WIP…honing my skills!
Posted by pegsplace on February 5, 2013
Well, my turn has come to quilt my blocks on the quilt that Jen and I are making. We are hand quilting it. Jen already quilted her two blocks. Big breath here because I have big shoes to fill. She stitches very small and even. Me on the other hand am a hand quilter newbie. No time like the present and THE ideal project.
We have 36 blocks to do, starting from the middle, sharing diagonally. I think that I will get better as I go along. It is just getting over the idea that I cannot be perfect and that I need to hand quilt to get better.
If anybody has tips for me, from needle to thimble please share.
I am linking up with The Needlework and Thread Network.
Jennifer Giberson said
I don’t have that big of feet
and if you look closely they are not even, I had the most trouble with the small circles on the pattern that we chose to join the blocks. I couldn’t get a rythmn going, the circles aretoo small. The most useful tip I use is keep the quilt loose on your frame, so much easier to get even stitches and not as fatigueing on your hands.
pegsplace said
You know what i mean with big feet
…yep the frame is loose…i hear your workshop advice in my head.
Patti said
No advice from me, but I have great admiration for anyone who tackles all that hand quilting!
Marjorie A.Henwood said
You will do great!! I`ve been hand quilting for over 25 years and nothing is perfect;;ever! you will improve with practice. And everyone is different, some make small stitiches…some don`t. It is all your own hand work; and you will love it. Circles are one of the hardest to do..I find anyway…hand or machine. Don`t be hard on yourself…take lots of breaks along they way…it can be hard on your shoulders too. But I love hand quilting.
pegsplace said
Thanks Marjorie!
…I started with circles and found it tough. Then when I went to the leaf shape, what a difference! I am eager to get home to work on it tonight!
pegsplace said
Thanks for the admiration….we will see what it looks like at the end!
Sheila said
I have been hand quilting for a few years and love it , just learn to relax and the rest will fall in place in time .
Tabatha said
I enjoy hand quilting even though my stitches aren’t perfect. I’ve examined some antique quilts and there is no such thing as perfect so don’t sweat it! What’s the metal thing on the quilt?
pegsplace said
The metal thing are my eyes…clip on magnifiers. I have 4 or 5 of them, near my sewing, embroidery etc. I love them.
pegsplace said
Thanks Sheila…relax seems to be on the top of the list.
Marjorie A.Henwood said
Hey Peg…..I am hand quilting the `Bluenose`….I machined quilted my hugs and kisses piece….the small items are my practice…lol
elle said
I’m a machine quilter so all I can do is admire!
Bears with a HEART said
Peggy, I quilt with “the Aunt Becky” tool and that is really handy.
Régina said
I wish you many happy hours with that quilt. From my handquilting days I remember mostly the necessity of keeping neck and shoulders relaxed, the rest is practice …………
pegsplace said
Thanks Régina. I am having fun and I am making sure that I am keeping my posture in a good position and of course taking breaks!