And sometimes a quilt seems to be part of the equation.
So that's what I've done.
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| Not sure which way up the triangles look best |
I just took a layer cake I had been given and then added in some more of my own fabrics to get a more eclectic look going.
Half square triangles came to mind. A couple of things worth noting if you use either of the two quick ways for creating HSTs.
If you use this method
you will end up with two HSTs that look like this:
And if you use the method where you put two squares together (right sides facing) and sew a 1/4" all round the square before cutting it across the diagonal, corner to corner twice (sorry, can't find a video) you'll end up with HSTs that look like this with the fabric patterns on the diagonal.
Worth noting as on the diagonal might not be your cup of tea.
I quilted it with a variagated red thread. Yet again, my machine doesn't seem to be enamoured with variegated threads (I'd love to know why) and although it did the job, the whole time I was quilting the machine sounded sluggish and loud. I adjusted the tension, changed the needle, rethreaded - nothing seemed to improve the situation.
But in the great scheme of things it's not really that important.
Because quilts to me are not about prize-winning perfection.
They are all about turning a house into a home.
Very pretty quilt.
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering what variegated thread you used (brand, type)?
Love the picture of the girls with the quilt especially.
Lovely, love HST quilts and the colours are great.
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful quilt, worthy of a special home indeed! I'm curios what brand or sort of variegated thread you are using too? What I have found is that particularly with the cotton thread with a darker colour the thread picks up more of the dyes at the darker areas than the lighter areas, and so your thread will actually feel thicker. Get some and run it between your thumb and forefinger, close your eyes whilst you pull the thread through and tell me what you feel. The machine can struggle with the tension with this variation because it's not a constant. :). I'm sure it's nothing you did. Cos you did GOOOOOD,
ReplyDeleteMy machine is the same with Sulky variegated thread, it gets all clunky and exactly as you describe. I have given up now and just use a neutral cotton instead, but glad it's not just me. Gorgeous quilt and good tip about the direction of the fabric!
ReplyDeleteOhh, what a nice way to make a potentially difficult situation softer and more bearable. Thanks for the HSTA tip - who knew! Not me! Glad to know now, though. And I love how you added in the smaller ones here and there!
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful gift for your friends... they are very lucky xx
ReplyDeleteso pretty, love the red!
ReplyDeleteLovely quilt as usual. Isn't it annoying when the machine has an opinion of its own!! which way did u do your HST's?
ReplyDeleteI like this quilt a lot.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quilt!
ReplyDeleteGreat quilt and thanks for the tip. HST still bring me out in hives, I loathe making them but they look so pretty!
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLovely quilt. If it is you moving, I hope all goes well. If it is friends, than what a fabulous gift!
ReplyDeleteIt's a lovely quilt! My friend had a similar problem with some YLI variegated thread and it turned out to be the problem Trudi has described - one reel was fine the second reel (the same colours and bought at the same time) was a nightmare to use...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I'm a pushover for two color quilts :)
ReplyDeleteI love the quilt and I agree that a quilt will help to make a new place into a home. I use variegated threads a lot and have not noticed a difference. I use the topstitch 90/14 needles. There is a video at the Superior Threads website about why the topstitch needles work better than other 90/14 needles, they are cut differently to allow the thread to move. That is my only suggestion as I am sure you have done all the other ones already.
ReplyDeleteI am assuming that you put this together rather quickly but it doesn't have that slap dash feel at all - just beautiful. Think I will have to try incorporating the random block here and there. I think what you have given your friends is a wonderful start for their new home. Take care, Byrd.
ReplyDeleteLovely quilt, great colours. I also love the mix of modern and more classic(al?) fabrics next to each other.
ReplyDeleteGreat quilt and just the sort of house warming present you want.
ReplyDeleteI think it's lovely - and you're right, for most of us it's for a quilt to be used not prized!
ReplyDelete