Quilt It Wright - Part IV Faced Binding

Documenting the process of Quilt It Wright
My improv inspiration quilt

Part IV The Binding and searching for a name

Part I HERE Inspiration
Part II HERE Piecing
Part III HERE Quilting

My inspiration Fallingwater and the architect Frank Lloyd Wright

I finished squaring ( you can find tutorials and videos on line on squaring your quilt, try different methods and use what works for you and your quilt).  While I was quilting I decided I would like to try faced binding on this quilt.  Faced binding folds to the back of the quilt, so you don't see the binding, there won't be a frame on the edges, the quilt will just end.
Faced binding is single layer binding, so it more appropriate for a quilt that will hang rather than one that will be used and washed often.

I googled, read tutorials, watched you tube videos, I chose elements from a few different tutorials to make my own hybrid process.
Cut the binding fabric 2 1/4" single layer
Side bindings cut 1 1/2" shorter than the length of quilt
Bottom & Top Binding cut 2" longer than width of quilt

Press 1/4" fold on the side of the binding that will not be attached to the front of the quilt (this will be your stitch edge for the back of the quilt) Don't worry if it doesn't stay pressed over, the fold was made so you have a good seam line to press again later after the binding is attached.

Attach side bindings to front of quilt, RST, 1/4" seam allowance first
Press binding toward outside of quilt and add 1/8" top stitch on the top of the quilt
I cut away approximately 1" square of batting in the corners, leaving the top and bottom fabric in place, to reduce bulk in the corners

Attach the top and bottom binding pieces in the same manner, pressing toward the outside and adding a top stitch.
Next fold over the binding all the way to the back of the quilt and press.
You should have a nice crisp edge

I used Clover Clips to hold the binding in place and keep the edges from wanting to fold back to the front

You can re -press your 1/4" seam on the edge of the binding that is not attached to the quilt at this point so you have a crisp line for hand stitching.
Pin in place to hand sew down along the back of the quilt.  People who know me know I am not a fan of hand sewing (I machine stitch my regular binding on quilts), I have issues with pain in my hands and hand sewing is a contributor.  For faced binding there was no way to get around the hand sewing.  I took my time and did sections with breaks in between.

I had some trouble with the corners, not sure exactly how to get the folded edges to look nice.  Next time I'll spend more time in this area and real through more tips
You can't have enough clips in my opinion

Finished - no binding showing on the front of the quilt and a crisp edge for hanging.
I think this was the perfect finish for this particular quilt.

While I was quilting I worked on the name for this quilt.  I wanted to incorporate something of Frank Lloyd Wright in the name.  Most of the time the quilt name will come to me while quilting, there is a lot of time to think while you are quilting.  I was not having an easy time with the right name for this quilt - it evolved.
Quilt Wright was one
Wright Quilting was another
Neither was the perfect name and I think I was completely finished and had been calling it Quilt Wright in a couple of posts and emails, because I just couldn't come up with anything else.
One day it struck me that the name should be
Quilt It Wright
and that is the one that stuck and was perfect (to me)

Next - full photos of the finished quilt
Part V HERE The Finished Quilt

More of my 'Journey'

As I was quilting Journey, (full shots of finished quilt here ) the quilt did not yet have that name.  Matchstick quilting takes a long long time on a home machine, so I have old shows on the television and I think about the name of the quilt, if it doesn't have one yet, and my mind wanders to other topics; guild work, my job, my family, and this time I kept thinking about where I started in quilting and how different my little quilting world is now.  

For example Binding 

Scared of binding ~ avoid binding, have quilts that aren't even bound ~ binding looks like a 3 year old put it on ~ I can bind a little bit ~ oh, look, machine binding ~ machine binding looks like a 3 year old put it on ~ practice practice practice ~ I machine bind all my quilts now, even the ones I am considering entering in shows or exhibits.

