I have an appointment right before lunch tomorrow...and then I have plans....I have decided this is the quilt top I am going to quilt. It has been waiting for quite a while...but not near as long as some I have. I made it about three years ago, and had plans to machine quilt it. Then life got in the way, things happened and I hardly touched my sewing machines, or sewing of any kind for the past two or three years. Except to make baby quilts.
Tonight I rearranged Lorelei's room till I could spread everything out and get it pin basted. This is a big quilt, approximately 90 inches square so it takes a big area. First I spread the backing out, right side down. I use t-pins and stretch it out on the carpet. This is time consuming...do one on one side, then go straight across to the opposite side and do another. Next, do one on the other two sides. From there, I place one about every 12-18 inches.Then I spread the batting on top of that and smooth it out. I use a few T-pins but not near as many as I use on the backing. Before I use the batting I will throw it in the dryer on the Air setting for a few minutes to get it to relax.
Next I spread the top out and smooth it...and then go about using the T-pins to keep the top stretched out. Then comes the real time consuming part...I use the bent safety pins and pin the three layers together about every six inches. (You can't do this if you have looped carpet...I have enough trouble doing it on regular carpet..)
(This is only a small fraction of the pins I use.)
Oh how gorgeous, Rose. I'm so envious... Can't wait to see it once it is all finished... How many quilts do you have in your home???? I love quilts--and think I told you that I have one that was my mothers. It is very special to me.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
The quilt top looks great. I always have trouble getting quilts tight and basted well. Would be nice to have a quilting buddy close by to help each other with this. Maybe I can train Mike to help? Have you ever used one of the sprays? I did once and it worked pretty well to help keep everything where it should be while I quilted.
ReplyDeleteYou are certainly ambitious and have a big project planned. But the quilt is going to be beautiful.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty quilt Rose, I am anxious to see it quilted! Please share pictures as you go, or for sure when you finish! Your pictures and postings of Lorelei are just precious..thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed! That takes a LOT more talent and patience than I'll ever have! It'll be beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThe quilt is lovely, Rose! Isn't it wonderful that you can get someone else do the quilting part? Putting the colours together is the fun!!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a LOT of work, but the results are great.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen nor heard of a "T-pin" & now I have! Our whole house is carpetted too so it's irritating for this purpose. Happy Tuesday from Tokyo.
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