Sunday, November 05, 2017

More learning and updates

For the October Learning Quilt-A-Long, I made and quilted 4 improv pieced blocks using different batting.

I've had a chance to bind, wash, air dry and iron them - it's made quite a difference, but unfortunately, not easily seen on the images.

Here are the results:
Log Cabin block after washing

Log Cabin block














The Log Cabin block was made using Warm 100 Cotton with 100% cotton scrim



X block 
X Block after washing














The X block was made using Hobbs Tuscany Collection silk and fine polyester (90%-10%) with resin bonded.



Half-Square Triangle block
Half-Square Triangle block after washing














The Half-Square Triangle block was made using Hobbs Tuscany Collection cotton-wool (80%-20%) batting with resin bonded.




Square Pieced block after washing
Square Pieced block













The Square Pieced block was made using Tender Touch bamboo-cotton (50%-50%) with scrim.


I did steam iron the blocks since they were pretty scrunched up.

Update on the Splash of Color QAL


It's time to show some progress on the Splash of Color QAL. Here is the quilt block that I am making. It's called Shattered Angles.

I have no idea at this time if it's going to end up as a lap quilt or just a wall hanging or runner. We'll see how quickly I get tired of it!

For readers who don't know me, I have a problem working with black and white fabrics. Even with the addition of a little bit of colour, I find the lack of other colours quite depressing to work with.

Two Shattered Angles blocks
Slow Stitching with English Paper Pieced Hexies

I have finally reached the point where I'm tired of just making hexie flowers. So I put all of my hexies together to what I could make, either a wall hanging or a runner. I wanted to keep this project simple, without having to make a gazillion more hexies, so I just played around until I figured out a way to put the flowers together. This is what I've come up with.

Putting the hexie flowers together
So far, my plan is to put a white-on-white hexie row between each row of flowers. I am using coloured fabric with a white or off-white background between each flower (with a pop of colour in the middle hexie).
All the hexie flowers to date 

I haven't decided yet if it's going to be three hexie flowers wide or just two. I'm also not sure how long I will make it.

What I learned
  • After washing the blocks, I'm not sure that I can tell the difference between the batting, except for the silk. It's still the thinnest and lightest.
  • All of the batting has shrunk a little, so that all the blocks have a slightly puffy look. I can't even tell now if the wool-cotton batting has more loft after washing than the cotton and bamboo-cotton.
  • I would have to say that the results are pretty inconclusive so far.
  • I'm surprised that I made so many hexie flowers before getting bored! That's probably a record for me. Now I'm looking forward to putting them together into something....
  • I still want to appliqué some hexies to make a piece. I could certainly do that with any left-over flowers.
  • I cleaned my sewing machine this morning and may have messed something up. I decided to just turn it off and hope that it's just a temporary issue. I will deal with it another day. It it turns out to be serious, I may have to revise my learning goals - hand quilting anyone?
Related Links
Linking Parties: I am linking up to the Splash of Color QAL, as well as many other quilting parties. Check them out! Slow Sunday Stitching, Oh Scrap!, MOP Monday, Design Wall Monday, Main Crush Monday, Monday Making, Linky Tuesday, Midweek Makers, Let's Bee Social,


14 comments:

  1. All your current projects are wonderful. I like how you list all the things you have learned from each project too.

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    1. Thanks Suzanne. I've found that listing the things I've learned has really helped me to actually "learn" it, and hopefully repeat it (or not)!

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  2. Thanks for sharing your inspiring projects and for the updates on your experiment. Maybe the difference between the batting could be the warmth, which may be difficult to assess on a single mini block. But it's good to know that there is not much difference in terms of experience at the quilting/washing step!

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    1. Hi Alida, I suspect that you are correct. I'm actually in the process of making a baby quilt with the silk batting. I know that it will be very light. I'm going to test to see how warm it is. In the end, I think that I'll have to make a quilt out of each one to see the difference.

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  3. looks like you have quite a few projects going and they all look so pretty!

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    1. Thanks Karen. Isn't it great to be able to make pretty and useful things?

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  4. You have been busy. I likethe idea of quilting up samples with different battings to compare them. Something for me to think about... Your EPP hexies are cute. I'm not sure I would have managed quite as many, unless it was a multi-year, stitch a few now and then project. I have been seeing many Splash of Colour QAL posts and am tempted, but I don't have a large collection of black/white prints. It's probably for the best. I have a few projects that need my attention and it is better to not get too distracted by something new just now. I'll just keep admiring everyone else's projects and maybe I'll try something similar later.

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    1. Hi Joanne, it really is difficult to resist the temptation to start tons of new projects! At least with the Learning QAL I have something to keep me slightly focused! On the other hand, as long as it's fun, I say "Go for it!"

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  5. I love the quilting on the Half-Square Triangle quilt.

    So many hexies!

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    1. Thanks Sally. The quilting on the Half-Square Triangle quilt was my favourite too! And it takes tons of hexies to make anything! I'm not sure that I could ever make a bigger project than a runner or wall hanging :-)

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  6. I fell in love with your hexie project! However you chose to finish it - it will be so beautiful! Thank you for sharing!

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    1. Thanks Miaismine - you're so sweet! I'm pretty nuts about the hexies too but it was time to start making something specific with all of those little itty bitty hexies!

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  7. I think we all have some colors or combos that make us feel uncomfortable - sad that yours is black and white. Make the best of it!

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    1. Hi Susan, I've never thought as having a problem with specific colours but there it is. I did feel that way about neutrals but having worked with them, I have come to appreciate them more. I'll just have to make sure to work with lots of colours in other projects.

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