DESIGNING THE LAYOUT
In my previous quilting blog I wrote about where and how I find the inspiration for the design of my quilts.
This blog is how I plan the designs, layout, size and what materials I used to make them. I also show my machines that I have made quilts on.
The final blog #3 will show all my completed quilts and quilted items – from quilts to cushions.
The quilt always starts with whatever fabrics I have lying around left over from previous projects. Where possible I never buy anything new to cut up and use. This includes the wadding and backing. For example with my white quilt I collected lots of white fabric, different textures, different weights and added them into a bag until the pieces added up to enough to make a small quilt. Once I have enough scraps, I start planning. I don’t follow any design or pattern I just place them all on the floor or table and spend time arranging, rearranging until it both looks and feels right.
I then take a few photos for reference and set aside each ‘row’ and start to sew.
SEWING THE QUILTS
I only use natural fabrics. They are so much easier to cut, sew and press and will last much longer than synthetic. Apart from one exception with the quilted cushion for the van. The wadding is normally a woollen blanket from the charity shop washed and dried (in the sun if possible) The air-tex blankets are fantastic as they give a lovely drape as well as warmth to the quilt.
I don’t quilt the back layer. I prefer my final backing to be free of stitching. Linen makes a beautiful backing as again there is more drape in the fabric than cotton. My linen came from ‘Copeland Linens’ off the Shankill Road, Belfast before it closed.
I don’t use a quilting foot or a guide. Or a dedicated quilting machine. I use vintage machines only for my quilting. I mainly use my Singer 201k – it has the space in the arm. It is precise and I can see the seams to stitch into. I have also used my Viking Husqvarna and my Singer Featherweight 221 when I’m on the road.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
I quilt to for many reasons: to use up scrap fabrics into something practical or needed. I also quilt to take my mind off things. Quilting is very different from garment making. I can loose hours just sewing straight lines and patching the fabric back together again. It is not mindless making. It is mindful sewing. It is very relaxing. When garment making, my sewing brain works in a completely different way. If I’m not fully engaged and tuned in a sleeve could be inserted back to front. There is a time for quilting, and a time for making clothes.
The images included in this blog are the preparation for the completed quilts which I will share in the final blog post on quilting part #3
You too can quilt! It is suitable for all levels of sewers and a beautiful project for a beginner as you only need to know how to sew in a straight line!
Fancy finding out how? My Restyle Mend and Repair course ethos perfectly fits for learning to mindfully quilt.
Visit Our Online Sewing Shop
Christine Boyle
Creative Director
