Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Progress Report - Sofie's Quilt


 I do a lot of different kinds of crafting and sewing and I'll admit that there are very few times that something actually turns out the way I planned it in my head. Most of the time, the projects work out alright, but somewhere during the process I end up "winging it". This is one of the rare times that what I envisioned in my head is actually working out the way I hoped it would :)
This weekend I finished all the hand applique work on the 4 large flowers on Sofies' quilt top :)
I fused them in place with Wonder Under and then stitched them down with perle cotton using a blanket stitch. This first photo is the largest of the 4 flowers and the focal point so I wanted it to stand out from the others.  I fussy cut one of the flowers from the fabric and fused it onto the flower center circle to make this layered flower and then I stitched each layer separately to add texture.
Once I had all the applique work done I was able to sandwich the quilt and begin the actual hand quilting.




I traced one of the flower shapes from the Riley Blake fabric onto thin cardboard to make a template for the flower shaped quilting. Every other square will have a flower hand quilted in the center.


It's coming along pretty well so far. The backside of the quilt is looking cute too with all the flower shapes.

I'm lovin this whole quilting adventure so much that I'm only sorry that there aren't more hours in the day to work on it! The hand quilting is so relaxing. I love the feel of the quilt on my lap as I stitch and my hubby loves it when I sit next to him in the evenings while he watches TV.

I have another question for all you seasoned quilters:
Spray baste or not? I bought some at Joann's but because this is for a baby, I didn't want to use anything at all. But I have a larger quilt for my next project and the pinning is a pain....I'll be honest.
So what are your suggestions and experiences with spray basting?
Thanks!

19 comments:

  1. I love the flower quilt, just wonderful. Not really a quilter have no idea what spray basting is.
    Teresa's Heartfelt Stitches

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  2. it looks wonderful. I love it!!
    I don't have a baby girl, but I would use it myself!

    Spray baste is fine. it washes right out. and for a baby, I would so wash it first. I must admit, it's been a really long time since I spray basted and I hear tell that the product has come a long way since way back when.

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  3. love colors. gfc rlrlaney follow you will you follow me back only have 9 need 150 to review some books. thanks rhonda rlrlaney@yahoo.com

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  4. oops forgot link http://readalot-rhonda1111.blogspot.com/

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  5. Beautiful quilt, love your flowers and stitching.

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  6. What a beautiful quilt! You're doing an awesome job! I love the fabric!

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  7. soooo pretty! can't wait to see the finished quilt!

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  8. Karen
    It's just so beautiful! I love the applique flowers all stitched and the hand quilted flower is a great idea.

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  9. I'm a great admirer of applique and pieces. This quilt is darling.

    Congrats and thanks for sharing!

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  10. Your work is amazing! I love your hand applique, and your hand quilting is truly beautiful! Congratulations!

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  11. It's so pretty. Love the colors.

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  12. This is such a pretty quilt! I love the colors and the applique. Very nice!

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  13. It's GORGEOUS!! I love the flower quilting--what a great and adorable idea. Great work!

    -Janelle
    homemadethisandthat.blogspot.com

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  14. Absolutely beautiful! The fabric... the stitching... the flowers... LOVE IT!!! Great Job!!! :)

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  15. Great job!!! You are a quilter! wahoo!!! =) The colors are great!

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  16. I love the colors! It is such a beautiful quilt!! I am not brave enough o attempt a quilt. Thanks for sharing your progress and talents!,

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  17. So pretty, all of your items are.

    I just wanted to let you know you won a major award, lol.

    Check it out.

    http://bacontimewiththehungryhypo.blogspot.com/2011/08/sweet-blog-friends.html

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  18. Beautiful! I just started quilting, so I have no comment on the spray basting, other than I would love to know more about it. LOL I agree that pinning is a major pain and if this works just as well, AND washes out ok, I would be all over it!

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