Seeing Finn's 'Strippy Twist' reminded me of these two quilts which I made earlier this year and donated to our local hospital's Children's Intensive Care Unit. I can't say that either of these quilts are perfect examples of the art - I'm still a novice, but they won't fall apart when they're washed and the colours are bright and cheerful and comforting, so I think they'll fit the bill. I really enjoyed makiing them but I had nightmares with the strippy twist - mainly down to my seam allowances being out. I had to cut down the blocks to make them a uniform size and that made the little squares in the centres of the blocks come out different sizes too. I do love this pattern from Bonnie's Quiltville.com though, it's so simple, so effective and so scrappy! Think maybe I'll make another one soon to see if I've improved ;-).
Talking of nightmares, have spent the afternoon trying to quilt the seaside quilt for DS, well, what didn't go wrong? I had bought some (expensive) thread made by a reputable manufacturer - don't know if it didn't suit my machine or not but it kept getting tangled in the reel. So, I changed to my normal thread and that then kept getting snarled on the back of the quilt so I'm going to have to unpick it. I have a horrible suspicion that the batting I've used is a bit too thick and if I'd used thinner it would have been better but DS did want a snuggly quilt. DH is being very diplomatic and says that I've just got to learn from the experience! Anyway, I've given up for now, I'll go back to it tomorrow.
It's very quiet this afternoon as England are playing a game in the Football World Cup and everyone seems to have stopped in to watch the match - for those who have no interest in football whatsoever (like me) it's an excellent time to go and do your shopping - the stores are empty.
9 comments:
I have to say I was one of those people watching the footie - never been interested in any sports, either participating or watching until the kids became involved - now I shout and scream with the rest of them - that referee this afternoon had certainly not been to specsavers (a particular favourite family comment :o) I did sit and stitch hexagons whilst watching it over the top of my glasses though. Even postponed going out for a bike ride 'til the match had ended! Love the ICU quilts - particularly the hearts one - I'm very partial to hearts
Love the strippy twist. I don't see a problem with the little squares being different sizes -- maybe the quilt police have a problem with it, but I think it looks great.
Regarding the thread getting caught up in the "reel," I find when I have this problem it is best to take both bobbin and top threads completely out of the machine and start again. With my old White machine (my only machine -- bought at a yard sale for $20), I can only turn the wheel forward. If I turn it back even halfway, the machine jams up terribly.
I'm afraid that I agree with your husband, even though things get ackward..it's all a learning experience. If you re-do it and it still won't work, you might want to change the batting and just have a lighter quilt that goes over a blanket. OR you could try hand quilting it with perle cotton and a big stitch, OR tying the quilt with perle cotton at one inch intervals.
I am trying the strip twist. Started sewing the strips today. Hope it looks as nice as yours.
I didn't even mention your quilts!! Forgot all about them! They are both lovely and I think the tiny squares look fine. The great thing about string quilts is that they don't have to macth!!
Great job, Fiona!!
Both quilts look wonderful Fiona!! And the really nice thing about just relaxing and making quilts like the strip twist?? We don't have to get bent out of shape with their lack of perfection.
The same thing has been happening to me with the strip twist one. The blocks aren't coming out all one size, so I just cut them down to a uniform size and don't worry about it. The quilt won't give one bit more happiness or warmth with perfect points and matching corners..*VBS*
Great colours in your 2 small quilts! Love the little card you made too. Cheers Alison.
Very nice quilts. Exactly what they need to be - bright, cheerful and well made :)
Fiona, Just noticed that you used your card from your last post as your profile pic. Love it!
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