Sponsors
Sponsors
Moderated by Sharon1952
Posted on: 5/20/08 12:12 PM ET
Hi all, I am new here. I wonder if anyone can give me some advice???
My grandma (may she rest in peace) made me a quilt years ago when I got married (30 years). I was young stupid and didn't realize the value and fragility of a handmade quilt. I washed it one time and the batting bunched up. I was horrified that I had ruined Grandma's quilt. I was too embarrassed to ask her at the time to fix it so I packed it away in my closet. I now have lots of time on my hands and would like to repair it.
This is what I have done so far: I separated the layers stich by stitch and removed the ruined batting. I bought new cotton batting and pinned everything together. She handquilted this together and I am going to try to hand quilt it back exactly as she had it. I have never made a quilt before...I have been researching on line and reading up and watching shows. I am a fairly good seamstress, I sew clothes, crafts, crochet, needlepoint, etc. I plan to use a quilt hoop and have bought handquilting thread and have watched different quilting techniques. I am determined to right the wrong!
Am I heading in the right direction? Have I taken on too much?
I appreciate any insight and advice you have for me.
BTW I have 2 other quilts that my Grandma mad but I treated them a lot better....
Thank you,
Patty
My grandma (may she rest in peace) made me a quilt years ago when I got married (30 years). I was young stupid and didn't realize the value and fragility of a handmade quilt. I washed it one time and the batting bunched up. I was horrified that I had ruined Grandma's quilt. I was too embarrassed to ask her at the time to fix it so I packed it away in my closet. I now have lots of time on my hands and would like to repair it.
This is what I have done so far: I separated the layers stich by stitch and removed the ruined batting. I bought new cotton batting and pinned everything together. She handquilted this together and I am going to try to hand quilt it back exactly as she had it. I have never made a quilt before...I have been researching on line and reading up and watching shows. I am a fairly good seamstress, I sew clothes, crafts, crochet, needlepoint, etc. I plan to use a quilt hoop and have bought handquilting thread and have watched different quilting techniques. I am determined to right the wrong!
Am I heading in the right direction? Have I taken on too much?
I appreciate any insight and advice you have for me.
BTW I have 2 other quilts that my Grandma mad but I treated them a lot better....
Thank you,
Patty
Posted on: 5/20/08 12:39 PM ET
In reply to Pattyw
Sounds like you are on the right track. If you have never hand quilted, you might make a small sample to practice on.
You can always use the other quilts as examples if the one you are working on has no stitch memory (needle marks/holes).
Best wishes and many happy memories as you work with the quilt.
------
You can always use the other quilts as examples if the one you are working on has no stitch memory (needle marks/holes).
Best wishes and many happy memories as you work with the quilt.
------
OLD CHINESE PROVERB: I HEAR & I FORGET; I SEE & I REMEMBER; I DO & I UNDERSTAND.
Posted on: 5/20/08 6:56 PM ET
In reply to PattiAnnJ
Thanks PattiAnn...(great name!)
One more question...would you use a hoop or is there something else that would work better?
My Grandma had a frame that my Grandaddy made for her that attached to the ceiling.
I am looking forward to getting started. I love sewing with my hands and am bored with needlepoint right now.
Thanks for your advice!
One more question...would you use a hoop or is there something else that would work better?
My Grandma had a frame that my Grandaddy made for her that attached to the ceiling.
I am looking forward to getting started. I love sewing with my hands and am bored with needlepoint right now.
Thanks for your advice!
Posted on: 5/21/08 10:12 AM ET
I haven't done any hand quilting, but as far as I know a quilt hoop will work just fine - and is a lot more convenient than a big frame.
One thing you should look at is the batting. Old cotton batting like your grandmother used had to be quilted very closely - about every inch - or it would bunch up when you washed it (as you discovered). There's nothing wrong with washing a quilt; grandmother just didn't quilt it closely enough.
With the batting you bought, you may or may not need to quilt it as close as before (or closer). The batting should say on the package, so make sure you check that before you start.
One thing you should look at is the batting. Old cotton batting like your grandmother used had to be quilted very closely - about every inch - or it would bunch up when you washed it (as you discovered). There's nothing wrong with washing a quilt; grandmother just didn't quilt it closely enough.
With the batting you bought, you may or may not need to quilt it as close as before (or closer). The batting should say on the package, so make sure you check that before you start.
