Sunday, December 29, 2013

Slow Stitching Throughout the Year

Today is the last link-up for the year over at Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching! She does a great job of honoring the slow stitching part of quilting, whatever that may be for you and me. I always enjoy being able to link up my latest bits of progress with other slow quilters knowing that they 'get' what that progress really means.
Red and Gold Qtr. Triangles
Right now I'm trying to finish up the hand quilting on my Red and Gold Quarter Triangle quilt (still don't have a good name for this quilt). I have this last frame and then a few more on the top end of the quilt before I'll be ready to sew some binding on. At this stage it's hard to put the quilt down because I'm so close to a finish I can almost taste it.*wink
In the hoop
I love having slow stitching time be a regular part of my quilting process. Coming up in 2014 I have drawers full of quilt tops that I'll be combing through for hand quilting 'in the hoop' relaxation, several quilt projects that need a special applique touch and an 'on the go' forever project to focus on if I get half a moment to spare. 

Kathy asked what we are most proud of with our 2013 Slow Stitching. For me that's easy. I'm so happy that I've made slow stitching part of my routine and then kept up with it. The very nature of hand quilting, hand piecing, hand applique work, etc. means that it can take hours and hours to finish up anything significant. Making it part of my late evening wind down time at least 3-4 times a week (and sometimes more) lets me see finish after finish all through the year. There's no pressure to see progress, no deadlines and I quit when I'm done for the evening--it's just that simple.

21 comments:

  1. It is always good to see a quilter handquilting...I love it the best. Never heard of Slow Stitching....sounds like something I should do. Goodness I need to finish some quilts. I can't help you with a name, but your quilt sure is a beauty.
    blessings, jill

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  2. It sounds lovely, Audrey! And your quilting is looking good too. I am also planning more hand work for 2014. You definitely need a new name for this quilt, though...

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  3. That's a lot of stitching. You could maybe call it Sunburst.

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  4. Keep sharing the gorgeous inspiration...I am so close to joining you! I really do want to hand quilt something in 2014. Thanks for sharing and encouraging, and best wishes to you for many hours of slow stitching in the new year!

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  5. Hopefully, by the time you read this comment, you'll be done! Looks beautiful!

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  6. Your quilt looks very Dutch to me. So pretty and yet simple! I sure have enjoyed SSS also. It does help to inspire me to put in a few stitches and I was surprised that I hand quilting three good size quilts this year. You gotta love those finishes!

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  7. Your stitching is beautiful. I love your sentiment about it becoming a routine. My hands don't like it if I do it every day, but I think I can do 3-4 evenings a week. I'd do it all day, every day if I could!

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  8. Your quilting looks wonderful. I agree with Carla, your quilt has a Dutch look to it, check out the book Promenade dans un jardin Hollandais by Petra Prins and An Moonen. Also I thought the colours you have used remind me of a evening sunset.

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  9. beautiful stitches and beautiful quilt!! slowly we go but we get it done in the end!

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  10. beautiful colors and i really like the way that you have quilted it too.


    :-)
    libbyQ

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  11. My sentiments exactly!! The thing I love most about hand quilting is just that, you can pick it up where you left off and stop whenever you want. Looks wonderful.

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  12. I love your quilt and your quilting design is just perfect. To me, hand quilting a quilt is like having an old friend. It is always there and available when you need it but doesn't expect more than you can give. :)

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  13. Love this hst medallion quilt.. what is the name of the flowers in the medallion... maybe the name could be one of those :) But very beautiful and your stitches are awesome... I love your frame and if I used one would use one like that... :) Thanks for sharing your love of hand quilting... it is also my fave part! Kathi

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  14. What a beauty, and yes, a beautiful way to spend a Sunday. I hope to have more of those in the future! Maybe that's the name - Slow Sunday?! Take care, Byrd

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  15. Thanks for the Slow Stitching tip - I love to hand piece and hand quilt, even though I am dreadfully slow at the quilting part and I'll have to check in to see what everyone else is doing. I was in a local quilt shop the other day and overheard a sales clerk and customer bemoaning how dreadful hand quilting is but I couldn't disagree more. It's the real deal and comes with the pleasure of slowing down and truly appreciating your craft.

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  16. There is something very soothing and satisfying about making something using slow stitching methods. Its a completely different feeling to sitting down with your machine. I've definitely become a convert to slow stitching over the last few years.

    Your quilt is gorgeous and your quilting is lovely!

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  17. I love your perspective!! Beautiful approach and it shows in your work.
    Fabulous red and gold qtr squares. Another great project.
    Wishing you all the best in 2014!

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  18. Such beautiful hand quilting! Love the texture and feel of hand-quilted quilts!!! Your red and gold is amazing!!!

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  19. That quilt is so lovely! There is something nice about slow stiching, isn't there? It's not always about getting er done.

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  20. What wonderful stitching. I couldn't imagine a day without a little handwork...It's so calming.

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  21. I just love this post Audrey... makes me feel so happy! There is nothing like the calming effect of hand quilting. Even your photos make me feel relaxed :)

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