Second quilt conclusions

1) the binding was the first quilt I'd done properly. It's not 100% perfect but I've since made a couple of mug rugs to practise and it's looking much better. I'm also going to try rounded corners too.

2) I desperately need a new sewing machine - one that can actually quit! My brother machine is so basic that I can't even drop the feed dogs, let alone get a decent free walking foot. The needles seem To need changing Everytime i use the machine, which is rubbish!!

I'm going to select the machine I like, and then save save save!! It's so tempting to buy gorgeous books and fabrics and patterns, but I'm not doing any thing I make justice at the moment so I need a new machine :) my machine is the reason there's so little quilting on the quilt! I would only be able to do straight lines in any volume, and even then the feed dogs seem to drag the fabric through which bunches the backing up! Ah well, I'll figure it out!

3) I need to be patient whilst cutting, piecing and sewing it all. I'm normally so desperate to see the final product that I rush things and am then not completely happy with it!

At least I know what I'm doing wrong and how I can improve...

4) use basting stitches instead of pins

5) buy some fusible web or bonding spray for sandwiching the quilt.

On the plus side, I really like the colours that make the quilt and the pattern was a new experience that I really enjoyed.

It's all a learning process, and honest reflection helps me improve - sorry for my ramblings :) xx

Second Quilt Finished

I love this quilt. It's really not perfect, but I love it and I wish I could keep it. But it's for newborn baby girl and hopefully she'll love it too!!

I'm making another one in similar fabrics for myself. Double bed size is going to be ambitious but I'm looking forward to the challenge.

And I'm also looking forward to starting my Siblings Together quilt. It's going to be for a young(ish) boy, made with some kindly donated fabrics. Thank goodness for a day off work tomorrow!!

Terrible pictures, sorry!!

Stash Building

I was having a rubbish day, so I took myself off to ikea and bought some fabrics. I know it's not the best quality, but I love the fact that their fabric comes in a good width. I'm currently in love with the having contrasting backs for quilts at the moment too so it was great to stock up on some fabric brig enough for continuous backs not pieced backs.

Here are the fruits of my labours...