Getting it done – one piece at a time…

I tried spray basting for the first time Monday evening and it worked! It was relatively easy. If I had followed each step completely it would have been even easier. But I didn’t and I suffered for it. Anyway I got the back of the secret project done on Sunday and spray basted it Monday right before the sun went down. I’ll be quilting it later this week. I plan on moving my sewing machine around a little to get the table configuration set up for quilting a “throw” size quilt. At least it is not a queen size. I plan on doing simple straight lines and on Saturday I will need to get fabric for the binding. I have nothing in my stash for that. We’ll see how the spray basting works with the quilting. I’ve heard mixed reviews online and from the comments in the Craftsy class “Quilting Big Projects on a Small Machine”. Some have loved it and some have found their needles get all gummy.  I’m curious to see how mine turns out.

Lucky Star BOM
Jan. 2013
Unfinished

Here’s where I’m at with Lucky Star – Jan. 2013 Block. It is still unfinished. I’m about half way done and I’m a little worried that I do not have enough red in my scrap box. At least pieces that are big enough to use. My point doesn’t match again but I’m okay with it.  It really is just all the bulk that builds up.  If you’ve got any tips or tricks on how to get the points to match despite that – I’m all ears. 🙂

Hampton Ridge BOM
Block 2 Completed
October 22, 2013

I’m enjoying Hampton Ridge.  The smaller blocks are more difficult and I’m learning to ignore some of the pressing instructions to reduce the bulk in the back and help keep my points matching.  I’m usually one to follow all the instructions because I assume the pattern designer knows how everything will turn out and that is why they give certain instructions.  However as I quilt more and more and follow patterns I realize that it’s okay to not follow some directions if I know a better way to make the block come together and lay a little more flat.  There are so many ways to do things that the pattern writer may not know all the tricks.  Or they are just making the instructions simple for all levels to follow.  That bit of freedom I allowed myself helped me to match most of my points and reduce some of the bulk. Of course, sometimes I get into trouble like the skipping steps in my spray basting instructions. 🙂 Working with a smaller size causes bulkiness.  Have you experienced the same thing?

1. Raining Cats and Dogs – Block 6 – I’ve got the first 3 pieces appliqued down. There are a ton of little pieces for this block so I’m just concentrating on doing one piece at a time.

2. my hand quilt – Working on quilting Border #3 – This one is like the Eveready Bunny – it just keeps going and going. Well the end is in sight because I’m on the last border. I just got to be like the Eveready Bunny – I need to keep going. lol

3. Easy Street – I’ve put a hold on this. Being on the same step for Easy Street and Secret Project is no fun. I get tired and I don’t enjoy it. So I’ve set that aside until the Secret Project is done. Then I can finish the backing and work on getting it quilted. Since I have to go to the quilt shop on Saturday for fabric for the binding, the long arm certification class is on Saturday. I may get in on that and get it out-of-the-way.

What is on your WIP Wednesday?

~Wish I was quilting…

Melanie

See more WIP Wednesday posts at Freshly Pieced.  Also linking up with Kate  at Life In Pieces for the first time. 🙂