Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Some Simple Hand Quilting

I thought I'd show a few pictures of the hand quilting progress on my Broken Dishes Part Deux quilt. I almost took this camping with me, but I can't deal with seeing my yet-to-be-finished quilts being drug around in the dirt. Just a personal phobia, not criticizing anyone that does! Not that I got any stitching in this past weekend anyway. I just patted my applique bag when I walked by and thought good thoughts.
Broken Dishes Part Deux
The hand quilting is very basic--what you would call shadow quilting or outline quilting. First of all, it needs to fit with the machine quilting I already did in the sashing, but also, I'm hoping this quilt will have a comfy, drapey feel to it. Decisions, decisions.  Me thinks the sashing could have definitely have used more stitching lines instead of the three I went with (giving it a much more modern feel) and it was very tempting to do just that. But then I would have had to have much denser stitching inside the blocks, which then would have totally negated the soft, comfy look. Plus, I really like a good old antique block and/or lay-out done with a more contemporary feel--once in a while. You know, just to make things interesting!
A closer look at the hand stitching
On the evenings that I have had time (obviously not while I was camping), I've been trying to get three blocks stitched before it gets folded up and put back in the bag. Just a little goal setting that helps me breeze through to a quick finish. Ha ha Fingers crossed on the 'quick' as I have plans for this quilt already!
It's starting to look so much better already....
After reading through the comments on my last post I realized people were assuming a relaxing single-family type camping trip was taking place. Ah.. not so much. What our church does (annually on Memorial Day weekend) is this: we rent a forest service campground with rustic lodge facilities and 'host' a weekend for church members both local and from other areas and states too. The average amount of people attending usually comes to between 165-185 persons but it can be more or less depending on the year,  the economy and/or any upcoming weddings/events etc. Always lots of teenagers and lots of fun, especially if the weather cooperates! Also a lot of work for our home group as of course, we are hosting the event. One of the best things about it is the fact that there is no cell service, which of course is a great thing for our technologically addicted teenagers and um.. adults? I always assume that I can sneak in a little stitching time somewhere during the weekend, but in the time available it's usually dark, damp or I'm just too tired to go grab my stuff. Hey, we all know there's more to life than quilting, right? lol

14 comments:

  1. Yes that is much more than a family camping trip. I am liking your quilt.

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  2. That's a great quilt, Audrey! I really like the combination of machine quilted grid and hand quilting in the blocks. And I love the black sashing!

    Reminds me I need to pull my Civil War quilt out and do some more quilting on it....

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  3. Your quilt is coming along and you will have it finished in no time!

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  4. That is such a beautiful quilt! Sounds like you need some sewing therapy after your busy weekend.

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  5. not my idea of a camping trip! I don't think I would like that kind

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  6. You won't regret doing these things and having the memories.

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  7. Yes! That was a little more than a family camping trip. But it did sound like a lot of fun and I can understand not having the time or energy to sew. Your Broken Dishes is looking fabulous!!

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  8. I can see why you wouldn't have had time to quilt. That was some group you went camping with. I love the quilt you are working on. Hugs

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  9. You say your quilting is simple but from someone who finds hand quilting incredibly difficult - I think it looks like a work of art.

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  10. The light on your quilt really made the quilting show up. I like the sashing just the way you're doing it. The amount compliments the blocks.

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  11. I like the modern twist on traditional blocks. Goal setting is a great, how fun to already have a plan for the quilt.

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  12. I used to have one of those Q Snap frames. I am sorry I didn't hold onto it as it would come in handy every now and then.

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  13. Yes more than a typical camping trip! :) The quilt and quilting look wonderful !

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  14. I can imagine you patting your applique bag as you walk by, same as you would pat a faithful old dog! Never judges you, always happy to see you... hmmm!

    I also thought you meant tents and roughing it. I think it is the difference between camping and camp. Anyway, the quilt is looking good!

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