Finished!  Tristan Quilt Part 4

I decided to practice modern shaped feathers and geometric squares for my actual machine quilting design elements.  I didn't want the feathers to be feminine or fussy, so I squared them off a little and did a zig zag down the spine centers and surrounded them with pebbles in the plain turquoise sections.  Then, in the print squares, I did squares spiraling in and cutting across to the next square in a continual line fashion.  It was fun and easy and I could work in bursts when I had 20 minutes here or an hour there.  I used cream thread in the bobbin and on top to contrast the embroidery thread in Tristan's name, and so that the designs didn't fade into the fabric color.  Also...purely practical...I couldn't find the right shade of turquoise in quilting weight cotton thread, and I didn't want to stray from my all cotton policy, especially in a baby quilt that will be laundered a bunch and (hopefully) used till it's in tatters!!

After the machine quilting was done, I cut the quilt off the frame.

Then I squared up the edges on my cutting mat with my ruler and rotary cutter (it's easier on a smaller quilt like a baby size or a lap rug).

Then I added the binding (you can see instructions for both of these steps in other posts here on my blog, or in videos on my YouTube Channel).  For binding strips, I used miscellaneous other bits from the same fabric line (Acacia, by Tula Pink) from the jelly roll I purchased.  2 1/2" strips of adorable!!  I made sure to have the binding line up with different colors than the quilt top fabric so it frames the finished product with more color pop.

And I hope Tristan and his family will use this up and wear it out,  in the best of health and happiness...here is Tristan's Quilt.

Tristan Quilt Part Three

Making progress on the details of Tristan's bright and sassy quilt.  First I auditioned the embroidery, a simple but masculine font with first and middle name, and birth date.  I tried motifs but the designs were just too busy for all the bold colors and prints.  I used a dark teal rayon thread, so it would show up on the turquoise fabric and not get lost in the quilting.

This is a spare bandana, which I will give to Tristan also to use as a bib, a clean up cloth or a fashion accessory.  ;)  I keep a stack of colored bandanas to use as last minute embroideries for kids or new puppies.  This one is a washed out blue that goes with the tones of the quilt.  

Then I mounted the quilt on the trusty six-needle.

As the embroidery unfolded, I tried several backing fabric prints, and found that the batik in greens and blues was the best match, and went well with the beachy lifestyle of this little family.

So now all the decisions are made, and it's time to get to the quilting.  Onto the quilt frame it goes.

If you're working on a home machine, it's the same quilt sandwich. Backing face down, batting next (I always use 100% cotton thin and unbleached batting for baby quilts, because of its natural materials, and it's vintage cozy pucker when it's laundered), then the quilt top face up.  Baby quilts and smaller lap quilts are always instantly gratifying since they finish quickly, and are a treasured gift.

Be back shortly with the actual quilting process and designs.

Happy sewing,

Beth

Tristan Quilt Part 2 - Top, Trim, Press

Tristan Quilt Part 2

Had just a little time over the weekend to finish the quilt top, so I wanted to post the pics. 

First I finished the piecing (which by the way is not exactly improvisational like modern quilters do it, but is indeed by the seat of my pants with a plan) and then pressed all seams.  The great thing about staggering the charm square rows is that I didn't have to devote a lot of time to 'nesting' the seams as each row was added.  More on that in a later project.

Then I squared up the edges, just a rough squaring, as the body of the quilt will change again when we do the free motion quilting.  Because I staggered the squares, there were some bits to trim off before I mount it on the quilting frame.

I pressed the seams alternately in and out to avoid bulk when we get to the quilting.

Then I laid it out so you can see the whole thing.  There is a turquoise panel toward the lower edge (on the left just above the purple dot strip) that I will be using to machine embroider Tristan's name and birthdate next.  Then I'll mount the quilt top on frame and try some new designs in my free motion adventures.

I'll be back in a few days with a progress report.  Till then, happy quilting!!!

xo Beth

Bright New Day, Modern Tristan Quilt Part One

NEW YEAR AND THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT(S)!

I'm pushing out of my comfort zone with my first project in my new studio!  First with fabric choice (I'm a longtime fan of muted, earthy, romantic), and then with technique (a traditional quilter at heart, who loves scrappy, simple patchwork).  I'm going bold and modern!

I have a special baby quilt to make for my friend Barbara's new grand-baby.  His parents are beachy, bold, and modern, and so is my plan for the quilt.  It's the perfect project for improvisational piecing, where I have an overall plan but am willing to go with the flow and adjust as needed.

Additionally, I'm in love with pre-cuts, and the new fabric line 'Acacia' by Tula Pink for Westminster Fabrics, and the bold bundle of Kona solid pre-cuts by Robert Kaufman Fabrics.  So I picked a pop color (bright aqua) in a 1 yard cut, and a charm pack of Acacia, as well as one of the Kona solids, and I'm off!!

 My overall plan involves chain piecing alternating solid and print 5" charm squares, and laying them out in rows with longer 5" strips of the aqua.  The aqua will build a central canvas for some more detailed machine quilting designs I've been wanting to try out.  

