I have found the binding fabric for my wild zigzag quilt. Most even polka dots aren't printed straight so I went for one that has a random pattern. I tried a few different ones and think this multicolor is the best. I hope to have this quilt finished by tonight. I finished re-binding the Crooked Cobblestones 2 and I'll know after it hangs a few days if it is really fixed.
I needed to empty the design wall that has the best lights by it so I could audition for the binding. The result is that this top that was on the wall got taken down and sewn together. It is 56" x 70" right now so it is a good lap size. I'm not sure that I want to make it any larger by adding borders.
For those of us that believe the fabrics and the piecing design are the most important part our quilts, it is paralyzing to try to dive into the quilting of the layers that may 'ruin' our quilt. I know there are others out there that share my feelings; I read it on your blogs. All over quilting designs sometimes mush the piecing design and beautiful custom quilting takes over and that is all you see. I want my patchwork to be the star. I want the quilting to compliment but not take over. I like simple quilting the best. I have 4 done out of 14 that have to be finished by the end of May. I need to make some quilting decisions soon to meet my deadline.
17 comments:
"For those of us that believe the fabrics and the piecing design are the most important part our quilts, it is paralyzing to try to dive into the quilting of the layers that may 'ruin' our quilt. I know there are others out there that share my feelings; I read it on your blogs. All over quilting designs sometimes mush the piecing design and beautiful custom quilting takes over and that is all you see. I want my patchwork to be the star. I want the quilting to compliment but not take over. I like simple quilting the best."
Here here! Though I do see a place for most quilting types - depending ont he quilt. So quilting really is a quandry. For example, on flickr, I am seeing a quilt being quilted - the piecing is spiderweb - with an unusual broder treatment - the quilting is far more fancy that you would initially think about for a spiderweb pattern, but it is so effective - especially in the plain parts of the border...
I have been so busy lately moving my mom to assisted care I have not taken much time in reading blogs, it looks like your things are coming along nicely. I hope to get back to my routine of blog reading now and my quilting of course!!
Karen
There are so many different camps on quilting done on a quilt. As a long armer, I have seen it all and must say that it is definitely a personal preference. I know for me and my quilts it varies from quilt to quilt on how the quilting should be. That said, I think that you need to do what you like best. After all it is yours to keep!
I have found the same thing with polka dots - not printed straight. So I prefer polka dots that are more random on the fabric, rather than rows or half offset polka dots. That is something fabric designers should consider.
I've noticed that with polka dots too. I love the one you chose for the binding!
It seems like you're on a roll, but 4 out of 14, wow, you're going to be busy.
I admire the detailed custom quilting. It's amazing. But it's not for my quilts. I make simple quilts and they need simple quilting. The fabric and the patchwork are what make my heart happy.
I know what you mean about the quilting complimenting the work. Not being an experienced quilter, I sometimes find myself in anguish over how to quilt a piece - hesitating for days before I touch it in case I should choose the "wrong" quilting for it. I hope that experience will make that part easier!!
Please let us know how the quilt binding that you did over worked out. I have a quilt that is almost finished but one corner is waving a bit. Think I might try blocking first since all the sides are measuring true and square. These little things are soooooo annoying.
I'm a "pokey-dot" lover, so I really like the binding you chose for this one, it sort of looks like another strip in the block.
10 more quilts to finish, eeeyow!! If you can do one a week, you'll have that deadline licked - good luck!
please do share with us your decisions about how to quilt the remaining 10 out of 14. it's funny: I don't mind spending tons of time on intricate piecing, but I find the quilting part tedious, can't wait to get it over with, and the result is often not exactly stellar! slow down, pay attention, enjoy the process...
Love the binding you chose and I totally agree that the newly-stitched flimsy does not need a border - it is gorgeous just the way it is.
I for one love your "simple" quilting (and your philosophy behind it).
I always admire the art of beautifully detailed quilting, but in many cases it really does detract from the design.
The random dots are perfect.
Great post today Wanda, I really like the photo of your bindings. They all look great !
As always I will wait to see what you will do with 'golden autumn' piece... adding more or not it is a beauty.
J~MT
I love the polka dots binding and will keep that in mind for the next quilt. I agree with you that sometimes the quilting of the top takes away from all the piece work. In the beginning of making quilts I always hand tied the quilts so not to take away from the design but that was because I didn't want to hand quilt. LOL
You are right, Wanda. Sometime the overall free motion quilting is not the best for the quilt's pattern. I like it for most of my very simple quilts. However, today I'm practicing diagonal straight line quilting on the current quilt I'm quilting. I think I'll like it, but keep thinking there's probably something I could have tried that would have been better for this particular quilt top's pattern. But at least I dove in and did something instead of allowing myself to be paralyzed with fear of ruining it ... which I felt was getting ready to happen :D
Your straight line quilting takes time and really compliments your lovely, colorful, fabric piecing. I soooo want to try this on some of my future quilts.
BTW. Love your blog, quilts, quilting and pictures of your lovely flowers.
That is a perfect print for your binding. And since I am absolutely no good at the more ornate quilting, I am usually more than happy with a simple meandering on most quilts. But I do know what your mean. Sometimes, it seems that it is the quilting that is the star of the show, and when you take the time and effort you do to pick the perfect fabrics and combinations, that is not so wonderful. Isn't it good that you can quilt your own as you see fit! Every one I've seen of yours has been perfect!
Hi Wanda,
Great post. I find myself getting paralyzed with overthinking and sometimes you just have to get on with it!
I love the first photo. It almost appears like you have a few quilts stacked with all sorts of pretty bindings, instead of one quilt with very cool piecing.
Vicky F
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