Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Hand Quilting... Can I Do It ? ? ?




I'm starting with a miniature quilt.  14.5" x 14.5"  Smart!
I thought I could start and finish this in a short evening.  Not so smart!

I sewed two lines, both of which need to come out.  :(
I learned where NOT to quilt.  :)
Stitching just outside the diagonal lines runs into too many layers of fabric    I'm going to try a straight up and down, and side to side grid in the middle of the blocks... no where near the intersection of lots of seams.

I discovered I DO need a thimble... sore middle finger.  Ouch!
That means a trip to the quilt shop... yippee!
I also discovered, much to my surprise, it's relaxing to hand quilt.

Can't wait to finish quilting so I can put the binding on... rose colored matching the inner border.  Stay tuned.

8 comments:

Karen said...

u funny, auntie.

Jeanie said...

Mini quilts are the worst for hand quilting because of all of the layers, seams, and small open spaces to quilt. They handle easily, so it's easy to move and rock the fabric, but those seams..... If I know I'm going to hand quilt a mini quilt, one thing I do is use a narrower seam allowance of 1/8". It gives me a little more open space to quilt in.
I often have to do the up and down stab quilting and that takes a long time. Oh, and that thimble is a must for me too. I've always used a thimble for my hand sewing and when I'm quilting, I use one on top and one on the bottom.
Good luck with this. I know you'll do a great job. Oh, and the quilt is a cutie!

Jenn said...

Yes you can! Hang in there and you will find it oh so rewarding and relaxing and you perfect your technique! Can't wait to see the finished product!

marlene@ByTheSeam said...

It is relaxing to hand quilt. I am not too good at it and to use a thimble, that isn't so easy. I just can't get the hang of it.

SarahB said...

What a beautiful miniature quilt! I really love miniatures. :)

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

You'll learn to love the rhythm, relax and enjoy it! It is a very pretty mini!

jenna parson said...

I am right there w/you on trying to leanr to hand quilt. I am sure w.time we will both be successful at it :). Pretty quilt too.

jenna parson said...

I am right there w/you on trying to leanr to hand quilt. I am sure w.time we will both be successful at it :). Pretty quilt too.