This is the quilt I am basting now. It has one row of squares hanging off the other side of the double table. For the new readers, here is where I explain my basting. Here is another post where I show the needle package. Most people that hate thread basting are using too short of a needle. Mine are fine needles about 2" long, plenty of needle to get hold of to pull through.
I have some people asking if my stitching doesn't get caught in the basting thread and my answer is that I would rather stitch through a thread than a safety pin. I don't have to unbaste as I go but you do have to remove your pins as you go.
I have 4 sets of strips sewn on 24 blocks now. I still have a long way to go to get 15-16" blocks.
This is the pile of little pieces that are too short to use in these blocks. They are anywhere from 1"-2" wide and most are 3" long or shorter. They are calling my name to play and make a small project but I'm resisting.
Keep saving the small pieces you will play with them when you are ready. I sure wish I had the studio you have in the basement for the basting and midarm like you do. Chris
Wanda, I just look so forward to your seeing your work everyday. I don't know how I can speed up mine. I am so slow at getting them done. Thank you for the eye candy today.
if I ever got a new house it would have a huge room that was just for me and quilting! I would be very willing to pay the extra it would cost to heat and cool it if it meant I could have large work tables.
huh! I see that your basting stitches are diagonally set; that's new to me. Thanks for the tips on thread and needles..I usually try to use up old thread (probably why it breaks off). IHave a wondrous weekend...hugs, Julierose
wanda, when you baste a quilt too big for your table, do you just let the weight of the part that hangs off provide the tension needed to keep the backing taut, or do you have some way of securing the hanging side, such as cords or weights or gremlins? -- christine
Always enjoy a "COLORIFIC" Saturday post and so inspiring. And loved yesterday's post with the fractured piece in the works and all your mug rugs plus your cactus blossoms. And they amaze me too.
I don't think I have ever thread basted a quilt. Use safety pins. I think I'll give your method a try. Love your blocks and your quilt is gorgeous. I have a pile of those little pieces, too. Can't throw them away, but not sure what to do with them, yet.
I do love your quilt there Wanda and great tips for the hand basting, never used the longer needles nor the finer thread but certainly going to on my next one.
I, too, thread baste my quilts and prefer it over pins. I haven't the dexterity to open/close pins anymore. Besides I think the basting works better and makes the quilt sandwich much lighter. As for your little scraps??? It's futile to try and resist playing with them!!
Your work, your colors and your thecnique are an inspiration to keep learning and practice patchwork (in my country is not a mass art, but, I hope in a few years if it is).
I've been saving little pieces for a while now.. I love the idea of sewing them into the uneven strips etc... I will be watching to see what you do with yours.
Keep saving the small pieces you will play with them when you are ready. I sure wish I had the studio you have in the basement for the basting and midarm like you do. Chris
ReplyDeleteThose small leftover pieces are my favorites for mindless piecing to make "scrap cloth"
ReplyDeleteWanda, I just look so forward to your seeing your work everyday. I don't know how I can speed up mine. I am so slow at getting them done. Thank you for the eye candy today.
ReplyDeleteLove how your 16 patch looks all basted and ready for quilting. Your blocks are looking great. Can't wait to see how they end up.
ReplyDeleteif I ever got a new house it would have a huge room that was just for me and quilting! I would be very willing to pay the extra it would cost to heat and cool it if it meant I could have large work tables.
ReplyDeleteWaaaaandaaaa.....
ReplyDeletePlaaaaaay with us.........
Loooove,
Your Little Pieeeeeces......
(Okay, it's Frebblebit, being silly.)
:-)
Waaaaandaaaa.....
ReplyDeletePlaaaaaay with us.........
Loooove,
Your Little Pieeeeeces......
(Okay, it's Frebblebit, being silly.)
:-)
huh! I see that your basting stitches are diagonally set; that's new to me. Thanks for the tips on thread and needles..I usually try to use up old thread (probably why it breaks off). IHave a wondrous weekend...hugs, Julierose
ReplyDeleteI'll bet you can't resist those little pieces for long!!!
ReplyDeletewanda, when you baste a quilt too big for your table, do you just let the weight of the part that hangs off provide the tension needed to keep the backing taut, or do you have some way of securing the hanging side, such as cords or weights or gremlins? -- christine
ReplyDeleteLove the colors of the new quilt!
ReplyDeleteAlways enjoy a "COLORIFIC" Saturday post and so inspiring. And loved yesterday's post with the fractured piece in the works and all your mug rugs plus your cactus blossoms. And they amaze me too.
ReplyDeleteJJM
I have never tried thread basting, I have always used an adhesive spray that has worked like a charm for me.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I have ever thread basted a quilt. Use safety pins. I think I'll give your method a try.
ReplyDeleteLove your blocks and your quilt is gorgeous.
I have a pile of those little pieces, too. Can't throw them away, but not sure what to do with them, yet.
I do love your quilt there Wanda and great tips for the hand basting, never used the longer needles nor the finer thread but certainly going to on my next one.
ReplyDeleteI, too, thread baste my quilts and prefer it over pins. I haven't the dexterity to open/close pins anymore. Besides I think the basting works better and makes the quilt sandwich much lighter. As for your little scraps??? It's futile to try and resist playing with them!!
ReplyDeleteI have a pile of those little scraps, too!
ReplyDeleteI do baste my quilts, but just straight line running stitch. Do you find the diagonal holds better?
ReplyDeleteSusan
ksmcrae@mac.com
Can't wait to see what you make out of the pile of little scraps!
ReplyDeleteI just discovered your blog... and I love it!!
ReplyDeleteYour work, your colors and your thecnique are an inspiration to keep learning and practice patchwork (in my country is not a mass art, but, I hope in a few years if it is).
(sorry, but my english is not so good!)
Greetings from Chile
Scarlett
I've been saving little pieces for a while now.. I love the idea of sewing them into the uneven strips etc... I will be watching to see what you do with yours.
ReplyDeleteI guess I'm confused. If you're quilting these on your long arm machine, why are you basting them?
ReplyDelete