Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Quilt Marking & More Progress


My apologies to the non-hand quilters as you must be horribly bored seeing yet another picture of the same quilt that still isn't finished.  This shot is for the handquilters who will appreciate that I spent my entire long weekend snuggled under this nice warm quilt avoiding our single digit (F) cold weather and finishing the corner that is in the upper right of the photo.  I think I may be able to claim 3/4 done of the main quilt, then it's time to move on to the far less complicated two borders.

Thanks to all of you who left lovely, brief supportive comments on the previous posts.
The other question that I've been getting a lot is about how I marked this quilt.

 I have been using the blue "Mark b Gone" water soluble pen that is available in most fabric stores in the US. I used a 60 degree ruler to make sure my diamonds stayed the right shape then drew the grid using a 24 inch quilting ruler.   I have read blog comments about this not washing out well, but I haven't had any trouble with it.  Of course, I am a little paranoid and I only mark as much as I think I can get to in a few weeks.  I also give it a spritz with a water bottle as I finish a section - but that's mainly so I can admire the quilting and see if I missed a spot.   I live in a very dry climate so I've never had any trouble with it vanishing as some in humid climates have. I will give the whole thing a soak in a tub of cold water before it goes in the washer.

After the main grid is marked, I put it in the hoop and stitch the main grid lines.  After that, I add the other lines while it's in the hoop.  It gives me a break from stitching and is easier for me than hovering over the table to mark them.  I can also fudge the width between the lines a little for size if I find the grid lines are a bit off.



I don't worry about being too precise on these detail grid lines as I can easily adjust a bit.  When I first started I was really worried about the ending diamonds being the same size.  Now I realize I'm the only one who might notice...and that variation really does give the overall quilt a little more character.

That's my story and I'm sticking with it.

For more tips on marking grids, check out these recent tutorials by Annemart at Qulting The Town Red, and Tim at Tim Latimer-Quilts Ect


Don't forget that it's WIP Wed at Lee's and Esther's blogs.  You can check out other people's projects that aren't yet finished, which of course always makes me feel better about slow progress.

18 comments:

Lynne said...

I don't hand quilt (yet) so I enjoyed reading how you do it -- thanks!

Amanda said...

It's looking gorgeous!

beth said...

Amazing work! Thanks for the details.

Unknown said...

as a longarmer....i am fascinated with your markings....and of course your hand quilting. It does not bore me one bit. Love it!...and thank you for your wonderful tutorial. :)

Debbie said...

The quilt is beautiful. Nothing looks better than hand quilting.

Salley said...

Seriously beautiful quilting. I have been drooling over this quilt of yours for weeks! Thanks for sharing the details.

Thea said...

Your quilt and quilting is so nice, I keep staring at it. Thnaks for the marking-information.

Carla A Few Of My Favorite Things said...

I am so glad you mentioned you fudge with your lines a bit. I have found the same thing, and your absolutely right it does add to the character. Your quilt is just gorgeous! I really have enjoyed seeing the progress you have made, what a journey!

Nancy said...

I enjoy seeing your beautiful quilt and your amazing hand quilting.

Caron at Michigan Quilts said...

Great article, Marjorie! And I adore this quilt!

Marie said...

From one hand quilter to another, keep up the good work. This quilt is stunning and your work is beautiful.

Archie The Wonder Dog said...

I adore your quilt and your quilting! I don't think I could ever be bored of posts about it!

baukje said...

So beautiful I am just a beginner and I can only dream of this.

Unknown said...

Absolutely wonderful work. I used to hand piece and hand quilt, but have since developed carpal tunnel. I miss the relaxation. You are doing a wonderful job, and keep it up.

Corina said...

Amazing! I'm completely in love with your version! I will be a follower of your blog to see the completed quilt one day.

Angie in SoCal said...

I love reading about your hand quilting - I just apply it to the machine quilting I try to do, especially the marking. That first picture shows how gorgeous your and quilt and quilting is.

marion said...

Thank you so much for all the patience and time you took to mark your quilt and the awesome instructions that you gave. Your quilt is so beautiful. I am going to try and attempt to follow your guidelines. Thanks so much for sharing your gift of quilting. It is much appreciated. Toodie Bergeron.

Luci said...

Wow - just beautiful! Thank you for sharing how you mark your quilt - and how you get the ink out - exactly what I was wondering.