I have begun Real Quilt #2, since I had so much fun with my first Real quilt. I am loosely basing this pattern on the "Spring" design by Connie Kauffman in Patchwork Comforters, Throws & Quilts. If you look up the pattern, you'll see that I am omitting the square-in-a-square technique that makes this an "intermediate" quilt. (I need "easier than that.") So this is my version below.
I had fun picking the charms and colors. I have one more border to piece around this quilt top and then I'll be done with this first step and on to basting. (Yippee! I bought pins and am ready to do it the "Real" way!)
As I've been working on this quilt top, I've realized that it's not as precise as I'd like it to be (or as some of the other amazing quilters out there make theirs) and I think it might be due to a.) my lack of patience b.) my lack of the right materials -- what's a darning foot?! and c.) my lack of space to spread out at a sewing table and, later, on the floor. As a result, my squares are not perfectly aligned and there's some puckering. I can sort of deal with the misalignment, but I really dislike the puckering. And I *think* that is due to my inability to sew a straight line for the reasons stated above. Hmm. But I *am* pressing my seams these days and am really learning to love my iron and its results. My son even asked for a toy iron the other day, so I see that as encouragement to keep quilting (and pressing)!
Anyway, I need to wrap up this post because I want to link up with Freshly Pieced before the linky closes tonight. So here goes! Until tomorrow (or the next day)...
Keep up the good work! I love the fabric you picked out! I totally adore anything bird-related! I'd recommend a quarter inch foot for your machine if you don't have one yet. They're wonderful! Also if the seams are puckering, you may have some tension issues. I'd check the manual and make sure your seams are "balanced" tension-wise... I started quilting long before rotary cutters and matts, so everyone's "first quilts" look fabulous, compared to my first attempts :). You're off to a great start!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely I love the bird theme, as that is what I have in mind for my next quilt.Yesterday I just finished a quilt top of 160 green themed five inch squares, a destined to be birthday gift for a grandson, but it would have been a perfect post for a pre. St. Patrick's Day w.i.p., but i just found the link this morning, oh well, maybe next week, I'm sure it will still be a work in progress. My next project? to start using all that bird themed fabric, I have in my stash to make perhaps a lap quilt. I love your work,your quilt top is delightful!
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Ann in New Brunswick, Canada
I like your use of these wonderful fabrics. This quilt has a wonderful calmness. For puckers, try lightening the tension on your presser foot, it worked for me.
ReplyDeleteThose bird fabrics are too cute!
ReplyDeleteWell, for what it's worth, I can't see any of the puckering in your photo, I think it looks pretty good. And really, I need to get out the first quilt I made, get some close-up shots and put them on my blog. You all would die laughing. : ) My advice is, just keep making more, more, more. All those little problems will straighten themselves out soon enough!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up to WIP Wednesday, have a wonderful week.