I was determined to get going on the first Quilt As You Go step for my Pieces of My Life project this week. I collected all the supplies - sashing fabric, backing, and Hobbs 80/20 fusible batting. Melva wrote that she preferred the look of scrappy sashing strips, chosen from her stash, but I didn't have anything that would be the right size to get the length of strips that are called for. So I bought a Grunge fabric called "Sea," and am hoping it will work. Credit goes to Missouri Star for a great sale on two yard cuts for the backing (the floral wreaths - I bought two packages) and Connecting Threads for a batting sale, and I was all set!
Next up was to cut and sew the sashing pieces and get the first quarter of the quilt top together. Thank you, Melva, for very clear directions on how to do that!
I wasn't really happy with the look of that center section where the four large blocks come together because it looks a little too chunky, if you know what I mean!
So I did a little reverse engineering and added some of the floral focus fabric as "cornerstones." I actually like this much better.
This section measures 28.5 x 30.5.
There will be four sections this same size that make the quilt top.
There will also be an outer border all the way around.
Okay - ready to baste the layers together. I've used Hobbs 80/20 in my quilts for years and really like it, but never the fusible type. Thankfully, Melva included a great video from Pauline's Quilting World that shows just what to do, and it works great! (So far, anyway!) This could be a game changer for me - basting the quilt layers is never my favorite job, but this made it very easy.
And I'm off on the quilting journey! Starting off simply with some stitch-in-the-ditch, but hoping to branch out into some different designs in the blocks.
Linking up with Quiltfabrication for Midweek Makers.
And Alycia Quilts for Finished or Not Friday.
13 comments:
It is so exciting to see your progress on Melva's SAL. I am in love with the color palette that you chose, Diann. I hope to catch up soon. Tomorrow the grandkiddos will be here so no quilting time for me,but perhaps this weekend. Enjoy your time working on this beauty. Hugs.
I have found that once I get on a shopping spree, it is difficult to stop. Those darn sales are evil!!!
I never did get into quilt as you go- I guess once you have it figure out you will either life it or hate it
Looks beautiful so far, that Sea Grunge is really pretty. I love your sashing addition to the layout - I'm bookmarking to see if it might work for me. I hope to get going on the blocks soon. Good luck with the quilting.
It will be interesting hearing how you like the Quilt as You Go method. I did one bed quilt many many years ago using that method.
I've been taking notes as Kate's Choice is going to be quilt as you go. I like your reengineered center. Happy stitching.
Interesting process, Diann. I've done a quilt-as-you-go project before. Your blocks are looking great together. I like the sashing adjustment, too.
I haven't used fusible batting in many years. Sounds like it has improved! I hope you have a great time with it! Thanks for sharing!
I like the use of the cornerstones to break up the blue a bit. Have fun quilting that section. I found quilt as you go was much easier to machine quilt sections with.
Look at you! Stepping outside the box, and trying new thing(S)! I’m sure the quilting of the smaller section will be much easier! And fusible batting is a great short cut. Looking forward to following your progress. You go!
Cute floral cornerstones!!! Happy quilting!
I'm also very intrigued by fusible batting. I will definitely check that out because I loathe the layering and struggle keeping it nice and flat. These are adorable blocks, Diann.
Oh this will be fun.
I like your *reverse Engineering* patch!!!
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