Quilting is transformative, seemingly making something out of nothing. A finished project is beautiful and the steps to get these are numerous, with each one a mere contribution. But if you look at the very beginning and the very end and you aren’t sure how it happens, it looks like magic.
Quilters understand how to make it happen, but for those who have never thought about what goes into making a quilt, here is one example of one quilt block, one small part of an overall project, and why quilt making just amazes and delights me, every single time.
As I’ve stated in previous posts, my current project is a quilt from a pattern, a block of the month pattern made up of nine blocks.
I could have ordered a kit, which included not just the pattern, but would have provided all the fabric needed to complete the project as well. Instead, I decided to use my own fabric, from my stash, that which I’ve collected over the years. Either way, the magic is the same.
First, I chose the colors I wanted to use; I then selected the fabric. I decided on a finite array of fabrics and as I chose to create each block, I chose the colors I would use from that array. I aimed for a scrappy look. Since all the colors go together, I just picked the fabrics I would use for each block, treating them all as a separate project. The above is what I chose for one block.
It never ceases to amaze me, how the process begins with whole pieces of fabric.
Then those fabrics are cut into pieces, as the pattern dictates, as shown. All of the steps are reliant on precision. It is funny to imagine how these pieces when sewn together will amount to anything.
But they do! All of the steps are crucial. And if done correctly, the result is a beautiful quilt block.
This is the result! Just like magic!
I have long said that for me, quilting is a learning experience.
The range of learning never ceases to amaze me. From circles and Y-seams, to the very simplest of established habits, I remain amazed at the wonderful learning experience that is quilting.
For instance, I have been sewing on a Janome sewing machine since I started quilting, some 20 years ago. I wore out the first one and am now on my second machine, which is only a couple years old.
When I sew, sometimes I use scissors to cut the threads, but I often use the thread cutter attached to the machine, circled in red on the photo. Most domestic sewing machines have them, as far as I know, and what I am about to say is applicable to any machine.
When I am finished sewing a seam, I gather my sewn piece guiding the still attached threads from front to back across the blade, away from me. This procedure cuts both the top and bottom threads at the same time. Then, when I start to sew again, I push both threads under the presser foot.
I never realized that in all these years, I was doing it wrong.
I didn’t realize I was wrong until one day I observed someone on a quilting video cut the threads in the opposite direction, bringing the just sewn piece of fabric across the blade from back to front. I didn’t think too much about it, until one day, as I remembered it, I thought I’d try it, even though it looked really awkward to me.
Well, what a surprise! The direction of cutting threads makes all the difference. I never realized that by directing the threads up and over the thread cutter toward me rather than how I’d been doing it, the threads are cut closer to the piece, saving on thread. But the biggest benefit is that the threads stay under the presser foot, which alleviates the extra step of having to place them behind the needle in a separate motion.
This is silly, I know, but it illustrates 1) I’m still a newbie (sewer) quilter despite my 20 years’ experience; and 2) it is the simple things that make all the difference.
Still a work in progress, these pieces need to be sewn together and a border around the circle will create a square, but I just can’t say enough about how much I am going to love this quilt.
When I was a kid, my favorite toy was a Spirograph. I loved making shapes with that toy, and the more intricate the better. I used to make a shape, any random shape, and then move the pen just a few clicks to ‘echo’ that shape. I did it over and over again until I got the effect I wanted. I wish I still had some of the gorgeous designs I made. They would likely help me with quilting free motion designs. I used to play with my Spirograph for hours.
This quilt reminds me of that toy.
Now that I think about it, I should start playing with shapes and designs and come up with my own ideas for a quilt rather than use someone else’s design. That is one of my quilting goals—to design my own quilts. I’m just not there yet. I’m still in awe of what other people are doing. Perhaps I will never get there, who knows? The quilting world continues to evolve, and there are so many different things I’d still like to try.
But, I am really enjoying this paper-pieced design by Becky Goldsmith. This is really an enjoyable project.
By the way, this will be the third block I’m working on. The first two have been completed.
There are 9 different blocks in the quilt. I can’t wait to make all of them. These blocks are huge. That means I am 1/3 of the way to a completed quilt top.
