Tuesday, July 26, 2011

A Finish on WIP Wednesday!

Happy in Cali is done! Unfortunately, its late and the pics did not come out well so I will post a pic of the full piece when I get some outdoor shots of it.  In the meantime, check out the quilting and the binding:


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At first, as I was making the binding, I was thinking that I had made the wrong choice. But when I started stitching it on with my walking foot, I knew I had a winner.  I really love this quilt.  Its backed with yellow flannel.  I really like the way flannel feels on skin so I choose it more often than not to back my quilts.  I usually stock up on it at Joann's on Black Friday because its always on sale then. : )


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 I quilted the entire thing myself. I decided to free hand some flowers in the borders. I heard an interview over on  Craftsanity and the artist was speaking about how doodling helped her come up with some of her fabulous embroidery designs.  I also reviewed some videos on free motion quilting and they talked a lot about practicing by drawing out the design on paper so that your brain can get used to what you want your hands to do. Well, I have been doodling this same flower since I was in elementary school so my figured my brain should be pretty familiar with it by now, since I am now over 40! I made some booboos but I am overall very pleased with my first attempt. I am so happy I dove in because now I feel energized to finish my other projects!


And go on over to Freshly Pieced  to check out some more fabulous work from  the WIP Wednesday Participants!:


WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced

13 comments:

Happy Turtle said...

It looks lovely. And the FMQ is great. I had also ready that doodling helps.
I have a question about flannel though... I live in India and don't have a designated quilting store I can go to. I normally have to search the fabric markets and find what might work for me. I found some pretty flannel the other day but when I brought it home it said "not suitable for children's sleepwear"... does flannel come in different weights or something? How does one figure what works and what doesn't?
Carol

Sweet Pea said...

I love the colours in this quilt! Congrats on the FMQ achievement and for the tips about doodling. My last attempt at FMQ was a fail and I unpicked it all!

Dana said...

I love the braid on the back of the quilt and the FMQ is fab, wish I could do it! what would you say is an easy FMQ design to master to a complete beginner such as myself?

Dana said...

p.s im now a follower

Diane said...

This looks lovely! The quilting of the flower is cute.

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

It look beautiful, and your FMQ is great!

Lynette said...

I love flannel or minky on a back, too. So soft, nice and warm, and it shows the quilting in such a cool way.

FYI - in case anyone doesn't already know: Flannel that's labeled "Not suitable for children's sleepwear" has not been coated with the anti-inflammable chemical that's required by law for manufacturers of children's sleepwear. (has nothing to do with weight, but yes - there are ALL kinds of flannel weight and weave tightness)

Cas... said...

Great job on the quilt! I can't wait to see the entire quilt!

Kudos to you for jumping in and going for it. I think you did a fabulous job!

Keep up the good work!

Letterpress said...

I love that binding, too! Red Pepper Quilts has given me more courage to try different bindings--another benefit of the internet and the fact that we all read each other's blogs.

I have used flannel on the back, but I always pre-wash because of the shrinkage factor. I love it because when I throw in on the bed for an extra layer at night, it doesn't slip off! I also like the snuggle factor against the skin.

Congrats on your quilting--it takes some courage, doesn't it? But your "doodle flower" looks great. I always try to draw it out by hand first (on some transluscent paper so I can see the quilt) and it really helps.

Elizabeth E.
http://occasionalpiece.wordpress.com

Susan said...

Happi in Cali looks wonderful! The binding is perfect and I love your idea of backing with flannel - something I have never thought of. Your FMQ is impressive..one of these days I need to jump in and try it myself.

Katie B said...

So pretty! Love your quilting.

Live a Colorful Life said...

I'm also impressed with your FMQ. I like the hint of practicing by doodling. I have been quilting for so many years but the thought of quilting my own quilts, other than straight line, always kind of freaks me out. So I'll get a pad of paper and start doodling!

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

Can't wait to see the whole quilt! Your quilting is wonderful and I love your little flower. It has been a long time since I backed a quilt with flannel......need to do that again.