I have finally finished my first ever patchwork quilt!

[overmydeadbody]

My first quilt

I made it using lots of my accumulated scrap fabrics (It has made a little dent to the mountain!) and backed it with a double flat sheet. MY quilting skills are nil so I just stitched in the ditch vertically (my squares didn't all line up perfectly horizontally, never mind, it looks ok for a first quilt). Even the binding I made out of lots of fabric scraps, so it is a missmatch of fabrics but it looks lovely to me!

I'd love some feedback, I know it' not a piece of art or anything and real quilters would do a far far better job, but I have got the quilting bug now so hopefully my next quilts will be neater!

I have learnt so much doing this. It was great fun, even if it took me 16 months of procrastination to actually finish it!

[stealthsquiggle]

Ok, so I have a quilt top (about 1/4 the size of the OP's, but never mind) and I am going to the US for work in a couple of weeks. What (apart from magic spray) do I need to put on my shopping list?

[PoppyWearer]

Well done OP, looks stunning!

BTW, I am also going to be trying lots of your ideas from your blog. Namely the car mats and the butterflies.

[UrsulaBuffay]

Schoolgirl question but do you have to wash the fabric to ensure it doesn't shrink/ can quilts be washed after they are made or can I just stitch a load of random types of fabric together?

[UrsulaBuffay]

It looks beautiful btw! I have yet to even use my new mini sewing machine but do fancy using some of dds old clothes for a kiddie size quilt

[AndABigBirdInaPearTree]

Stealth -- If you do any other sewing buy wonder tape

[stealthsquiggle]

California - and there bloody well better be a Joint Anns within reach.

I see lots of bags, very occasionally clothes, and a quilt top. Just the one. Yet to be quilted.

I can see I am going to have to pack a bare minimum amount of clothes for me, since the DC will expect me to bring back something other than sewing stuff

[stealthsquiggle]

sew, not see. Stoopid phone.

[stealthsquiggle]

Thanks, BTW - I am making notes. And installing an app!

[stealthsquiggle]

OMG that app. You can browse the whole shop. Guess what I will be doing in my meetings on the plane . They are missing a trick though, as I haven't found a way to build a shopping list /wish list on the app (probably just as well really)

[AndABigBirdInaPearTree]

Where in CA? I'm in CA.

[AndABigBirdInaPearTree]

Sorry over my for hijacking your thread! Where are you in cambridge? We were there this summer :)

[overmydeadbody]

Stealth if I was going to America I would probably have to pay for extra baggage allowance through all the sewing stuff I bring back! Think I would probably buy quite a bit of fabric there!

I'm buying the 505 spray for my next quilt, it's final.

Poppy glad you like my blog, hope you do make the car rolls and butterflies!

[AndABigBirdInaPearTree]

over, I just use regular spray adhesive because I'm cheap. I wait for it to dry first so it doesn't gum up my needles. Try it on a small project first though if you hve some.

[stealthsquiggle]

OMDB strictly baggage allowances are a PITA - I think I may be carrying everything heavy in hand baggage to get more fabric in . BTW you should definitely do your workshop idea - if there isn't a market in Cambridge, there isn't one anywhere. I also need to get a butterfly punch in the US so that I can pinch that idea too.

Bigbird - San Diego

[stealthsquiggle]

strict, not strictly

[FairyJen]

Ok I want to make one now. What do I do?

< sits down with pen and paper ready to e educated >

I have fabric an a sewing machine.

[coldcomfortHeart]

Ursula you should really wash all fabric before using it (dull but important) as some things run or shrink more than others, and if you just went for it and then washed your quilt you might end up with some puckered, tight bits and bleeding fabrics, etc.

Using knit/jersey fabrics is something I've never done, and although I'm sure it's manageable you might want to do some research into the best way and use the appropriate sewing machine needles/presser feet.

[TunipTheVegedude]

Prewash before cutting if you're using fabrics from different sources, yes.

Nobody do what I did and prewash a jelly roll, though

I think it would be hard to quilt with fabrics of different weights and stretchiness, though the Victorians mixed silks and velvets in their (vile IMO) crazy patchworks. Some people suggest that if you want to use jersey you should mount it onto a less stretchy woven cotton first. I might be inclined to do the main patchwork in firm cottons then applique on motifs from the stretchy stuff.

[AndABigBirdInaPearTree]

Stealth, that is where I live :)

[AndABigBirdInaPearTree]

I don't usually prewash because I like my quilted things to have that puckery vintage look.

Fairyjen, I found I don't like making big quilted projects as they hurt my arms and shoulders trying to work the fabric through the machine so I make smaller projects, mainly table toppers and runners and lap quilts.

Stacked Coin quilts (images.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=coin+quilt) are easy though, nothing much to line up but looks impressive.

I just did a faux cathedral window table runner and while the pressing was a complete pitn the sewing wasn't hard and I think it looks cool.

[lljkk]

Ooh, well done to OP.
My machine is currently breaking needles at a rate of noughts so I have lost my nerve with using my walking foot. :( I only have binding to finish on one quilt until I work up my nerve to figure out & solve the needle-breaking problem, at least.

I tape to kitchen floor and tack thru layers there, it has worked quite well. Only up to about single bed size, though, don't know what I'd do for anything much larger.

[stealthsquiggle]

Bigbird [ - I will actually be in Coronado, but for work rather than holiday - which is the best Jo Ann to escape to, do you think?

[AndABigBirdInaPearTree]

Point Loma.

If you have some time off perhaps we should go shopping together :) If you have time we should hit yardage town and beverly's too.

[AndABigBirdInaPearTree]

sewing.patternreview.com/review/store/562

sewing.patternreview.com/review/store/403 (good for high end quilt fabrics, flannels and interesting notions)

[stealthsquiggle]

I am not sure yet when I will be able to get away - I may PM you nearer the time when I have an agenda