Thursday, April 28, 2016

The back--2nd finish for FAL 2nd Quarter!

These were some of the pieces left from piecing the guild mystery quilt. 

I like using the leftovers to create a pieced back. I love using the pieces so that I'm not cutting them for my scrap saving system. (I use Bonnie Hunter's plan!) It is fun to play around with the pieces and watch them grow into a larger piece of fabric. Sometimes, I even contemplate using the back as a top! But, with the quilts that I have to quilt, I really don't need to create more projects for myself! It also is a chance for me to practice improvisational piecing! Sometimes, not having a plan can be r e l a x i n g !



This pieced back took me about 12 hours to stitch. There were a number of smaller pieces that I used. When there are small pieces (under three inches) it takes much longer for the pieces to grow!! I did need to go to my stash for a 2 1/2 yard piece of batik to have enough fabric for the back. It measures 88"w x 105"l. I will be linking this project to the 2016 Finish-Along Quarter 2.  The link to my 2nd quarter list is here.

I also have prepared the binding and cut a sleeve for this project. 

Once I have finished it, I'll be able to "count" the fabrics toward the 50 yards that I want to use from my stash!




I also have been making a little progress on quilting the hexagon quilt. I've finished quilting all the inner squares. I decided that I would quilt squares on the outer edges as well. I'm using my walking foot. I really prefer free motion quilting. Free motion is easier on my arms; but, I wanted to try quilting lines. I find my free motion lines are not anywhere close to straight. I do a little better with the walking foot!

Twice now, I've found my foot has rotated slightly so that it is no longer on top of the feed dogs. The first time, I took the machine back to the dealer and they repaired it. This time, the gap wasn't too large and I repaired it. Still, if the foot isn't over the feed dogs, it is impossible to stitch a straight line!

I also figured out a simple quilt pattern for the remaining part of the inner sashing. Now, I just need some time to be able to stitch! I still will have some spaces on the outer border that I don't have planned; but, perhaps an idea will come to me by the time I reach that part of the quilt!

I sure didn't think that I'd still be in the quilting phase of this project! I wanted to quilt the sashing and the borders with texture; but, wanted the design to not take away from the hexagon blocks. I think I'm achieving what I had wanted to achieve!

8 comments:

Monica said...

Well, my experience is that everything takes longer than I think it will, so you are not alone in that! I like your pieced back a lot -- it is really interesting and dynamic with those chevrons. It is still early in Q2, and you are doing great!

TerryKnott.blogspot.com said...

Oh, Monica! It is true that EVERYTHING takes longer when it comes to quilt projects! Those chevrons were fun and they got me thinking about another project. . .STOP brain. . .I've enough on the table for a while--at least a quarter! Thanks for making me chuckle today with your comment!--Terry

Nancy said...

Looks like you're getting a lot done to me. I love that backing!

TerryKnott.blogspot.com said...

Thanks, Nancy! I had fun putting the backing together!--Terry

Janice said...

I love your pieced back!!! My quilt guild calls it "Back Art." :-)

TerryKnott.blogspot.com said...

Janice, "Back Art" what a great term! I have more "Back Art" planned in my future! Thanks for visiting.--Terry

Rhonda the Rambler said...

What an amazing quilt!! Congratulations on the finish and thank you for participating in the 2016FAL, on behalf of all the hosts!

TerryKnott.blogspot.com said...

Thanks for visiting, Rhonda. Come back anytime. The FAL has been helpful although, I haven't accomplished near what I thought I could!!--Terry