I used the background Chambray for the binding on Journey with just two slices of the yellow Chambray from Andover Fabrics

My machine binding has improved in the last year.  I read other blog posts with tips, and then worked at it until I had a technique that works best for me.  I cut the fabric strips 2 1/4" for machine binding. Sewing the binding to the front of the quilt with just less than a 1/4" seam, making sure to never go over the 1/4".  I press the binding toward the back after it is sewn down, and then stitch right on the edge of the binding on the back of the quilt.  I use thread in the bobbin that matches the front (that is where that thread will show) and I feel for the edge of the binding on the front as I feed it through the machine, trying not to catch it in the new seam.  I end up with a seam line that should be very close to the binding fold on the front.  

Is it perfect?  No.

Do I make it right every time?  No.

Will some judges not like this?  Probably.  

Will other quilters judge me on this?  Maybe.  

Am I happy with this technique?  Yes.  

And that last question's answer is all I need for my quilts.  

Journey

I named this quilt Journey for a few reasons - and after trying for almost a week to photograph it, I almost wanted to call it 'Journey of rain, weeds, poison ivy, too sunny, and unavailable tall quilt holders'

I don't have many progress photos on this one, they were taken late at night, with my phone, and look crappy, so I'm not even going to bother with those.  You just get to see the finished project!

I'm a big fan of the Chambray collection by Andover Fabrics, and the background on this one is printed Chambray by Alison Glass, from the Ex Libris collection.  I found the background color difficult to photograph, the color wanted to blend into any outdoor setting. 

I did a little journeying around to find a couple of spots I thought the quilt would fit into.

Journey measures 84" x 71" - I needed to very tall holders.  Luckily, my son and future son in law are well over 6' (they come in handy and usually are good sports about these shoots).  Although the poison ivy and possibility of snakes in this area had them watching their toes.

I wanted to talk about my journey with quilting, but I am still putting together my thoughts.  I will post again with a narrative of why I wanted to name this quilt, with a few close up photos of the quilting, those didn't happen today.  I was lucky to get these guys after work with enough light and no rain for these photos. 

The printed fabric is Handcrafted by Alison Glass, the first collection.  There will be a new collection of Handcrafted coming out soon.

Quilted with Aurifil #2975 Brass in 28 wt, bobbin thread Aurifil #2600 Dove (my favorite color) in 50 wt.  The quilt top was 88" x 74"  after quilting it is now 84" x 71"  who knows what will happen after washing!

Tokyo Subway Map

Sometimes I make a quilt top with no idea how to quilt it, or what I'm going to do with the quilt.  Sometimes I just make the quilt top because I want to.  

I completed this top a few years ago, couldn't decide how to quilt it, or what to do about borders, so I  put it away.  Here is the post when I actually finished the top. I think there are 1600 2" squares in this top, it's a beautiful colorful pattern.

I came across the top about a month ago in my search for a Kona bundle (that I know I own, and still can't find) and knew immediately some matchstick quilting would be just the thing, and borders schmorders, who needs borders. But first I needed a back and maybe a huge label.

And some help with the basting (teach them young)

So here we are all nice and crinkly from washing, with a huge label so everyone knows her name. 

I quilted with 4 different Aurifil colors in a crosshatch pattern, not really a pattern though, I just quilted as I felt an area needed more.  Actually it's hard to stop matchsticking once you start, I want to do the whole thing, I made myself leave open spaces for this quilt, but I also tried to have every square touched with quilting. 

The Tokyo Subway Map pattern is available in Oh, Fransson (Elizabeth Hartman) website.  

I am pleased that I waited to quilt this until I had the perfect idea for quilting.  I know some people don't like to have incomplete projects, but I have to have the right feelings about a quilt to work on it.  Whether it's piecing or quilting, my interest needs to be piqued.  And now I have a beautiful finished quilt!

Flight Path Pattern

I have been anxiously (excitedly! jumping up and down!) waiting to be able to tell everyone about my first pattern collaboration with Alison Glass Design !  This has been months in the making and it was sooo hard not to post any progress photos anywhere!  

