Much rain for the weekend equals lots of stitching time. No time like the present to start machine quilting on the next in line. This is the back side of the pineapple blossom quilt. Note the plain muslin backing. While I love the beautiful wide backing fabrics we have available, I do not like the cost. When I catch some on sale I buy, but not every quilt will get the pricey fabric. This piece was the last of my bolt of 90'' wide bleached muslin and was just enough. I switched to 90'' wide as a general rule for purchase---with the 50% off coupon--- because I found I was wasting so much fabric from the 108''-114'' wide fabrics. I make smaller quilts/throw size, and I don't need the extra width for backing for a long arm machine either. I will purchase wider fabric backings as needed, just not for the giveaway and donation quilts.
Back to the quilt....here's from the front....swirls and curls all over. This has always been my go to pattern. It blends everything together and is not too dense, so it keeps the quilt soft. And with all these floral prints, detail quilting would not be noticed. I have the border in a neutral to do.......that can have a few feathers on it maybe. This corner ---with a bad match---has the label on back.
I made the label and stitched it directly to the backing before I pinned the quilt. Then on with the quilting, right thru the label. It is harder than ever for me to grip a needle, so I was seeking a simple solution for adding the label securely. This worked out well for this one.
Happy stitching.
Yay! A finish. I love your label. Hubby does not want me to run anything but standard paper through our ink jet printer, so mine are much more basic.
ReplyDeleteWhen I make quilts to be gifted to nieces/nephew who are leaving home for school, I sew their labels into the back and then quilt right through them. It seems more secure to me, who knows what kind of life that quilt might lead?! Your quilting is really looking good these days. I hope you are also feeling good about it.
ReplyDeleteLovely label! I like to see the fabrics through the quilting, so I love your soft swirly quilting.
ReplyDeleteFor my son's graduation quilt, I sewed the label on the backing, then quilted thru it. I also quilted his first and last name on the center sashing strips. I'd heard too many stories about quilts getting stolen from dorm rooms. They were going to have to work really hard to take his name off that quilt.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quilting, I'm so happy to see this :) I'm with you on the cost of backings and stock up when I find sales, plus always looking for other options. I like the idea of sewing the label on by machine, it sounds stronger and will blend in nicely.
ReplyDeleteI love the way you did the label. I need to put labels on quilts as I make them also. I confess that I am not good about labeling my work.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quilting! Most of my comfort quilts go to cancer patients or those with critical illnesses, so I try to make the back beautiful because they will be looking at it a lot and for some of them, it is the last gift they will have. The Gold Star/Purple star quilts for kids, I try to make the backs fun as the kids are dealing with some heavy stuff regarding their parents in the military. So, I make things hard for myself doing backings. If I was a dyer, I could tie dye the muslin, but the thought of learning one more thing and storing the supplies makes me crazy.
ReplyDeleteWell done. I like the label sewn right onto the backing and I see nothing wrong with using muslin. I use it for table runners and wall hangings. I do try to use colorful backings for kids quilts and I will piece a backing if it needs to be bigger than a single width of fabric. I have so much stash to use up that pieced backings are preferable to extra wides that leave too many leftovers.
ReplyDeleteI like the swirls & curls on your quilt. It makes for a very soft look. Your label is fantastic. I like the idea of quilting it on as you are finishing the quilt. Seems like it would be a lot more secure that way.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about trying to keep the costs down, especially for backings. But I think a plain muslin makes a great back, because you can really see the quilting! Your quilting is very nice and deserves a bit of a showcase :)
ReplyDeleteHi Debby, I have been gone for awhile. It's good to be back and see your quilting again.
ReplyDeleteI too like your label. This is something I need to start doing.