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. : )
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!:
13 comments:
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
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!
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?
p.s im now a follower
This looks lovely! The quilting of the flower is cute.
It look beautiful, and your FMQ is great!
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)
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!
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
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.
So pretty! Love your quilting.
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!
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.
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