Flight Path

is debuting this week at Quilt Market in Minneapolis - so if you are headed there, please go by Alison's booth #1710 and check out my quilt and pattern!  

You may recall I originally made this quilt in Oakshott Autumn, and I love this version! 

The newer version (and pattern cover) is pieced with all Kona Cottons, and the list of Kona colors I used is conveniently listed on the back of the pattern.  Two very different looks with the exact same pattern!  

Flight Path is written as a skill builder pattern using half square triangles and 3 different size flying geese blocks.  If you've ever wanted to try flying geese blocks, this is great introduction!  If you are already familiar with the  flying geese and half square triangles blocks - why not make a beautiful quilt, mini, runner, or pillow cover.

   

I am excited to see the color combos that everyone will come up with in their own version of Flight Path, or even if you use the same colors I have, I love it when I don't have to think about pulling fabrics, that it is all laid out for me!  Included in the pattern is a handy blank coloring map that you can copy and use to bring together your own color combinations, if you chose, but also to help you track which color goes in what position in the quilt.  

If you would like to purchase the pattern from me - email me (fairlymerry@gmail.com) your PayPal address and there will be no shipping costs (to USA addresses only, for international I will add the actual shipping if you can include your address in the email).  The pattern cost is $12.00. I will invoice you through PayPal and ship you a printed pattern.  If you would prefer a pdf version, those are available on Alison Glass' site.  If you would like a list of the Oakshott colors I used in the first version, please include that in your email and I will be happy to pass on that information.

And because quilts just automatically look better when there is a baby on board

If you decide to make anything using my pattern be sure to tag #flightpathquilt and me, @fairlymerry on Instagram, I would love to see what you make!  If you are not on IG, feel free to email me your photos!  

Sunprint Quilt

I am so happy to finally be able to show the entire quilt I made using Alison Glass Sunprint 2015 Collection.  I used a piece of each fabric in the collection.  The background fabric is Andover Fabrics Chambray in Grey.  

'Fruit Flavors'

The block I used is a paper pieced block called Fractal Block by Patty Solanger and is available for download in her Craftsy shop. 

Progress photos can be found here

The background Chambray Grey is quilted with Aurifil thread - #1133 Bright Orange and #2240 Rusty Orange.  Each color block was quilted with Aurifil 40 wt in a matching color.  

I used Sunprint Ink in Paper color (white with black dots) for the binding, I used a machine binding technique for the binding. 

The quilting is termed 'matchstick quilting'.  The quilting lines are densely sewn - 1/8" or closer.  (Thank you to Leanne of She Can Quilt for introducing me to this style of quilting!)

'Fruit Flavors' finished up at 46" x 65" before washing

It was pretty windy while trying to get these photos done - my thanks to Shelley (@brookquilt1) for helping out

Mary

A side Trip to NYC

I'll have more on my trip in a different post - for this post, I wanted to share something I learned on a short trip to NYC last week.  

I met Erin Wilson.  Was I aware of her before this, no.  But I am now.  

Erin is a textile artist based in Brooklyn. 

She hand dyes her fabric.  

She was open,  sharing, and humble when I met her at The Art Quilt Gallery in New York, where some of her quilts were on displaydisplay.  

She answered all of our questions in detail, explained her process, and was also curious about our methods.  

(all photos of Erin's quilts are posted with her permission)

Erin Wilson: Storyboard #20 30"x 24"

I can not even begin to tell you how inspired I was by Erin's work.

This is how big one of her squares are:

Each one was that small! I was / still am blown away.  These are NOT paper pieced or fused, she free sews all of them.  

Erin Wilson:  Shape Study 15

I don't often see something so new to me that it catches my breath and makes me want to see where my quilting and patchwork can take me, this exhibit did this.  

This was a whole other level of art work made with fabric.  Fabric and colors that I love and work with almost daily.  This exhibit and speaking to Erin truly made me happy to be in the world of quilters.  

