Thursday, May 22, 2014

Blogger's Quilt Festival - Hand Quilting

Double Wedding Ring
70 x 85
Started Feb 2013
Finished Apr 2014

First attempt at hand quilting.
A wedding quilt for my granddaughter's hope chest. She's 9. 



I learned a lot in the making of this quilt. It was a challenge that, quite frankly, I didn't feel I was up to.   The piecing of the quilt with all it's curves and different type of construction (no even rows) was the first challenge.  The second was the hand quilting.  I had to try different types of thimbles before I found the one that worked for me.  I had to learn the proper "rocking motion" in order to get smaller, even stitches so I first stitched in the ditch around all the arch pieces. 

I used a template and experimented with different marking methods until I found chalk worked best for me with the templates I used. 


I'm pleased with the results of my first attempt and will definitely be doing more hand quilting in the future. 


I hope I'm still alive when it comes time for my granddaughter to receive her wedding quilt but if I'm not I will be at her wedding in spirit. 



And so that is my entry for the Blogger's Quilt Festival - Hand Quilting category.  I would like to encourage you to try hand quilting. It's very relaxing after you get over the initial fears. I didn't think I could do it.  I can't believe I did it. 

Visit and be inspired. 


14 comments:

Julierose said...

Beautiful job hand quilting on this gorgeous quilt. Lucky lucky granddaughter for sure! hugs, Julierose

Dolly said...

What a wonderful idea, to make it now ! That's a beautiful gift !

Mina said...

wow, wow, wow! This looks fantastic!

Kathy ... aka Nana said...

What a beautiful quilt! And yay for you to hand quilt it! Turned out so nice.

Quilting Babcia said...

Your quilt is gorgeous! I'm glad you decided to try hand quilting, your stitches are beautiful. I love that stencil you used too.

CitricSugar said...

Beautiful work - and full of good things, hope included!

Chantal Thibodeau said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Chantal Thibodeau said...

Hi. I really like your color.

It must be a cultural diffence. A Wedding quilt and she is 9 years old. What is an Hope Chest ? In french, women used to made their "trousseau" when they were older, gathering and making house cloths, but not that younger !

Anonymous said...

Love how you used two colors on each arc. It reminds me of a Pickle Dish quilt. Just lovely.
Beautiful hand quilting first! I hope you continue on with it!

Deb A said...

I agree- once you just go for it - it is very relaxing. Glad you hand quilted this treasure. That makes it extra special.

Quiltdivajulie said...

Fabulous quilt!!!!!

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Nice work!

Vivian said...

You had a great experience on what for most (including me) is a "bucket list" quilt. Your granddaughter is blessed to have you!

Lori said...

You have my vote- love the quilting, love the design. Great job.