I laid out the rows with the aqua panels more toward the center of the quilt and the charm squares toward either end of each row.  Then I pinned post it notes with the row order number to the 'top' of each row for ease of assembly.  I found the aqua needed a little help, so I grouped the rows into twos and threes and added 2 1/2" Acacia Jelly Roll strips between them.  As I construct, I'm making sure to offset the charm square seams, so no nesting issues or pressing direction 

I'm still piecing, so I'll add a picture of the quilt top shortly, so you can see what I mean.  But in the meantime, I'm in love with the cheeky colors and perky prints...little raccoon faces peering through purple ferns and the cheerful mix of geometrics and forest elements.

I'm already tossing around ideas for the free motion patterns I will use, and what I love most is the fast and free way the quilt is coming together.  Pre-cuts save SO much time in the planning stage...no cutting or measuring in a quilt like this.  And they save in extra fabric and waste as well, since I used up all but two of the print squares, and the solid extras I can save for another project.  In under twenty minutes, I was sewing pieces together and in under two hours, the quilt top was laid out and nearly complete.  

I'll be back with you in a few days with Part Two as I finish the top and square it up to quilt.  In the meantime, push some boundaries of your own.  It's the New Year.  Try something outside the box.  No time like the present!!  ;)

ORGANIZE YOUR FABRIC AND SUPPLIES!!

As I get things unpacked in my new space, and get my shelves and sewing stations set up, the age-old problem of storage comes up.  I have a few rules that take awhile to set up, but have made my daily projects so much faster and easier!!

I use boxes for everything!  Pretty hat boxes stack on top of bookshelves and file cabinets, and look fantastic in my bright and busy room, but they MUST have labels so you can put your hands on what you need later on.   They're the best for odd shaped items, and things you don't need very often.

I use a Brother Tape Labeler for almost everything, since it's fast and durable and uniform.

For the rest of the supplies that I use more often, I use clear boxes, also labelled but stackable so I can see what I need especially colors or types.

My fabric goes in large clear tubs I buy at Costco, and I sort and group the fabrics by color range (neutrals, pastels) or type (Batiks, Vintage/Flour Sack).  They stack perfectly on the shelf of my 10 foot quilt frame with room for a row on the floor as well.  Fabrics I use less often (velvets, upholstery weights) I keep in labeled large plastic tubs in the garage.  They are in a couple of stacks where I can get to them easily and where the detailed label puts my hand on what I need fast.

I label even what I can see, so I can find the right item at a glance.

More ideas for setting up your studio space coming in the next weeks.  Next subject:  lighting and ventilation!!  See you back here soon!

hugs, Beth

We have the technology, we can rebuild her...

Getting back to work!  
Well, the move is over, the dust has settled and the unpacking has begun.  On Saturday morning, my intrepid friend Lindsay came over and the two of us, armed with strong coffee, cleared the floor in my new studio space, put down the area rug, and opened the back of the equipment trailer.  A little like Indiana Jones opening an ancient tomb, Lindsay and I ceremonially opened the back door/ramp.  A creak, some rays of light filled with swirling dust mites, and there they were.  My treasures had been gathering dust for a few weeks, calling my name.  I have to admit, my heart beat a little faster.

That trailer had been holding my Husqvarna Viking 10 foot quilting table and mega quilter, my trusty Babylock six needle embroidery machine, my Pfaff construction machine, my Babylock serger, a twenty year old embellishing machine, and an old singer treadle.  Also stored inside were twenty clear storage bins of fabrics, countless boxes of books, supplies, notions, tools, and momentos that inspire and entertain me...fairy dolls, a ceramic dragon, a resin unicorn, antique china teacups to hold bobbins, thimbles, snips and clips.  The tools of my trade were waiting for me.

We started with the big stuff, (that's what I would recommend to others starting a new space) and configured the practical work area.   Bookshelves must be easy to reach, work tables organized against walls, my corner desk laid out.  Then moving from table to machine,  I walked the space to make sure it was laid out conveniently and productively.  Leaving room for storage and supplies, dusting off all the clear bins of fabric and smaller bins of threads, glues, ribbons, buttons, notions, etc. we started placing my supplies. 

Lindsay gave up after several hours, but I was at it till the wee hours, unpacking books and instructionals (even a four language translation dictionary) and touching and placing my 'things'.  It is hard work physically and emotionally to organize a new workshop, but I love the useful and beautiful things I use every day to create.   I've missed having them at my fingertips and knowing I can spend a free hour and put my hands on what I need.  My studio is as important as setting up my bedroom or bathroom, and I am glad it has begun.

It will take me several more weeks (I still have to work most days, and this is a big job), but I got the quilter reattached to its cabling, and computerized Qbot.  I found the parts and the power plugs and I'm almost ready to turn on a machine.  Maybe this weekend...

Meantime, my pre-order promotion winds down as I wait for the box of new books to arrive.  Thank you all for purchasing your copy.   And let's get sewing!!  
hugs,
Beth

PRE-ORDERS HAVE BEGUN!  THANKS TO THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY PURCHASE ADVANCE AUTOGRAPHED COPIES!!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/165918797/beth-maitland-pre-order-promotion?

For those about to start quilting...here's my thought for the day:

LOVE QUILTING!!  Don't be intimidated.  Start small.  Just begin your first seam, sew your first block, set your sights on a simple goal, and YOU CAN DO IT!!!  In the tea chapter, I show you how to make little tea mats (or hot pads).  Great first project!!  One thing sends you confidently to the next!

YES YOU CAN!!
love, Beth