Last year our local longarm group decided on a challenge. We were to all use the same pattern to make a wall hanging size quilt. Any color could be added to a neutral fabric. Our group bought three types of batting, bamboo, silk and wool. We each got to pick which we would like to work with. I choose bamboo. The idea was to see how it quilted up. We used a tutorial from Missouri Star to piece this, but for the life of me I cannot recall the name of it.
We could quilt it however we wanted. For the large neutral corner squares I used a template for the center star and then used a ruler to stitch 1/2" away from that for the next round and then another 1/2" away from that for the third round.
The four patch units called for two rows of continuous curve stitching with a template. The blue star points were three straight lines made with a ruler and echoing the triangles. The red has two curved lines to coordinate with the four patches.
Linking up with Joy's Table Scraps June challenge to make something with blue scraps and a watermelon theme. It's obvious I used blue scraps, but how to fit in the watermelon theme... You could use this on your picnic table for the 4th of July while eating watermelon!!
Happy 4th of July! What will you be doing on the 4th? Do you enjoy going to see the fireworks display in your area? We love the fireworks and plan to go.
I love your interpretation of the pattern! Your quilting is spectacular. Did your group meet up to show off your quilts? I like that cute little cross stitch in the background.
ReplyDeleteYes we meet every other month and they did show their finished quilts. I wasn't able to attend that month. So I showed mine in May.
DeleteI have never used the bamboo batting - do you know if it shrinks up when washed?
ReplyDeleteI don't know if it shrinks a lot or not, we were not given any info on it. And I didn't wash the wall hanging.
DeleteThat's a pretty star design, Vicki! I love it in the r, w, and b. Did you like the bamboo batting? I haven't tried that yet.
ReplyDeleteIt quilted up nicely.
DeletePretty quilt. Since you choose the bamboo batting, how did you like quilting with it? Have you ever used silk or wool batting before? I have used wool and like it, but never used the silk or bamboo before. I know a quilter who says bamboo is too drapey and hard to deal with, but I don't think she had a longarm to quilt it. I don't have a longarm either, so I might not like the bamboo if what she said is true and silk is probably the same, but more expensive.
ReplyDeleteMy longarm liked it! I have used wool for bed quilts and liked it. Pretty sure I used silk when I was with Island Batik but don't remember anything abut it, so I guess it worked up fine!
DeleteYou have done a wonderful job on the quilting. I envy your skill. Will your group be sharing the various toppers made? I would be interested to see how the different, battings look next to each other. I’ll be playing in my studio. Hubby's barbershop group has a gig at a community July 4th celebration. I’ll be happily puttering away in the studio.
ReplyDeleteYes the group showed their challenge piece, but I wasn't at that meeting.
DeleteThat is really sharp, and I like how you quilted it. Wish we actually had plans for July 4th. Maybe golf but rain is predicted, so maybe not. I do want to go somewhere to watch some fireworks this year. We used to be able to see the display set off out by the lake north of us, but the trees are all too tall now so we can't just sit on the front step to watch.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sara. Looks like rain in our forecast so guessing we won't be having fireworks:(
DeleteEver one to stretch the connection to the prompt for the TABLE SCRAPS Challenge, aren't you? LOL!! Your explanation works, Vicki. Thanks for joining the Link Party!
ReplyDeleteYep I have stretched the prompt a lot haven't I!
DeleteSuper cute quilt, Vicki. I love your little patriotic bee skep as well. We are doing the customary cook out and can see the fireworks from our upper deck. So, we will be staying home...which I consider a good thing :) Happy 4th, my friend.
ReplyDeleteWatching fireworks from your deck sounds amazing!
DeleteAb fab table topper Vicki, your quilting is superb!
ReplyDeleteJane in Australia
Thanks so much Jane!
DeleteWhat a clever challenge, and a great way to see how different battings look in quilts. I need to pull out my July quilts!
ReplyDeleteBy now I am sure you have your July quilts out on display!
DeleteWhat pressure!!! But you lived up to the challenge and quilted your table runner beautifully, Vicki!! Enjoy your watermelon!!!
ReplyDeleteI always think I will like doing the challenge and then when it comes down to it I don't like 'having' to do things on a schedule!
DeleteHum. I thought I had commented on this post on Monday but maybe not. I love that design and your wonderful quilting. It really is nice. Did people evaluate how the different battings felt? I would think that would be a great way to figure out about various battings.
ReplyDeleteYes you did comment Bonnie;)
DeleteWhat a fun project. I love the quilting you choose and the way you made it work into the theme...totally works! What did you think of the bamboo?
ReplyDeleteThe bamboo has a lot of drape but still made it ok for this size wall hanging.
DeleteLovely mini! I love how your quilted it, and the bamboo batting looks great and soft. Well done with the challenge!
ReplyDeleteThank you bunches!
DeleteI love this, Vicki and you did an awesome job with the quilting. How did you like using the bamboo on the longarm? I've used it in an embroidery machine quilted quilt and love it there but have never tried it on the longarm.
ReplyDeleteThank you Brenda. My longarm did well with the bamboo.
ReplyDelete