Posted on: 5/21/08 10:31 AM ET
In reply to Pattyw
Good advice from everyone-I would definitely practice on a sample since the first bit of quilting (especially mine!) can result in some pretty big stitches. Do you have a quilting group nearby? Someone would be more than happy to get you started.
You have definitely not taken on too much-this will be a ral labor of love.
------
You have definitely not taken on too much-this will be a ral labor of love.
------
Singer Featherweight, Bernina 1630, Bernina L890, Bernina 770QE, Bernina Q20
Posted on: 5/21/08 3:47 PM ET
In reply to Pattyw
I think this sounds like a lot of fun - but I have a weird definition of fun, LOL. Definitely do a sample first and get used to quilting. A hoop will help you support the quilt, but don't pull the quilt too tight - you'll need some flexibility in order to stitch through the 3 layers.
You should also check the batting wrapper and see how closely they recommend you quilt. That will keep the batting from bunching up when you wash it again.
Hand quilting is easy to do, and I find it relaxing. I hope you do, too.
Janet
You should also check the batting wrapper and see how closely they recommend you quilt. That will keep the batting from bunching up when you wash it again.
Hand quilting is easy to do, and I find it relaxing. I hope you do, too.
Janet
Re: Grandmas Quilt (posted on 6/11/08 12:49 PM ET)
In this section of the boards, there is a free site that shows you how to do almost every step of quilting by a video. It would be like getting free lessons. Check it out, it is a very nice link to the video sites.
------
------
RedGarnet222
Posted on: 6/11/08 1:23 PM ET
In reply to Pattyw
Patty, the suggestion I would make is that you might prefer to have the layers thread basted together rather than pinned for hand quilting. It's quite frustrating to constantly be catching the thead on a pin while hand quilting. Too, thread basting allows you to make sure all 3 layers are smooth and flat before beginning the hand quilting. Use a large running stitch (2 to 3 inch stitches are fine) to baste a cross grid on the quilt.
A hand held quilting hoop will work just fine, no large frame is required. When you begin the hand quilting, don't cut your thread too long. Approximately 18'' to 20'' on the needle at a time is plenty and will keep it from knotting up on you. You will want to use a quilting needle, which is shorter than a sharp. Any quilt shop will carry a large variety of brands and sizes. I usually thread a bunch of needles onto my thread spool before I begin a hand quilting project. That way you just pull a needle from the spool with the appropriate amount of thread and cut the thread, leaving the rest of the needles still threaded on the spool. Not having to stop and thread those tiny needles will keep you from breaking rhythm and speeds the process.
You will probably want to wear a thimble of some sort too since quilting needles are very sharp on both ends. Do some practice hand quilting before you begin on the actual quilt to get the feel and rhythm of it. Don't worry so much about the length/size of your stitches in the beginning. Concentrate more on consistency. Hand quilting can be very relaxing and almost theraputic! Enjoy your project! Your Grandmother would be very proud of you!
Peg (another grandma)
------
A hand held quilting hoop will work just fine, no large frame is required. When you begin the hand quilting, don't cut your thread too long. Approximately 18'' to 20'' on the needle at a time is plenty and will keep it from knotting up on you. You will want to use a quilting needle, which is shorter than a sharp. Any quilt shop will carry a large variety of brands and sizes. I usually thread a bunch of needles onto my thread spool before I begin a hand quilting project. That way you just pull a needle from the spool with the appropriate amount of thread and cut the thread, leaving the rest of the needles still threaded on the spool. Not having to stop and thread those tiny needles will keep you from breaking rhythm and speeds the process.
You will probably want to wear a thimble of some sort too since quilting needles are very sharp on both ends. Do some practice hand quilting before you begin on the actual quilt to get the feel and rhythm of it. Don't worry so much about the length/size of your stitches in the beginning. Concentrate more on consistency. Hand quilting can be very relaxing and almost theraputic! Enjoy your project! Your Grandmother would be very proud of you!
Peg (another grandma)
------
"I hate housework! You make the beds, you do the dishes--and six months later you have to start all over again!"
Pfaff 2170, Pfaff 7570, Pfaff 4852, Babylock Coverstitch, Huskylock 901,Bernina 1090, Bernina 1020, Singer 1936 Featherweight 221 and Gammill Quilting machine
Pfaff 2170, Pfaff 7570, Pfaff 4852, Babylock Coverstitch, Huskylock 901,Bernina 1090, Bernina 1020, Singer 1936 Featherweight 221 and Gammill Quilting machine
* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.
Selected Reviews, Classes & Patterns
Fancy Frocks Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics









