Slow Stitching

Recently, there have been red and white (R&W) quilts featured in blog land. Coincidentally, there has been a R&W top lounging around in the closet just waiting to be finished. A few good excuses have delayed its completion.

First, I couldn't decide on a border. My preference is to add a border to my quilts as IMHO it frames the quilt.  There were a couple ideas in mind which are not worthy of elaborating. Finally, it occurred to me that the R&W did not need a border as it is more of a contemporary-style quilt.  All it needs is a nice binding which is To Be Determined ;-) after being quilted. Today's slow stitching project will be hand basting.

In preparation, I realized that I have not yet trimmed the loose threads. Uh....there are many errant reds from all the border style auditions and lounging around ;-)   Fortunately, February's weather is cooperating and we have had a couple nice sunny days.

Perfect when the winter sun shines on the kitchen table for easy-to-spot loose threads.  Heaven forbid a naughty red thread should show through the white squares.

Lucky me, I have an extra pair of eyes ;-)

If Mittens is too helpful, I may have to switch over to London stitching which I started last week. It's a pleasure to do detailed work when the best light is natural and provided by God. Less eye strain!

Thanks for stopping by as I very much enjoy Slow Sunday Stitching with Kathy and you all!

Jill

Vintage Quilt Repaired

My previous post featured a grandmothers flower garden quilt that was in need of repairs. Happy to report that mission has been accomplished. How does one repair a quilt one may ask?  My method was to take it one step at a time. Before repair:

First I made two hexies in a yellow fabric that was the closest match I could find.

Then I added a patch to backing (with a bit of batting)

Next I quilted the two hexies

Narrow bias binding was hand basted and whip stitched.

Final result. Can you spot repaired hexies?

 Here they are!

Backside

After that challenge, a new one was discovered.😱 Another hole and not along the edge.  😩

The same method of repair was used. Add batting, applique a replacement hexie, applique a patch on back and requilt hexie.

Back patch

Repaired edge.

Draped over a queen size bed.

Quilt repairs were not a solo project. I had an assistant.

Since quilt restoration is behind me, I am looking forward to more pleasurable hand stitching while joining others at Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching party.  I'll start another needlepoint ornament round.  This time London is calling 😉.

If you made it this far, thank you for visiting!

Jill

Quilt Repair Time

A couple of years ago, a pretty vintage quilt, Grandmother's Flower Garden, was purchased at a reasonable price. 

The reason it was inexpensive was because it needs repairs along one edge.  It looks like something tugged or pulled at one edge. Maybe a critter had a snack 😱. 

Other than that, the quilt is just about perfect. Hexies neatly hand pieced and quilted with no other issues. Mending is not my favorite hand stitching. You've probably all heard the saying, "Asking a quilter to mend is like asking Picasso to paint a garage." That's me!

Today, I'm going to get started on the repair work while linking with Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching. Hopefully, it won't be too painful since overall it is a pretty project to be mending. All the while, I shall be watching and enjoying the Pebble Beach Golf Tournament that has spectacular scenery.

The green grass alongside the Pacific Coast is a site for these weary winter eyes. Sorry, I digress. First, I'll add cotton batting and/or wadding. I found yellow cotton that blends nicely. I will make a few new pieces and applique over the damaged ones. I'm nervous about removing the old pieces as they are hand pieced and hand quilted. I rather no disrupt the maker's work. It is a cheerful project to be working on.  

Thanks for stopping by!

Jill