A Start--8 Month QAYG

Batik fabrics for the front

Since I finished "Winter Ice," I started a new project. (Starting new projects was number three on my yearly goal list!) This project runs for eight months, so it is sort of like a Block of the Month (BOM) project.

Only, it is a Quilt As You Go (QAYG) project that uses rulers for the quilting designs. QAYG is a method of quilting the blocks and then joining them together. The quilting process is easier because the quilter isn't dealing with cramming large layered sections through the harp of a domestic sewing machine!

I was disappointed with my efforts at using the set of artistic rulers on "Winter Ice." Before I threw in the towel on quilting with rulers, I decided I would take this class because perhaps, my problem was with my tools and how I used them!

Cotton fabrics for the back

I selected fabrics from my stash for the front  fabrics--the pink and green fabrics in the photo are batiks that have been on the shelf for many years!

I was making great progress shopping my stash for fabrics for the back. However, I was short of the green to cut all of the pieces so I 'had' to make a run to the local shop and pick up that purple! Ah. . .the sacrifices we make for our art! :) I purchased two yards because I will have a use for the leftovers in another project.

Fabric requirements for this project were six yards for the front and six yards for the back. Yes, some of the batiks and the yellow cotton fabric will be left at the end of the project. It is probable that these scraps will find their way in other projects later! But, the great news is that my initial outlay for the project was $14! This is a time when having stash fabrics was just the ticket!

Layered and ready for stitching

(I operate on the principal that anything in the stash longer than a year is "free!")

I prewashed all the fabrics and then ironed them. I prewash because I don't want a fabric bleeding into another! Batiks, especially dark and light ones seem to bleed the most! Just the other day I prewashed cream batiks, the amount of yellow and brown dye that was left behind in the sink was eye opening. I still am surprised when a light batik bleeds colors not in evidence on the fabric! Yes, bleeding still has happened; but, to a lesser degree than had I not prewashed!

I also pieced the batting from previous projects. I do this at the end of a project. Then when I want to make a bag, a placemat, I have ready to use batting. Using those batting scraps, is upcycling at its best! I've already purchased the batting so I might as well get the most use out of it!!

Grid design

I included a photo of all the parts layered and ready for the quilting directions. It was not fun to complete this part. Now that it is done, it will just be a matter of selecting the appropriate stack and quilting. For that part, I'm grateful. No searching for fabric and wondering if it will be okay and no cutting. I like that the decisions are made and now the project is all about the play!

This was the first block of four blocks  to quilt using a grid design.  The rulers are smaller than what I used to quilt "Winter Ice." They are easier for me to hold. The stable tape worked better as a grip to the block than the velcro strip that was on the other rulers. I liked the results of quilting this first block!

I did do a lot of turning the block as I found I had a more challenging time to move backward and side to side. I suppose with practice, I would improve.

Twist and turn design

The directions were to cut the fabrics larger than the actual block size. Trimming will happen once all the blocks are completed.

I used a 40wt purple polyester thread on the batik and a 50wt purple cotton thread on the cotton. I'll use this same thread for the entire project.

The second block of the four used the straight line ruler in a different way. I like the design and it was  fun to do.  I liked the spacer gauge that came with the set.  If I had had this gauge, I think some of my quilting on "Winter Ice," would have been better.

Curved design one

The third block used the curved edge of the ruler.  I was supposed to leave an open space between the curves; but, I was having too much fun to stop!

Curved design two

The fourth block used a different design with the curved ruler.  These blocks will finish to six inches. In a few weeks, I will get to work on the 16 inch blocks! I'm sharing the back so you get an idea of how the thread looks on the cotton fabrics.

I'm on track! It feels good and I will try to stay the course!