One of my personal obstacles to achieving a more open free form quilting motif was pins. I have always pin basted my quilts every three to four inches. It is hard to get a long line of stitching going if you have to stop and remove a pin. It was clear I needed another way to hold the quilt sandwich together that didn't involve pins. Nancy Zieman shared the perfect technique, I hoped, on her Nancy Zieman's Sewing A - Z series. She used squares of light weight Heat 'n Bond positioned as frequently as you would pin baste. I gave it a try and miracle of miracles it worked.
I created a quilt sandwich the width of my fabric by 18" as Leah recommended. Next I heavily marked lines with chalk every 3" across the 18" side. This gave me a channel to follow. The results - well you tell me.
Assignment 1 - U's, Double Humps, Waves both Left and Right and a Little Free Form
Looks great. I love the different rows.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pat. I think Leah is doing an excellent job of starting with the basics and building up the complexity each week. I just read and watched assignment #2. Learned or at least refreshed my memory on a great plan to map where to go next as you do an all over stipple/meandering pattern.
ReplyDeleteAwesome Gwyned! Not only did you make a wonderful practice sandwich, you've also taught me about a new basting technique to try. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLeah
What a thrill that I was able to teach you something, Leah, after all I have learned from you. Thank you for the generous feedback.
ReplyDeleteI've been having the same problem with way too many pins leading to very wonky stitching. Thanks for the basting tip! Your FMQ sample looks great, very good control.
ReplyDeleteNice practice piece. When I think I've heard/read every tip for basting..along comes a new one! Thanks for sharing it...sounds doable.
ReplyDeleteThe basting technique of using light weight Heat 'n Bond is very doable. The key is to lift and lower the iron at the appropriate heat setting versus gliding the iron. This avoids inadvertently shifting the backing layer when you add the quilt top layer.
ReplyDeleteyour FMQ so nice and even!
ReplyDelete