Little Penguin Quilts Through the Year

Little Penguin Quilts Through the Year

Friday, December 16, 2022

Making some progress...

Two of my Rainbow Scrap Challenge quilt tops for 2022 are in that stage where I've been making progress on finishing them, but it's not all that obvious if you're just looking at them!

I've been quilting the Bloom Baskets in a diagonal grid, mostly in the ditch so far.  The quilting lines are ending up 4 inches apart, and I'm wondering if that will feel like enough quilting if that's all I do.  


While stitching along, I always try to decide if I have a favorite block.  Today it's this yellow one!  Thinking again about adding more quilting in between the current lines: do I want the quilting to cut through the baskets?  Not sure yet.

The Dancing Plus quilt is in the pressing stage, which is a tedious one for hand-pieced tops.  Look at all those block intersections! 


I do have the backing cut for it - the same as Bloom - Sprinkles from Connecting Threads.  I bought a lot of it!


Using the gift certificate to my LQS that I got at my quilt group's gift exchange, I bought some wool batting.  I have been wanting to try wool batting for hand quilting, and that's what I'm planning to do with the Dancing Plus quilt. 

Quilter's Dream - Dream Wool

 Have you used wool batting?  Let me know what your experience has been.  

Sharing at SoScrappy for ScrapHappy Saturday and at Quilting is More Fun than Housework for Oh Scrap!

20 comments:

The Cozy Quilter said...

Great backing for the RSC quilts! I found a colourful wide back called sea glass for a couple of mine. Happy sewing!

Michele McLaughlin said...

Such gorgeous quilts! Let us know how you like the wool batting! I love both of your quilts and your favorite yellow basket one just sings to me! Have a great weekend Diann! Hugs!

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

I love wool batting, my husband's favorite quilt has it too. It doesn't crease like cotton, and it lightweight and warm.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

I have used wool batting and have always liked it - the only batting I have ever come across that I didn't like for hand quilting is Warm and Natural and all batting that has scrim in it. The better batting's are great ore great for hand quilting and I never have a problem with them or notice that much difference from them although I no a lot of quilters have a favorite. Four inches is spaced a bit apart for me but some of the batting packages say 4 to 6 so I think it is your choice.

scraphappy said...

I think that slow and subtle progress is one of the hallmarks of the quilting hobby. So many quilt all coming along though. Enjoy the process.

Vicki in MN said...

I have used wool batting, but I longarmed it of course. I use it for our bed quilts and love it! The loft leaves a nice texture and a light weight quilt.

Frédérique - Quilting Patchwork Appliqué said...

Pretty yellow basket! I never use wool batting, and will be interesting to read how you and others like it. Dancing Plus is gorgeous too!

Michelle said...

The basket quilt is so pretty! I love it.

Linda said...

Ah the quilting decisions - good luck with your baskets! Whatever you decide, it already looks fantastic. Looks like you have your weekend planned out!

grammajudyb said...

I would hate to quilt across the baskets too! I’m certainly no expert. I usually go with what the packaging says, but if you had it long armed, the stitching would be across the baskets. I’m interested in seeing the hand quilting on the plus quilt. Will you use a hoop or quilting frame?

Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nana said...

I bake with almond flour sometimes and I can never get the cookies to brown...have no idea why. But it tastes fine. I like the teacher memory you shared. This time of year in a school, the atmosphere is heightened and exciting. I well remember those days.
Such a gorgeous quilt here you are quilting Diann. Yes, that yellow is a beauty. I always debate the quilting lines, both where and how many, in whatever I'm working on. Your work is immaculate like always.

Kate said...

Congrats on all the progress on your RSC quilts. Every 4 inches doesn't sound like enough quilting, but I think the Warm and Natural says you need to quilt at least every 6 or 8 inches. So that may enough. Happy stitching this weekend.

Sara said...

Such pretty scrappy quilts! I haven't tried wool batting, but am guessing it will be very warm and cozy.

Sandy Panagos said...

Both your quilts are very pretty. That backing fabric is perfect. Maybe you need a whole bolt!

PaintedThread said...

I hear wool batting puffs up nicely to show off the quilting. I recall reading someone who would do a bit of wool over cotton, so the quilting on top would show up more.

MissPat said...

I would think if you quilted halfway between your existing stitch in the ditch, the quilting would still be on the sides of the baskets, not through them, and should look okay. It's a very cheerful quilt.
Pat

Kat said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kat said...

The little bow tie blocks are so cute! The basket quilt will be a lovely finish! Perhaps you might want to quilt around the baskets? I know that is a lot of turning, but it might be nice to accentuate the shapes. I love reading your blog and am so inspired by all your lovely RSC projects!

Alycia~Quiltygirl said...

That Blooms is so pretty!! I like the diagonal lines- but they look hard

Jenny said...

I have used wool batting for a bed quilt which was commercially quilted. It is so lovely and warm, and this quilt is our winter quilt on the bed. I'm sure it would be wonderful go hand quilt through. I'll be waiting with interested to see your finished basket quilt.