It has been a little quiet on the blogging front this week only because I have instead spent time behind the sewing machine. Not only have I started and finished a quilt that I cannot as yet show you (which I am pretty excited about!) but have also pieced a quilt backing for the Strips and Bricks Quilt II top pieced last week and basted the quilt sandwich.
I was so nervous about basting this large quilt as it really dictates how smoothly the quilting will go. I find it very difficult to cope with fabric pulls and puckers particularly for custom quilts. I need not have worried so much, and should have had more confidence in my own basting technique, as in fact I am very pleased with how the quilting is going.
Foundation Grid
I started quilting by creating a foundation grid to stabilize the quilt sandwich. Lines were quilted both horizontally and vertically by stitching a 1/4 inch inside of the strips of the quilt that will be filled with quilting lines.
Now that the foundation grid is finished I have started filling in the strips by quilting organic lines. I have not marked any of the lines, instead I have been using the outside edges of my walking foot as a guide for stitching the next line.
There is still a LOT more quilting to go, and let me re-assure you that whilst I am sitting behind my sewing machine I will be getting a very physical work-out as a I wrangle with the bulk of the quilt, and hoist it over my shoulder to ensure that the lines are continuous and straight. Muscle building for sure.
Stitch, stitch, stitch ...