Erin Wilson:  Landscape Squares

My thumb for scale.

This is what I took away from seeing her quilts:

The minimalism of her squares

The tiny tiny sashings

The seemingly effortless way the colors came together (I'm sure that was not effortless)

How two people will see a block in two different ways

Erin's willingness to share 

Her binding 

And a head full of motivation and inspiration

Erin's quilts are currently on display at The Art Quilt Gallery in New York

Christmas Hearth Runner

I am so excited to finally share this project with you!

In the new Christmas issue of Fat Quarterly  my contribution 

 the Quilted Hearth Runner to cover your brick hearth during the holidays

I would put decorations on my brick hearth, but I've always wanted a quilted cover for it. 

The finished size of my Hearth Cover is 20 1/2" x 82 1/2"  

this allowed some overhang in the front.  You can adjust the size to fit your own hearth.

This also will work as a bed scarf at the end of your bed!

You can find the pattern directions as well as many other Christmas projects in Issue 19 Christmas 2014 of Fat Quarterly 

I hope you enjoy!

I would love to see any projects you make with my pattern, you can tag me on Instagram (@fairlymerry)

or (and)

 add your project to my Facebook Page (like my page for updates on my projects) 

or (and)

add your project to the Fat Quarterly Flickr Group

Keep Calm and Quilt On!

Mary 

Autumn Oakshott - Flight Path

Flight Path

Welcome to my stop on the blog hop for Oakshott Autumn 

It is as if Oakshott called me up and asked which colors do I want made -

All nice and tidy in one neat bundle!

Before I received the bundle I was processing and drawing out my idea.  The migration of colors in the bundle reminded me of geese migrating when the weather cools and Autumn colors appear.  

I wanted to reflect the color changes of reds, oranges, yellow and blues with different Autumn colored backgrounds in my quilt.

I had 4 different background colors I chose to work with, one for each color grouping of geese

Outback Rust

Adobe

Imperial

Nutmeg 

Oakshott cottons are almost luminescent.  I have used them in small projects, but this was my first quilt with all Oakshott cottons. 

There are 3 different sizes of Flying Geese blocks in each color section.  I used the Bloc Loc rulers for making my Flying Geese

Which gave me many of the half square triangles needed for each sashing section

I chose 4 different Aurifil threads (28 wt) to coordinate with the background Oakshott colors.  

While piecing I thought about the style of quilting I would use - and I settled on matchstick quilting.  Essentially straight lines very tightly spaced, about 1/8" apart, and the lines aren't really straight - straight, more organically straight.  Not following a ruler.

I had made two minis and a tote using this type of quilting, but this is the first full quilt

It is time and thread consuming.

22 hours of actual quilting and 23 full bobbins (not including the binding, which has yet to be added)

So, so worth it

The name 'Flight Path' comes from a poem On The Flight Path about migrating geese.

These photos were taken before binding and washing, quilting took so long I was going to run out of daylight - so another day for that.  

I will also have a tutorial for this pattern, there are a lot of photos and measurements for that and I am attempting to put those in PDF format so you can download.  I didn't want to post 30 photos in one post, so if you would like to see a pattern please come back in a few days.  

Thank you to Lynne of Lily's Quilts for asking me to participate in the blog hop, and a BIG thank you to Oakshott for providing all the quilt top fabrics.  I had a fantastic time designing and making this quilt.

Please visit some of the other quilters on their stop to see more fabulous quilts made from the same Autumn bundle

21 October     Sonia Spence               fabricandflowersuk.blogspot.co.uk
22 October     Rossie Hutchinson        r0ssie.blogspot.com
24 October     Mary Menzer                 fairlymerry.blogspot.com
28 October     Alison Dutton                allison-sews.blogspot.com
29 October     Nicholas Ball                 quiltsfromtheattic.wordpress.com
30 October     Kati Spencer                 fromthebluechair.com

31 October     Wynn Tan                      zakkaArt.typepad.com