Another week has come and gone and I have a bit of progress to report.
First off, I finished these hexagon flowers for Chelsea for the bee that we are participating in {incidentally, Chelsea is holding a giveaway, the prize will be one of your quilt tops, long arm quilted by her, be sure to check it out here. There will be 2 winners.}.
Yesterday I purchased backing fabric for Frankie and managed to get it pin basted last night. I always find pin basting such a drag, but I was surprised how fast it went once I put my mind to it. I want to straight line quilt it (my FMQ skills are not worthy of such a large project!) and have somewhat of a plan, but any straight line quilting ideas or opinions on designs would be much appreciated! {excuse the mediocre photo - dreary days and late evening photo taking are not optimal conditions!}
Speaking of straight line quilting.....marking quilts. What do you use? I've heard so many conflicting opinions on marking pens, and recently saw that Lu uses Crayola fine tip washable markers with great success. A machine wash takes it all right out - she tells me that she's used all colours, even black, with no trouble at all. So I am now the proud owner of this, notice my discreet labeling. ;-) I'll keep you all posted on how it goes.
That's about it for me for this week. My sewing has definitely slowed down lately, with nicer weather (sometimes!) and spending more time outside so there's not as much to share, but it's still nice to check in.
18 comments:
Oh I need to try those washable markers! I have a ton of them from my boys... I should just steal a few and try them out. I really need to do a permanent vs washable marking study. :)
Sorry I got excited about the markers and forgot to comment on your quilt. My only advice is to echo quilt the solid sashes. I am sure someone else will come up with a MUCH better idea, but I wanted to just add my two cents. I can't wait to see it finished! Your hexagon flowers are cute too!
I was just pondering what I would use to straight line quilt, that is an interesting idea. :)
Love my hexies!!!
The other day... maybe on Amy's creative side or quilt story... they showed a quilt that was all straight lines but it was divided in 4 quadrants and each was quilted in a different direction. So:
-l
l-
Does that make any sense? It looked really cool.
And I'll echo Kelly that echoing your seam lines then filling in works really well.
And another and... I love those pens! I used purple on white and I think I had to run the quilt through the wash twice (I was using the gentle cycle), but everything came out. I don't think I'd use them on a customer quilt just in case, but for my own stuff they're perfect.
Frankie looks good! I'm no help on the straight line - I usually end up echo-quilting. Mainly because I want to avoid tying off lots of ends!
Do a review on the markers! I'm interested to see if they really come out!
I'm officially terrified of the pens after my swoon - though i typically use the clover water soluble blue marker ones and they work great, before you even wash i spray with water and they disappear immediately.
I'm newish at straight line quilting, because of the trouble with keeping the lines straight (haven't tried marking them!). But, I quilted Silas's quilt with diagonal lines going a single direction and about 1" apart. The quilt already has a diagonal pattern, so I just followed one line using my quilting guides that attach to my walking foot. Then I didn't need to mark anything (and the lines aren't perfect, but once it's washed and crinkled, you cannot tell!). When I mark things I use a water soluble pen and always spray it with distilled water before washing, that way the pen won't react with detergent or water minerals...I'm guessing regular washable markers might not have the same problems...and sorry to be so long winded! :)
I'd have to label my markers too! So funny. I'm excited to see Frankie all finished up!
Great idea - I'm going to try those washable markers - I must have some of those in my house somewhere. Your hexies are lovely.
Oooh, hexagons! Your bee partner's gonna love 'em! I've used washable Crayolas as well for marking quilt tops and haven't had any trouble thus far. Good luck!!
LOVE the hexagons...I've been wanting to try those for awhile now! Crayola eh? I'm nervous..but I"ll trust ya!
oh I like the quilt photo you label as mediocre....nice! And do let us know about the markers....I usually use my hera, blue tape if necessary, but of all is my walking foot. I've rarely used an actual marker.
Not 'quite' straight line but I used the wide wavy stitch and did lots and lots of 'straight' lines across a baby quilt. I LOVED the finished look.
PLEASE report on the markers. If they work well for you I will invest in a few sets when the back to school sales hit the stores in August.
I NEED Chelsea to help me out with my Made in Cherry! I know she would do a fantastic job as well. :) I have been wanting to try some random line straight quilting. Basically you just start on one side, sew all the way across and then move around the quilt, sewing randomly chosen lines. It sounds freeing, but you'll have to see if it's the right choice for this project. Good luck!
I don't use pens... I mark the lines (3-4 at a time) with my Hera marker. That way it can easily be ironed out and once you're done you don't have to worry about possible stains. The Hera marker makes very visible lines so they are easy to follow.
Oh... Forgot to say I love your quilt. The fabric was my first ever fabric-crush :)
It's looking great Heather! I quilted my Frankie in straight lines on the diagonal and I love it! It has such a nice texture. And, of course, echoing the sashing is always stunning too.
keep us posted on the washable markers! I don't like my marking pens at all!
Hexagons.....delicious!
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