Thursday, July 30, 2015

Double Flying Geese Quilt - A Finished Quilt

And a picture post.

I so love how this quilt has turned out! Considering the number of bulky seams that are almost inevitable when working with Flying Geese units I was pretty happy with how flat and even the quilt top turned out, and now that it is quilted it looks (and feels) amazing. 


The quilting has added the texture that I was looking for, and the closely spaced lines don't go unnoticed on the solid background fabrics. Quilting designs can sometimes hide when using printed fabrics alone, but that is not the case for this quilt. The lines are closely spaced - about 5/8 eighths of an inch apart - and create a visual interest that now only draws in the eye but also the hand.


I really love the effect of grid quilting but I know it can be tricky to get a neat result without the shifting of the layers of fabric, batting and backing fabric. The first task is to baste the quilt well. The next step is to stabilize the whole quilt. I usually like to start by ditch stitching the horizontal and vertical seam lines, in this instance creating an all over 5" grid of lines; first the horizontal lines, then the vertical lines. I start at the edge of the quilt and work my way to the center, then turn the quilt upside down and repeat. And repeat for the vertical lines. Once the quilt sandwich has been stabilized (and most of the basting pins are removed) I start by stitching lines right in between the already existing lines, and I use a quilting guide attached to the walking foot to assist with keeping the lines straight (by running the guide along the seam lines). For this particular quilt the second set of lines created an allover 2.5" quilting grid. I then repeated the whole process two more times to end up with a quilting grid of just 5/8 eighths of an inch.


I very rarely mark the quilt ~ only when the spacing in between lines is too wide for the quilting guide to reach, in which case I use a Clover Hera Markerto mark lines. You also want to ensure that whilst quilting your quilt is well supported. Any drag on the quilt will affect the way your sewing machine feeds the quilt layers and can not only result in puckering and shifting of the layers but also affect the quality of your stitches. I am fortunate to have a large sewing table into which my sewing machine is lowered to create a level working space. The sewing table has a large folding "flap" at the back of it and when fully extended it measures almost 50 inches x 50 inches, supporting the quilt well. I hope that answers some of the questions that I receive from time to time regarding my quilting process.


For the back of the quilt I have used my favorite backing fabric ~ Newsprint from the Paint Collection by Carrie Bloomston ~ and I have mixed up my usual binding routine by using Squared Elements in Honeycomb by Art Gallery Fabrics for binding fabric. I think it complements the neutral undertones of this quilt well.


QUILT STATS
200 Flying Geese Units
Flying Geese unit measure 3" x 5.5" (including seam allowances).
Approximately 100 different printed fabrics including a
number of beautiful Liberty of London Tana Lawn fabrics.
Up to 10 different neutral solid fabrics.
The finished quilt measures 50 inches x 50 inches.


This quilt is listed for sale in my Etsy Store.

The listing details:  Modern Double Flying Geese Quilt


Thank you for stopping by,
Rita

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27 comments:

  1. The quilt is beautiful! Thank you for sharing your quilting process!

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  2. This quilt! I love everything about it. Your use of color and prints is so distinctive. I think the grid quilting is perfect for these geese! I can always tell a Red Pepper Quilt when I see one!

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  3. Beautiful. Thanks for sharing not only the quilt but all the details.

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  4. Absolutely gorgeous! I always want to make quilts like yours...

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  5. Gorgeous! I love the grid quilting ~ thanks for all the tips showing us how you did it!

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  6. Thanks for all the tips in this blog post! The quilt is delightful!

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  7. What a delicious quilt. Love the soft colors.

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  8. I have always loved flying geese. And I always love your quilts. So, I think this is one of your best yet! Can you talk a bit about how you decide on a quilting pattern? You always seem to know just what to do. I'm making the Best Friend block (in her colors-Civil War reproductions) from Quilters Cache (for my best friend ) and I have no idea how to quilt it. She's my longarmer so I can't ask her! Thanks!

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  9. Rita, this is absolutely stunning! With all of those geese, I'm amazed that the entire quilt doesn't take flight!

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  10. the quilting is fantastic... and loved the red polka dotted geese!

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  11. I love the finished quilt! There is so much movement and as usual, the multitude of fabrics used are a delight for the eye. Thanks for the tips regarding the quilting; your work is fabulous!

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  12. This is absolutely beautiful! May I ask what method you use to make your flying geese? I never feel like mine come out the way I want them to. Thanks for sharing this!! Kay

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  13. Gorgeous quilt - it's inspired to have a go at flying geese!

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  14. So you don't have any problems with your lines "veering" off and going crooked???? I learn SO much from you - beautiful (and fast) quilting!!!

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  15. Such a lovely finish! I love the scrappiness, and the quilting adds the perfect amount of texture without be overpowering. Love your binding choice too!

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  16. I love all of your variations of fly geese layouts. This one is really pretty! Thanks for the introduction to Bloc-loc rulers for flying geese. I have two sizes so far and love them. Getting a good shape of flying geese unit so easily with them is the best!

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  17. Truly is beautiful...thank you for the quilting tips cuz I love the grid quilting!

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  18. its absolutely beautiful!

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  19. Another inspirational quilt, I love the geese flying in pairs, would so love them to fly my way. As for the grid quilting, it's stunning. I have been having a battle with free motion, ( can't do it ) which seems to be everywhere. No more. I am going to practice my straight line quilting, I actually prefer it after scrolling back and seeing yours - perfection! Thank you Rita for posting your tutorials and hints and tips x

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  20. Rita, I have always loved this block. The colors you chose are very soothing. This is a beautiful piece.
    I read your quilt prep instructions. Very nice. I trust your advice because the results you show are always stellar!

    I do not use spray.
    I have lots of big tables. Now I just need time. I am learning though, being stretched in so many directions these days, to stop and start where I left off. I have gotten better at that, so much so that I am back to doing three projects at a time again ha.
    Happy Friday and Happy Week-end.

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  21. So lovely, Rita. I really like the softer colors and feel of this piece.

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  22. Thanks for that practical advice! Very helpful!

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  23. Rita, as always this is amazing...from fabric selection and,of course, the stellar, and magnificent detail in your quilting... Thank you for all of your wonderful tips! You are a true gem to share all of your expertise with so many😍😍😍

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  24. That turned out beautifully! Thanks for all the tips you gave. Loved all the photos!

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  25. This is so beautiful! Awesome work!

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