Here are the 4 APQ friendship swap blocks for March. I didn't intend to, but I actually made 8 blocks, so I will save some for another month. I really like this block - it's easy to make and it will be great as a scrap quilt!
After I got them finished, my next chore was to baste 2 baby quilts. I do my own quilting up to this size usually - if it's a lot bigger, I send it out. However, basting is just not what I enjoy doing. Part of the problem is that I have to clear everything off of my sewing table to make room to do the basting - and there is always lots to clear off. I thought I would tell you about the way I baste quilts that are about the size of a baby quilt. Over a year ago, another blogger had this on her blog and when I checked it out, I thought I would try it. It is a system that you can see in this video: Sharon Schamber's system.
It seems kind of strange, but you use 2 boards and you wrap the fabric around them. First, I wrapped the backing around a board.
Then I wrapped the quilt top around another board.
Then you smooth the batting between the top and the backing...
and you start basting with thread, or like me, you use safety pins. I have used thread, but most of the time I find it easier to use pins.
As you get a section pinned, you unroll some more of the top and backing and continue to pin. Do you like the pig fabric? And the 3 blind mice?
It actually, doesn't take very long and is quite easy - much easier than doing it on the floor!! I basted 2 of these I Spy quilts and hope to get them quilted soon. I feel so good now that they are ready to go! For smaller quilts, like doll quilts & wall hangings, I tape the backing down and spread the batting and top over it, then pin. Do you have any tips for basting? Maybe some day I will get braver and baste bigger quilts and quilt them myself on my DSM.Thanks for visiting! Come back again.
More excellent blocks! And I love the Pumpkin Eater's wife! Are you going to put any of those fun fabrics in your scrap blocks? I haven't tried to baste a quilt like that- I used to do them by hand with a doll needle until I discovered that you could buy spray glue to put the quilt together... :) Theri
ReplyDeleteReally great tip for basting. Thanks for sharing. I put off basting too. I have a baby quilt that needs to be basted and I just do not want to crawl around on the the floor. I am going to try the boards.
ReplyDeleteI like your swap blocks.
Your swap blocks have a great scrappy look, and your I Spy quilt is wonderful! How long did it take you to collect all those fun fabrics?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the peek into your basting method. I'll have to try it. I think it might let me baste larger quilts on the kitchen table.
-Joanne
Ruth, your swap blocks are great! Those quilts are all going to be wonderful! Can't wait to see them.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that video; I recall seeing it ages ago, may from Alice's APQ blog? I've not had the courage to try it, but may soon, on your recommendation too. I'll have to get some boards. Have you tried it with a large quilt?
Those quilt fabrics are going to thrill a little one. I can just see lots of smiles as little fingers touch all those cute animals! ---"Love"
What lovely blocks and cute quilts. I'm so glad you put this method up, one I have yet to do but I have the planks, just need to organise a table. Basting is definitely what I put off in the whole process.
ReplyDeleteGuess I'd better get my blocks finished! I love all your bright fabrics for the "I Spy" quilts. You've reminded me of Sharon's method and I think it would be handy up thru a lapsize--maybe I'll try it for our swap blocks! Mary
ReplyDeleteI'm a spray baster but I still scramble around on the ground. I try and do quite a few quilts at once and get it out of the way. Looks like your method works for you.
ReplyDeleteWhat adoarable fabric in your quilt!!
I saw that tutorial on Sharon's website, too. Problem is for really large quilts you need really large boards. So, I amended the method. Tossed out the boards and actually double baste my quilts, matching the backing and the batting and then the top. I work on a six foot table. Maybe I will do a tutorial when I get my sewing room back. I know my method works 'cause that is the way I sandwiched the Tessalation quilt.
ReplyDeleteI love the pig fabric and can't wait to see the quilts when you get them done. I have tried this basting method on small quilts and more recently on a very large quilt(queen size). So far I am very happy with the basting method. I have used thread and the tailor's stitch that Sharon demonstrates. It takes some time, but the layers don't move and the back is nice and flat. Since I am hand quilting it in a hoop, I need the layers to stay put! I didn't have long enough tables at home to do the basting, so my local library let me use their meeting room and tables for my basting. Happy Quilting!!
ReplyDeleteI watched Sharon's video quite some time back. I had forgotten about the technique she showed. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteThis is very interesting, I have never heard of basting a quilt this way!I am fortunate enough to have a 10" wide by 8" long table in my basement and that is where I do all my basting, but I have only basted one large quilt on it. I guess I "overbaste", because I spray baste then use a million pins in each quilt. the only problem I find with that method is I always "have" to wash the baby quilts before I give them away, cause I am afraid the odors would be too much for an infant.What is your opinion of washing because of the spray? Just curious. I most certainly will try this method, being on the road, that will make life much easier, cause there generally is a desk in the room and I think I could make that work. Later, Jewell
ReplyDeleteWonderful blocks Ruth! Sharon's method of basting works really well. It's not my favourite part of a project but must be down when you quilt your own quilts. Cheers Ann :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat blocks! I hate hate hate basting!! I'll have to give this a try. :) Christine
ReplyDeleteI don't like basting either. For bigger quilts I use the kitchen table and big bulldog clips. Then I use safety pins.
ReplyDeleteI hate basting too! I have dozens of quilt tops waiting to be quilted - all because I despise the basting process :O) toni xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing that tutorial on basting the quilt..its a wonderful technique and now I have to try it out. Your patriotic wall hanging and baby quilt look like so much fun.
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