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Saturday 14 March 2015

Harmonious

Auntie Green  hand quilting started..



So far so very good ... and "harmonious" really is the word of the moment while quilting this one. 

I forgot to take photos of the prep for quilting, sorry, but it was sandwiched on the floor with wool batting and a plain cream homespun for backing. I decided to try just pin basting. I find it a lot easier to do than stitch basting and have seen other hand quilters on blogs use this method successfully. 

I left a generous edge of backing fabric and tacked it over the edges of the front . It provides cover for the pesky fluffy batting edges and is also a handy extension to the quilt - to aid in the hoop quilting of the edges. It will be undone and trimmed once quilting is finished.


I'm just quilting around all the applique to begin with, getting rid of all the pins as I go, and then will probably add lines and grid in the background later when I see how it looks. I expect to mark by scoring at that point, as this worked so well for my last (Four Block applique quilt). I've been experimenting with different size 10 hand quilting needles - broken a couple, lost a couple (flicked them away somewhere, never to be found again). But it has been comfortable on the hands so far and I'm thrilled with that...and so enjoyable.

I had started another couple of Civil War Bride blocks (back basted prep for needle turn applique), in case I tired of the quilting.  So far they've not had a lot of attention ...


Have a lovely weekend with as much stitching as possible!

30 comments:

  1. I always pin basted until I started using the 505 basting glue for machine quilting. I haven't hand quilted anything in a very long time but am give it serious thought for my Beyond the Cherry Trees quilt.

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  2. I have only pin basted for some time now. I found that stitch basting just added to pressure on my hands and fingers.....I'd rather save them for quilting! Harmony would be a great name for the quilt, it looks really beautiful and I can see why you're enjoying quilting it. Your applique blocks are stunning as always.

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  3. Both of these quilts are spectacular. Looking forward to see your progress with each one.

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  4. Just beautiful. I haven't tried pin basting for hand quilting... shall have to give it a try. Love your Civil War Brides blocks x

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  5. Harmonious is beautiful and I'm really looking forward to seeing pictures of the entire quilt. I used to thread baste but it meant I needed a surface that was large enough to lay out the entire quilt flat and I just don't have that kind of space so I switched to pin basting for both hand and machine quilting and I've had no problems at all. It is my preferred method!

    The Civil War Bride blocks are (as usual) gorgeous!

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  6. With every stitch the quilt will be more gorgeous !!!

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  7. Harmonious is really stunning. It is a real work of art. You must be thrilled with it.

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  8. Harmonious is the perfect word for the quilting on Auntie Green. I would also add elegant.

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  9. As usual, you've done an incredible and amazing work !
    Bravo Hilda !!
    Have a nice weekend !

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  10. Wow, you are making great progress. Your hand quilting will really make this one special. Beautiful work.

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  11. Beautifully done! Your Harmonious quilt is so classic and elegant with its soft, gentle tones.

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  12. Wow! Both projects look lovely. Nice work Hilda!

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  13. Your handquilting stitches look so neat and regular, really beautiful. I can see you enjoy the handquilting process a lot, and I am looking forward to seeing the whole Auntie Green quilted. It surely is to become an amazing quilt!

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  14. I am in awe of those who hand quilt, especially as well as you do. Your CW blocks are delightful.

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  15. Beautiful, I prefer pin basting too.
    Enjoy your Sunday.

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  16. What is going to be such a gorgeous quilt! Lovely to see another peek of it :0) I'm always glad to see your process thoughts. I've never tried handquilting with pins I always thought they would bug me - like in the way of the hoop and catching on things... I hope you love it and I am brave enough to try it next time. The extra backing brought around to the front is a good idea too. Your CWB blocks a beautiful as always - you'll get back to them eventually :0)

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  17. Lovely project, looks so delicate.
    I have pinbasted before and it worked out well for me, no problem at all.
    Greetings,
    Sylvia

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  18. It's so gorgeous, I can't wait.

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  19. I find that pin basting works very well with hand quilting! Been doing it for years now.:) Your quilt is looking beautiful! Very exciting to see you getting this far with it.:)

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  20. Oh your daughter's wedding quilt is just going to be gorgeous! I too have a hard time working on anything else when there is some hand quilting to be done.

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  21. I am so glad you are enjoying hand quilting,,looks like you have quite a bit done too. Always good to have some basting prepped! Enjoy your stitching time!

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  22. Ha! I'm so glad I'm not the only one who "flicks" needles into the netherlands!! I'm always sure my husband will be the one to find it in his sock. I guess it is true what they say - "A needle in the hand is worth two in the couch". I adore your Auntie Green. I love your temporary edging solution. I must remember that one. I only baste the perimeter of the quilt when I am hand quilting (yes, this drivves all my quilting friends crazy) so this will tidy up my edge and keep the wool fluff from landing all over the living room!

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  23. Very pretty work. Nice idea to tack extra backing fabric over the edges. I think that would keep the edges of the batting from thinning as the quilt is moved around during the quilting process.

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  24. Love your work . . . it is a real credit to you and your patience. Enjoy reading your blog updates. Thank you for the wonderful pics and explanation.

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  25. I love all the neutral/natural colours together - this is such a beautiful quilt. So pleased you are enjoying the hand quilting so much.

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  26. I just came across your blog and LOVE it. Your work is AWESOME... I'm a WANT TA BE APPLIQUER!! I've taken a class but don't feel comfortable yet. Thanks again for sharing your talent and knowledge...you are AWESOME!!!!

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  27. What a great idea for treating the edges as you quilt!

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  28. I agree, the way you prep the edges is brilliant. I am definitely going to give that a try if I ever get back to hand quilting. I love your reds for the CWB.

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