Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Of knots and strings

Spider web by Duane Walker
  Once again I got inspired to do something with my over abundant strings.    This quilt was made by Daune Walker  who was our featured speaker at guild this month.  It has a very vintage feel, in part due to the black and white prints, I think.   It has been ages since I did a spiderweb quilt, so I wanted to test her technique.

  I did a quick search on Pinterest for spider web blocks and quilts.  At  Quilterscache  I found the style block she used....in a different size.    And at Quiltville,  I found Bonnie's technique for the block, again in a different size.    The difference in the two versions, other than the size, is how the blocks are joined. 


  My test block parts.....I used a 12'' foundation paper for the web units.   First, I am not a fan of piecing on paper, but it really is necessary for this to keep things from warping and stretching.   Secondly, the paper triangle becomes your pattern for trimming up. 
 What I really hated was joining the two halves to form the block.  Note:  The paper was removed before joining, which made it worse.  So much movement on those bias edges. 
    So this size on tissue weight paper is not for me.  I would be lucky to finish up enough to make a table runner. 

  The next test will be a smaller size and use newsprint paper from a doodle pad.  And I am going to join them together a la Bonnie's method to form the "star" shape in the block. 
 

  In the meantime------

 Things are growing on the design wall.  I began putting blocks together into 4 patch units.  My garlic knot blocks are 6 1/2'',   And I love the variety.  I still have a small basket of them to sew together and another 30 or so ready to be joined in 4 patch units. 

  Summer heat is here all at once.  The featherweight is set up and I have plenty to sew on.  By the way....has anyone seen this table for the featherweight?     It is so tempting, if I could figure out a spot to set it up.  It would be nice to have a flat surface.    Happy stitching. 





12 comments:

Debbie said...

Stitch a lot!

Linda Swanekamp said...

No grass growing under your foot controller! I have been trying to make 4 quarter log cabin blocks per day so I can make some progress. Floral quilts keep calling my name lately. I also have a huge backlog of quilt tops to quilt. Darn that rehab taking all my time and energy. With all the days of rehab how come I don't have more energy and have not lost one ounce? Where are those endorphins all the exercise maniacs rave about? Keep moving- love your work results!

Quilting Babcia said...

Love where your garlic knots are heading. I may need to make this one since hubby has a huge plot of garlic growing like gangbusters. Thanks too for that link to the featherweight table. That would be so convenient for quilt ministry meetings. I've entered for a free one.

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

I made Bonnie Hunters version several years ago. I don't think I tore the papers out until my units were stitched into blocks. After that, I just pinned well and the quilt turned out nice. I like the black on white centers that she used.

Ray and Jeanne said...

"I've done some foundation piecing on lightweight cotton. Then you don't remove it - so much easier and the pieces don't move. The quilt is slightly heavier but no one has ever complained. Love your garlic knots. I've never seen that table for the featherweight. It looks like something I would definitely use. ~Jeanne

Janet O. said...

That is a really fun spider web quilt!
I have tried paper piecing a miniature on tissue foundations, and it did not work for me at all! Newsprint is my "go-to".
That looks like a great featherweight table. If you decide to get one, I hope you will share a review, but couldn't your talented hubby just whip one up for you in his workshop? :)

Louise said...

I've never made a spiderweb block, and I admit that paper foundations don't call my name. I have mixed feelings about muslin foundation, too, for strings. Love the stability, don't love the extra layer of fabric.

But your garlic knots I love without question! :)
louise dot hornor at gmail

Mary said...

I’ve never seen a table like this for Featherweights but I think it would be great. Your garlic knot blocks are so cheerful.

Cheree @ The Morning Latte said...

Not a fan of foundation piecing either but I can see how it would be necessary here. Still loving the knots!

Mystic Quilter said...

Love the quilt by Duane Walker!! I've never attempted a string quilt on paper, I have made Pineapple blocks but I use a lightweight tear-away stabiliser and find it's a great product to use. In fact I don't even tear it away, there's no problem with leaving it in there, at least I haven't found a problem as yet!

Unknown said...

hi i don't usually comment on blogs but thought you might want to know that missouri star quilt company has precut spiderweb papers and a templet for the center piece . she has tutorial out as well . love the papers have not finished mine. Vickie blessings

Debbie said...

Thanks, Vicki....I will probably order some! Link your email to account so we can reply.

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