Saturday, August 13, 2011

Off to the Quilter

Just a quick post...I finished the Stargazer quilt
on Thursday...I'm really pleased with it...I loved the pattern...what a joy it was to work with...everything went together perfectly...the directions were outstanding...thank you Kelly for all of your attention to detail.  Wonderful pattern, wonderful design.  So it's off to the quilter for her to work her magic, then I'll get the binding on and deliver it to Hospice of the Comforter for the silent auction. 

I also wanted to share a little trick that I use quite often...sometimes those seams just need to be pressed  the way they want to go...for example, the flying geese blocks...you sew 4 geese together and then add the sashing pieces on either side...
...I loved doing it that way rather than a big long sashing strip...it was really easy to work with, but when you press, the seams really want to be pressed toward the sashing.  That's fine, but when you sew the blocks together they don't nest nicely, because they're all going the same way.  No problem...
...I just clip them and press every other one the opposite way.  I've never seen this in the quilting books...I have seen the clipping tricks for where a bunch of seams come together...lots of the pros recommend doing this so my little trick can't be to far off base.  Sure makes those seams go together perfectly...hmmm, maybe I should hide from the quilt police...LOL!  My philosophy is...do whatever works for you and have FUN!

25 comments:

JudyCinNC said...

The Stargazer quilt turned out wonderful. What a nice donation quilt - will it be raffled? Judy C in NC

Janet O. said...

A very generous donation quilt. Thanks for sharing the tip--I have so many flying geese units in one of my WIP quilts.I haven't started into them yet. I will definitely keep this in mind.

Shakerwood said...

It turned out wonderfully! I'm guessing your summer of non-commenting is over. Did you enjoy it? Will you do it again?

*karendianne. said...

I saw this and immediately stopped saying out loud "whoa, that's cool!" You know me… So here I am smiling. Thanks for sharing the trick. Reinforcing quality piecing. Hey, "Brown Quilts, reinforcing quality piecing." - oh fun silly *karendianne.

Joanna said...

It makes sense to me. It's much easier to work in smaller segments. I'm not afraid of the quilt police - I don't think ;-)

Darlene said...

Oh, it's drop dead gorgeous! It's going to bring in lots of money when it's raffled.

StitchinByTheLake said...

Stargazer is just beautiful! And thanks for the tip - I can see why that would work well. blessings, marlene

Marilyn Robertson said...

Stargazer is a beauty! I guess the quilt police will be visiting me next as I have done the same thing my the seam allowances on my quilts before! :) If it works, do it! That is my motto anyway!

Thimbleanna said...

That's super cute Carol -- Congratulations on a great finish!

Diane said...

I clip seams and press that way for flying geese too. I'll do it for any part of the construction of a top to better distribute the "lump" where seams come together. The blocks lay better and there's not a big hump for the needle on my longarm to hit and knock me off my pattern.
The quilt is just lovely. I really like flying geese in a quilt.
hey I just realized I could leave you a comment, does that mean summer's over. boo-hoo.

Carrie said...

It's beautiful! I love it... and I am sure that whoever eventually receives it will too.

Greenmare said...

it is really lovely!!!!

Melanie said...

Comments are back!!!! Flying geese seem to have edges going in sOOO many directions. Clipping makes me nervous(I'm a wild woman with Scissors) but it does flatten things our. Great quilt.Thanks for sharing.

Vicky said...

I clip that way sometimes, too. Guess we can share a cell in the Quilt Police Jail! Beautiful quilt. Awesome!

Michelle said...

BEAUTIFUL! & Thank you for the tip!

Anonymous said...

Absolutely beautiful! I loved seeing Kelly's in person and yours equally lovely.

Josie McRazie said...

One of my other Bloggy Ladies said the exact same thing about clipping and faking it! Hey if it works I am game to try!! Thanks for the tips!!

Michele said...

Your Stargazers quilt looks lovely :-) Great work! How wonderful of you to donate it :-) Thanks for the seam clipping tip. I have been afraid to clip seams in this way,, but if it is working so well for you, maybe I'll give it a try next time.

Nicky said...

Thanks for the tip - gorgeous quilt and great donation! Well done!

Barb said...

love the combination of the stars and flying geese.
Looking forward to seeing how it is quilted.

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

I used to clip like that until I was 'scolded'~ must've been a quilt policewoman in disguise! lol She said it weakened the seams too much and would cause my quilt to come apart over time. Not sure about that, but have been a very dedicated presser ever since. ;-) Have a happy week!

Sherri said...

Great tip...thank you! And I love your Stargazer quilt!

Linda said...

Woo-hoo I can leave a comment!!! I love your star gazer quilt!!! Gorgeous fabric and all those flying geese...what's not to love??!!! Great tip!

Dandelion Quilts said...

Beautiful quilt. LOVELY colors. Just great job.

Angela said...

Beautiful quilt! I love the way the flying geese make your eyes move over the quilt!