05 June 2013

wordy wednesday wip









I wanted to share a bit of my process quilting this cloud 9 top. A few times I have tried basting a quilt while it's hanging on the wall and not laying on a floor. Sometimes crawling on my knees and basting is not so tempting...

In the first two pictures you can see my glider curtain system. I put my back up first, right side facing the wall. Then I secure it with painters tape, stretching it out as flat as possible. This particulate backing is a 54" wide cotton voile - very slippery!!!
Then I centered and attached my light polyester batting with pins to the backing. Again, stretching it out and taping it to the wall. 
Last layer is the top; centered, pinned and taped to the wall as well.

The basting is done using my favorite bent quilters safety pins. I have to say it was great using them while standing up!!!

; )

This big star variation top is made from left over triangles from my sea glass quilt and egyptian cotton. The star blocks are 23" big, and I wanted to try something new: clam shell utility quilting. Inspired by the lovely book by Carolyn Forster: "Utility quilting -  simple solutions for quick hand quilting."  (This book was introduced to me by Mary of Molly Flanders; thank you!)

Using a full 8" diameter circle paper template. Big open quilting. Aiming for a light, summery and soft quilt. The pins ended up in the center of each clam shell by sheer luck. I love how the clam shells makes me think of clouds...

; )

Having fun with my favorite perle 16 and embroidery needles. Marking with a grey chalk pencil, three rows at a time. 

Wish you all a lovely wednesday!



12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Marit, this is so beautiful! I can imagine how you enjoy the quilting! It's really like puffy, light summer clouds - just adorable! I wonder what you use to mark the shells - but unfortunately I may be no-reply. Perhaps you could tell in your next post. Have a wonderful summer1 x Teje

Irene Jennings said...

Beautiful! I loved the pattern.

regards,
irene of Chester NY Maid Service

Janet said...

That was such a great idea for basting. Love the big blocks and your lovely stitching.

sew katie did said...

You've nailed the airy look! I've got a big star going on too.

Nifty Quilts said...

Oooh, this is wonderful! I love the way the stars come and go, twinkling subtly. Thank you for the tip on the quilting book. I'll look it up!

lindaroo said...

I agree, the clamshell quilting looks like mounds of clouds, and it is ideal for this quilt! Lovely!

audrey said...

Beautiful. So complementary!

Anonymous said...

Really lovely, Marit. I commend you on working with cotton voile. Your basting system sounds like a wonderful idea. I really need a bigger studio! Take care, Byrd

Mary said...

Oh such a peaceful quilt! I love the quilting Marit. Just perfect for this quilt ;)

CitricSugar said...

Marit, you do soft colours so beautifully….

Franziska said...

the clam shell quilting looks interesting here, I've seen it on traditional quilts and so always thought it's traditional. But here it also looks great.
Quilting with embroidery needles? I haven't found what I like. I like thin needles but don't know what they are as I got a lot from the grandmas and there was no name for them.

Jess @ Elven Garden Quilts said...

Wow, I love how the quilting is looking. It's such a gentle and beautiful quilt.