Sunday, December 21, 2008

Little Bits of Progress

Here are the three latest blocks that I have made for the block swap. I have done six now, which means I have five to go. There are three groups of twelve people participating in the swap and some people are in all three groups meaning that they will make 33 blocks and receive 33. One group is just the right commitment level for me. I feel like I can give each group of fabrics individualized attention and choose a block that is well suited to them, rather than doing a more assembly line process (which is totally fine if that works for you, but is not my preferred way to work). I have made the bears paw variation twice and will make it at least once more, because I'm finding it's a good block for a lot of fabrics (most people sent at least 5) and allows me to highlight certain prints.

Block for Gordongirl

House Block for Ashley

Block for 1b1g1k2

As hoped, I did some pretty basic stitch-in-the-ditch quilting on the rail fence and got it bound, wrapped up, and in the mail by Friday. The postman assured me that there is at least a chance that it will get to the recipient by Christmas. I have to admit that, backed with super soft flannel and quilted enough but no more than enough, it was soft and cuddly enough to win me over. It just goes to show that sometimes it actually is worth it to un-sew a queen size quilt top...

The Very Purple Rail Fence, ready for Christmas gift giving

Because of the minimal quilting this picture does not look much different than the finished top. I really like the finished texture of a quilt that is minimally quilted and therefore not too stiff, especially for a throw quilt that is meant to be cuddled under. I do always quilt at least to the specifications of the batting, although in all honesty I might fudge it a little sometimes. I realize that a less densely quilted quilt will not have as long of a life as one that is quilted 1" apart (that is what I took away from hearing Harriet Hargrave speak, that and also that if you don't quilt your own tops you are a topper and not a quilter) but for a quilt like this I'm fine with that. If my friend enjoys it for 5-10 years I will be happy.

More machine quilting in progress...

9 comments:

Trisha said...

Very cute blocks!

jovaliquilts said...

I don't like wrapping up in densely quilted quilts either, and sometimes find lots of quilting too fussy for my taste. Just depends on lots of things. I really like the 3rd block you made -- very dynamic! What's its name?

Anonymous said...

I used to do a lot of block swaps but now I can't find many. Is there a site that you are swapping through?

Exuberantcolor/Wanda S Hanson said...

I think following the batting specifications is the way to go. I also don't like really heavy quilting.

Your blocks are great.

Debra Dixon said...

Everyone has an opinion. When I first started quilting in the 80s everyone talked trash about quilts made from discount store fabrics. I made quite a few quilts from that fabric and they have stood the test of time through 2 boys and all their friends. So, I say-go with the flow and do what makes you happy.

Libby said...

To Heather - you don't have an e-mail with your comment, so I hope you get this here. I am swapping through craftster.org. They have tons of swaps but not many are quilt related...you have to keep checking back.

Barbara C said...

I love your bear's paw block. Your color combinations make the pattern look fresh and vibrant.

Browndirtcottage said...

I love these blocks libby...yes i do....if i had to choose my favorite i couldn't. You do really good work and i can't wait to see more!!!

Dionne said...

I LOVE LOVE LOVE my block! It looks so good! Thank you. All your blocks have been really lovely, but I love mine best! :-)

Your rail quilt is great as well!
Cheers,
Dionne

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