Then I had to go through it all again, to cut the fabric out. Lot's of triple handling, but worth the effort.
Dining chair on left, for size comparison
{click to enlarge}
So this is the result, after a week and two days work! It doesn't look like much, but there was a lot involved. I constantly have to refer to my original blow-up, to check for alignment. I've gotten to know my seam ripper, well. Overall, it has been fun though, learning a new skill.
Now a question for all those experienced quilters out there. What kind of batting is best? I'm leaning towards the polyester, given it will be my daughter's quilt, and the most forgiving for washing. What is your experience with batting?
Also, how do I get high loft? Do I sandwich two, low loft battings together? The polyester batting I've been looking at, is advertised as high loft. However, if it's anything like the polyester quilts purchased from the shops, they flatten after a few years. Any, and all feedback welcome.
Sorry Chris, I am not a quilter but I am sure a lot of your readers are. Making it hard wearing would be a priority I would think and I am sure your girl is going to love it once it is finished.
ReplyDeleteThat is looking good so far, every step always take longer than you think, choosing fabrics, accurate cutting out,pinning before you sew, sewing slowly so you don't waste time unpicking the list goes on and on.
ReplyDeleteI like to use natural fibtes for my batting these days, so mine is a mix of cotton and bamboo and not high loft because I mostly hand quilt.
The quality of the polyester would probably determine how well it wears, commercially made quilts are not going to be concerned with how well the batting lasts.
Spotlight have a few to choose from but no idea what the quality is like, there are a number of quilt shops in town. If I have any questions I usually go to the one near Lourdes primary school, you may get a good quality poly batting from there.
Chris I use Bamboo wadding. I don't like the polyester wadding at all. It's not the cheapest wadding but I have had good results. This wadding is light and warm enough in my temperature zone. You might want to use a wool based wadding for warmth.
ReplyDeleteJust wondering, how you wash the bamboo, Jane - does it require a special wash? I was leaning towards a bamboo/cotton blend, if I didn't go the polyester route. Because it looked to be easier to wash than bamboo batting.
DeleteWhile it's in my care, I can ensure it gets washed properly, but when my daughter leaves home, she might just whack it in the washing machine.
Chris my quilts just go straight in the washing machine. I use a wool wash or shampoo instead of washing powder. I hang them on the line just making sure the back is facing up. This is just to stop fading on the pattern side.
DeleteGood to know Jane. Thanks.
DeleteCan't help, sorry, not a quilter, but the design looks stunning. Hope to see the finished product.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all the feedback, even just for words of encouragement. My only hope is that it looks passable, and I get it finished on time.
ReplyDeleteMargaretP, I have taken your number, and I appreciate the offer for help with quilting questions. I hope to take you up on that soon. Either on the weekend, or early next week. Much thanks. :)
Very happy to help Chris,I belonged to a big quilt group years ago and everyone helped out each other .
ReplyDeleteThats a great design! I have used polyester and cotton wadding and prefer the cotton. I have also seen the Amish use flannel blanket instead of wading and ince a wool blanket was used. For high loft....I have seen high loft polyester but havent seen it in natural fibers. Maybe you have the answe alreadynthough.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda, and I appreciate hearing about your experience. I still haven't figured out the high loft yet, but I've got a plan to proceed forwards anyway. Only got to early May!
DeleteI am still working on my daughters graduation quilt which I started in November of 2015. I always hated the finishing part and might take it to the Amish soon. Good luck with yours!
DeleteI'd love to be working on the finishing part, but she's on school holidays for 2 weeks. The countdown gets hotter, after then. Eeek!
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