used a striped fabric to bind both quilts, a black/white stripe and a red/white stripe.  And yes, I do still machine bind all of my quilts.  I've had A LOT of practise machine stitching the binding.  It is a technique that you get better at and becomes effortless over time.  I am just about there.


Both quilts have been backed entirely with Little Apples (Round and Round in White Linen) by Aneela Hoey.


These quilts have been listed separately in my Etsy Store.


You can find the listings for the quilts here and here.

Thank you for stopping by!
Rita