Quilt Camp at my MIL’s
While Thomas was in the US last week, I went to Sweden where my mother-in-law taught me the proper way to quilt. The best thing I learned while there is that she started quilting when her daughter was born – 28 years ago. My MIL is an amazing quilter, and knowing that she started somewhere around my age is a huge encouragement.
I took several projects for her to help me with. First she went through my sewing machine manual (since I couldn’t bring my whole machine with me) and explained the differences between my sewing feet, how the integrated dual foot system works, and some of the key features she really likes to use on her own machine.
The next day, I pulled out the Repunzel baby quilt top that I finished in January, and she taught me how to properly baste, quilt, and bind it. I’ve made baby quilts before, but more in a hacked together kind of way. I used a vintage sheet for the back and a diamond pattern for the quilting. I am so excited with how it turned out – it’s now my favorite quilt I’ve ever made.
I also brought the Timeless Treasures Central Park quilt kit with me – I have been intimidated by the bed size and curves. In the end, the curves were no problem, and I decided for it to be smaller so it can hang on the wall. I’ve now got the quilt top completed and just have to decide how I want to quilt it – any suggestions?
Another project I brought along was a duffle bag out of fabric I picked up on our honeymoon in Ecuador. I had messed up in several places and never finished it. My MIL helped me fix it up, and it should be a lot easier to finish now. Sorry, I don’t have a photo of this one yet.
She also taught me how to do some freehand quilting (very hard) and how to do some fancier stitches. I used the zigzag stitch to make Sarah’s bubbles for this month’s quilting bee blocks.
For a few months now, I’ve been in a sewing rut, but after this weekend, I’m much more excited to pull out my machine and try some of these things on my own. By the way, if you live in my area, there’s a quilt conference coming up in September in France…anyone want to go?
You can see all the photos from “Quilt Camp” on Flickr:
- Quilt Camp at My MIL’s Home (10 photos)
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The photo of you smiling behind the sewing machine is totally adorable :)
Thomas´s last blog post..Ireland: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
Hm…how to quilt the central park quilt…I don’t know ANYTHING about quilting but I would think you would want to do something that doesn’t interfere with the curves of the pieces. Is there a technique that you could do that would enhance and make the shapes of the pieces stand out more? (If that makes any sense at all!) What about trying to quilt in the same curvy manner?
I love the Rapunzel one, both sides! It looks fantasitc!
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Wonderful. Lots of great memories for sure. You are such a talent …. how lucky is Thomas?
Is it possible to quilt it by stitching just inside the seams of each piece? That would highlight the shapes and would be more like the old-fashioned hand quilted quilts.
Love this..I love quilting bees no matter how small! those quilts look great, the central park is really fun…can’t wait to see how you quilt it.
OMG, Rapunzel worked out so well… and I adore that cherry blossom birdy vintage sheet, to die for!
As for quilting Central Park, I’d go with 1/4 inch next to the wiggly bits to highlight the curves (or inside and outside of the curves if it’s wide enough).
Can’t wait to pick your brain for info you learnt from your MIL.
Sarah´s last blog post..Baby’s got Back
Those are the most gorgeous quilts I’ve ever seen.
Sabrina´s last blog post..The Joys of Home Ownership
Your quilt camp looks like it was a lot of fun and extremely productive. That’s so cool that you can learn so much from your talented MIL.
Your quilts are gorgeous!
Rebekah´s last blog post..Triangles in a Square Quilt
Dallas, this so great. I learn best with someone beside me, so I really apreciate how you must feel. Your pieces look wonderful. Maybe concentric or overlapping circles would look good on the green quilt. I have only machine quilted once, but no matter the method I am always stumped by what pattern to quilt in. You look so enthused and amused at your machine… pretty and happy!
Hi Dallas…I love your Central Park quilt…I made one too and haven’t figured out how to quilt it yet. I was thinking about quilting around the Lamp shaped middle, from top to bottom, but not sure if that would look good. I will have to check back to see what you do.
I made mine in batiks and some at the shop named it the lava lamp quilt…lol
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Looks like you have a great teacher right at your fingertips. :) How great to get to spend some time with your MIL and for her to be able to pass on some of her knowledge. :) The quilt turned out great! I think I would just use a meandering curvy stitch around and over the green top. Can’t wait to see the duffel!
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Amazing. I have no motor skills to speak of, so I am always impressed by the magic some people can create with their hands.
Also, we went to Ecuador for our honeymoon too :)
I would love to learn how to quilt, it looks like you have a special talent. x Happy Quilting! x
Sabrina´s last blog ..Learn how to sew, its kids stuff