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| The Daisy Chain Quilt Click on any image for a larger view. |
To say that I am pleased with this finished quilt would be an understatement! When I first started this project I wasn't at all sure if I was going to be able to pull it off. To hand sew a quilt ... and keep up with my other quilting and blogging commitments. But I was desperate to try English paper piecing and couldn't shake the thought of trying this technique out of my head.
Hand sewing is very different to machine piecing a quilt top. Whilst the outcome is the same, the process is so very different. I have learned to appreciate all of the aspects of slow sewing and after several weeks of regular hand stitching it became something that I needed to do for it was relaxing, meditative, and provided an opportunity to reflect.
I have loved every moment of working on this project. Choosing fabric is always a delight and I have used many of my favorite fabrics from stash. This is also my first time using glue to baste the fabric onto the paper pieces and I have no regrets. In fact I have gone on to use this glue basting method for several more English paper piecing projects including my Wagon Wheel Quilt. There would be no Daisy Chain Quilt but for the use of glue and paper pieces!
I have learned so much during the process! I found that having the right needle and thread was paramount to my enjoyment of hand sewing. My needle skills have improved and I no longer dread having to thread a tiny needle! The same for my stitching (whip stitches). My stitches are tiny, regular, and for the most part invisible. Suitable lighting has also made my hand stitching time more enjoyable. I generally only hand sew in the evening and have found that I needed additional lighting. After some research I settled on a Daylight Flexi-Vision Floor Lamp with a 20w daylight bulb and it has been wonderful - I can't stitch without it!
For the back of the quilt I have used my favorite backing fabric (Newsprint from the Story collection by Carrie Bloomston) and for the binding I have used my signature black/white stripe fabric. I intend to keep this quilt and whilst I have made many quilts with this same combination of backing and binding fabric I have yet to own a quilt just like it. I really do love these fabrics!
I have loved every moment of working on this project. Choosing fabric is always a delight and I have used many of my favorite fabrics from stash. This is also my first time using glue to baste the fabric onto the paper pieces and I have no regrets. In fact I have gone on to use this glue basting method for several more English paper piecing projects including my Wagon Wheel Quilt. There would be no Daisy Chain Quilt but for the use of glue and paper pieces!
I have learned so much during the process! I found that having the right needle and thread was paramount to my enjoyment of hand sewing. My needle skills have improved and I no longer dread having to thread a tiny needle! The same for my stitching (whip stitches). My stitches are tiny, regular, and for the most part invisible. Suitable lighting has also made my hand stitching time more enjoyable. I generally only hand sew in the evening and have found that I needed additional lighting. After some research I settled on a Daylight Flexi-Vision Floor Lamp with a 20w daylight bulb and it has been wonderful - I can't stitch without it!
For the back of the quilt I have used my favorite backing fabric (Newsprint from the Story collection by Carrie Bloomston) and for the binding I have used my signature black/white stripe fabric. I intend to keep this quilt and whilst I have made many quilts with this same combination of backing and binding fabric I have yet to own a quilt just like it. I really do love these fabrics!
QUILT STATS
The Daisy Quilt Quilt
Finished quilt size: 66 inches x 72 inches
Englished paper pieced.
Karen Terrens from Quilts on Bastings.
Wool/Cotton blend batting.
Wool/Cotton blend batting.
First stitch 15 January 2016 - Last stitch 26 September 2016.
150 Daisy Chain Units (plus 12 half Daisy Chain Units).
Background fabric (diamonds) is Robert Kaufman Kona Cotton in White.
1555 pieces.
Sewing Notions Used:
The Bottom Line 60wt by Superior Threads.
1" Hexagon Centers.
1" x 2" Jewel Pieces (6 for each Daisy Chain unit).
2" Diamonds (six pointed star).
Acrylic Hexagon Template with a 3/8" seam allowance for cutting fabrics.
Acrylic Jewel Template with a 3/8" seam allowance for cutting fabrics.
Acrylic Diamond Template with a 3/8" seam allowance for cutting fabrics.
The Daisy Chain Quilt in Progress:
I am so happy to have added English paper piecing to my handmade repertoire!
Thank you for stopping by and for scrolling through to the end!
Rita
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