Windfall quilt, 92 x 104
Cut 100, squares of dark gray background fabric, (10" squares).
Cut 200+ colorful 4" squares for the corners.
Place 4" squares, one at each corner, draw one diagonal line from corner to the opposite corner (like cutting a grilled cheese sandwich). Stitch on this center line.
I drew a second line, a distance of 1/4". Stitch on the line. The second line is optional, and when stitched and cut away, it makes half square triangles for another project. I'll explain this option later.
When I stitch quilt pieces I reduce the stitch length to 1.8 (stronger seam).
Cut between lines to separate. Next step is pressing.
The half square triangles are the corner discards from the quilt blocks. I'll use the half square triangles on another project (probably to decorate purses I make).
Tip:
I prefer to use spray starch to press seams. Not all fabrics are created equal. Some fabrics are nice and firm, where as other fabrics are limp like noodles. Give those noodles some starch and you'll be happy when it comes to sewing/assembling rows. Crisp fabric = accuracy.
Above photo: I pay attention to the first 3 or 4 rows, making sure to select colorful corners are random and not duplicated.
What I'm showing you in this photo is: using the belly bar on my long arm quilting frame to pin and display 4 completed rows. Once I am happy with the variety of colors, I repeat same color selections for rows 5,6,7,8,9,10.
Once the quilt top is pieced, I select the main fabric (ivory with black print) for the quilt back, and add art panels.
The art panels add width to the backing, to reach a width of 100". And, they are a personal signature I offer on all my queen size quilts.
I used a taupe thread that blends nicely with the backing and the pieced top. It is important not to match thread perfectly. I chose taupe so I can see where I am free style long arm quilting. The pattern is guided by me, (not by computer). It is my design I call Floral Feather with a Swirl.
Top, left to right is the take up bar, and you can see the quilt backing with art panels as I roll the quilt forward to finish quilting.
After the long arm quilting is finished, I cut it loose from the frame, and take it to my layout table to trim away the excess batting and backing fabric.
I cut 400+ inches of 2.5" wide fabric strips to make the binding for the quilt. Folding and pressing the binding lengthwise, and sewing the binding around the perimeter of the quilt. It takes me about one hour to prep the binding, and 20 minutes to sewing it around the perimeter.
Tip: I sew the binding on slowly, advancing only 4 inches at a time.
Because the quilt is one great big bulky thing 92" x 104", every 4 inches of sewing I stop, adjust fabric, to make sure it is sewn straight. My goal is to be accurate. After all this work, I'm not in a hurry to mess up.
Sew 4 inches, adjust fabric. Sew 4 inches, adjust fabric . . .
I worked on this quilt 16 hours yesterday (from long arm quilting, to squaring, to adding binding took 12 hours. The remaining 4 hours (evening) I sat with the quilt on my lap and legs, feet up on a foot rest, turning and hand stitching the binding on the back of the quilt.
I back stitch every stitch, and every sixth stitch I tie a knot. Six stitches = 1-1/4" travel. It is my guarantee the binding will never come loose for any reason, except having it chewed off by your dog.
Oh dear, don't laugh too hard. My little Buddy punished the center of three quilts, and he is death on quilt bindings.
Buddy on the left. And his friend Sammy, right.
Just a note:
I am hosting
Christmas Craft Sale
at my Victorian home
Sat and Sun - December 7 and 8 - 10a until 5p
Handcrafted Items for sale: Quilts and Decorated Wool Purses by me-Linda, Chocolate Candies, and Loomed Rugs by Jerry, Jams, Jellies, Salsas by Debbie, Silver and Gemstone Jewelry by Patti, Christmas Ornaments and Bakery by Lorene, Aprons and other sewn items by Karen. Lovely Teas, Balsamic Vinager, and Infused Oil by Deversi-tee.
Tour the Victorian
Snacks and Samples
Plenty of Parking
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