Done & Learned - Quilt As You Go - (I) A bit of theory

Today I introduce a new section on the blog:

where I intend to gather some of my  impressions after using one or another quilting method or technique. 

As you can see from the post title, this first issue is about QAYG because I promised to share with you what I have learned using this technique at the Spiral Quilt.

This is the first post out of two dealing with the subject: a bit of theory based on practice.

 A short definition:

 QAYG (Quilt As You Go)  is a technique used to make up a quilt by sewing together a few small quilt units or by quilting along with the piecing process.

Why to use QAYG?

In my case: because I have problems keeping together the three layers of the quilt while I am machine quilting it. I use a home sewing machine (Brother Innovis 50) both for piecing and quilting and it is very difficult to manoeuvre a big quilt under its arm. 

 

So I started reading more about QAYG, thinking that maybe I will find some solutions by changing my piecing-quilting methods.

As a few years ago I did an exercise making a quilt using one method of this technique, I knew something about it and I needed an update only.

But after reading and watching a lot of tutorials, the things began to mix up in my head and I had to organize the information.

So in my opinion there are at least three main categories of QAYG methods:

1. Strips joining (sashed)

 source

Described here, here, here, here, here and also here.

2. Direct joining (un-sashed)

source

Described here, here, here, here, here, here and also here.

 

3. Batting piecing 

source

Described here, here, here, here, here, here and also here.

I didn’t want to theorize the things excessively by giving my own description too to each category.

My point of view is based on the Internet tutorials shared by their authors for free. It’s not an exhaustive study.

I illustrated each category selecting the quilters whom quality of explanation or/and creative manner of using that method are appreciated.

I hope you will find this post useful, not boring!  

In the next one I will briefly share my own experience applying QAYG technique.

 

Have a beautiful day! 

I am linking to Finished up Friday.

 

Spiral Quilt at last!

It's the first day of August and I am happy that I begin the last month of summer with this quilt finished.

I've been in stadium to take the photos. I could not find a better place for this. Only that I did not have anyone available to help me and I did not manage to get better pictures.

It is already at its home, on the bed of a special 15 years old boy, that kind of child each of us dreams to have: handsome, clever, ambitious, hard working, cheerful, affectionate, having the right doze of common sense... Told you! The dream child! :)
This summer he passed the exams for admission  to one of the best high schools in the city making his family so happy and proud of him.
So, it was hard for me to find something good enough for him, even nobody thought in these terms. That's why it took me long time to design the top of this quilt. His mother only wish was to have the Runners fabric from Timeless Treasure I showed her a few month ago on the Fort Worth Fabric Studio site.
The rest was my choice.

 After a long period of confusion, suddenly the light bulb has been lit: I decided to use the spiral motif having two of its significances: in the patchwork layout symbolizing the pathway of life and in the quilting design on the border - the ram horns, for strength, ambition, desire to overcome obstacles.

The colours of the solids I used symbolize his favorite sports, the unknowns waiting for him in life, or some others personal aspects.
 

Most fabrics are Kona Cottons from Robert Kaufman and two solids are from Michel Miller.
I used cotton batting and the wonderful white Kona Cotton for the backing.  I know! You will say it is a little to much for the backing, but my heart didn't let me to choose a poor quality fabric. Not even for the backing.

And one more thing: I worked it using two QAYG techniques. What I have learned doing this deserve a separate post.

Have a beautiful August, my friends!

I am linking to finish it up Friday.
                      Can I Get A Whoop Woop?

Spiral Quilt - at one step away

This morning.
Washed.
Waiting for it to dry.
Hopping that today I will sew it a nice, discreet binding.

And hopping that I will reveal the finished quilt soon.

Have a beautiful day!

Spiral Quilt - WIP

A peek inside my sewing room only to show you what I'm doing.

Using all of these.

Have a beautiful and happy day!

Nature reinterpreted in a wonderful way - Wednesday Inspiration

You can found inspiration everywhere, but these people  almost blocked me in an endless admiration.
I can only look in silence at their wonderful creations and let the ideas mixing in peace. It seems to me that words are too poor to describe the emotions aroused by them.

From here:

...and from here :

 

 

Have a beautiful and creative day!

Spiral Quilt - the first test

I started to design the layout of a new quilt.
Now I'm  testing one of the drawings. There will not be these colors and fabrics, but they will be somewhere close.

It's only a fragment. I stopped the cutting and sewing only to take these pictures. I keep working on it.

I have some problems to solve for assembling it. I don't know yet if I thought well all the steps. That's why I started this test at the 1:1 scale.

Back to it, then!

Have a beautiful week!