Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Work Quilt #4: Hand Quilted Layer

This past week I resumed work on Work Quilt #4, and I must say it feels good to get back to this baby!


If you remember from my previous Work Quilts, I approach each step as a "layer"...

Layer #1 is always the piecing of the top, and from there the layers can differ in order, but their will always be at least one layer each of machine stitching, (which was the second layer in this piece), hand quilting, (which I am currently working on here and is thus the third layer) and appliqued patches, (which will be the fourth layer of this quilt).

For the hand quilting I am once again using some of those beautiful Sulky® Cotton Blendables that were so generously gifted to me by the folks at Sulky®. Love them!


The plan is to hand quilt two meandering lines, of stitching in each of the rows, (both horizontal and vertical) that were previously created by the machine stitching, (which was done in both straight and zig-zag).


As the colorful lines of hand quilting going from side to side intersect with those going from top to bottom, small squares of various shapes emerge, and I think I will be revisiting some of those little squares in maybe another layer of decorative stitch.

To be continued...
(hopefully soon!)

28 comments:

Jodi said...

Oooh, I love it! Can't wait to see the whole thing! It sounds like it's very relaxing to work on and I think you need lots of patience. When I get to the end of a quilt, I always want to hurry and finish - you inspire me to slow down and pay attention to the little details which can give a great impact.

em's scrapbag said...

Thanks for sharing your process. This is coming along beautifully.

Nifty Quilts said...

I love your way of combining hand and machine stitching. What is the weight of your Sulky thread? Is it 12?

patty a. said...

Looks like you have another wonderful piece coming along. I look forward to seeing it completed. Love the mix of stitching - it adds a lot of interest!

connie said...

Oh, this looks like it is coming along so nicely!!! I love it and now that I am working with shot cottons I know how good it feels.......... Have fun!

Islay said...

That looks lovely! I adore your mix of hand and machine quilting. And your patience!

XUE said...

As always, your perfect, equal stitches amazes me! Happy Autumn!

Victoria said...

Thanks to each of you!

Nifty Quilts, yes the threads are a 12wt. and I double them over so I am sewing with two strands.

Xue... trust me the stitches are not all that equal!

dutchcomfort said...

I love the texture being a result of using different techniques!

Cheryl Arkison said...

I love how the pieces change as you work on them. If you were willing to share it would be neat to see full shots of each step of the process if there is a #5. To truly see the development.

sweetypie said...

as usual, lovely, lovely work and I love to see it.. thankyou

Anonymous said...

Love them blues and the contrast of the orange and gold stitching. xox Corrine

Sujata Shah said...

I had to click on the photo to see the double strand of threads. It is so evenly done.. I am amazed at your hand work..

Lina said...

I always enjoy reading your blog... everything you create is wonderful... what kind of needle do you use when hand quilting with the 12wt thread? do you use a hoop?

Victoria said...

Thanks again, to each of you!

Cheryl, maybe I will... not sure though. I really like close up shots and little sneak peaks as I go along. It's not so much that I don't want to share, (because I do) but I've discovered that when I reveal too much of a work in progress, my focus tends to get watered down and I lose my creative steam... then it all just fizzles to a halt. So I tend to build a protective cocoon around what I'm doing while still sharing bits of process here and there. Hope that makes sense!

Lina, I just use a quilters "between" needle (about a size 7 ... or whatever I have on hand). And no, I don't use a hoop. (Especially no need to on these work quilts as I've already done a layer of machine stitch, which keeps the layers from shifting). I tend to quilt sitting with my knees up and keep tension with my hands holding the fabric across my knees.

Karen said...

truly lovely....

Munaiba said...

It's really lovely and that beautiufl turquoise is so clear.

Lisa ONeill said...

Love the hand quilting! Can't wait to see the whole quilt.

Fer said...

Oh so stunning!

henny said...

Very beautiful!!
I always love your unique style in stitching.

Nina Lise@Mrs Moen said...

It looks wonderful and oh so soft! How are your fingers holding up with all that hand quilting??

picciolo said...

What lovely textures you are getting in this one Victoria! And I love the scarf in the previous post!
: )

Sandra said...

Love the layers of machine and hand work.
Thanks

Jackie said...

All those layers and all the work must be what makes your pieces so compelling.

Hey Harriet said...

This is looking lovely so far! Such an incredible amount of intricate work goes into the making of these gorgeous quilts! Wow!

Kathryn said...

Love the colors, so stunning! I agree about holding back on sharing too much. Easy to get yourself in trouble that way. I just thanked you, btw on a recent post at a 'sketch' pojagi experiment. You saved the day!

Fran said...

Beautiful quilt...love the colors & mix of hand
quilting with machine stitches. You've already
answered my question....I was also curious if
you used a hoop or frame to do the hand stitches !
Thanks for sharing......

Rosalyn Manesse said...

I read through your blog, and I'm so impressed by your lovely work. So much stitching, so much love in each piece.