I’m making progress on the MQG (Modern Quilt Guild) Michael Miller Fabric Challenge Quilt. As the deadline approaches (July 25) it is time to start quilting this quilt and bring it to life. Even though I wanted a larger quilt, I had to stop making blocks so I could finish the top. I made twenty 12 1/2 inch unfinished blocks and will lay them out 4 across and 5 down for a 48 x 60 inch lap quilt. The 3 x 6 inch units that I shared in my July 3rd post were joined to form a 12 1/2 inch x 12 1/2 inch unfinished block. The design is formed by the placement of the fabrics which really necessitates the use of a design wall. I use a design “wall” that is basically the reverse (flannel) side of a plastic tablecloth mounted on a roller, like a window shade. I don’t have wall space for a design wall, so this hangs above my closet and gets pulled down while I am designing quilts. I got mine from Vanishing Design Walls. I find that lightly brushing the fabric with a Staedtler Mini Dusting Brush used by architects is all the effort I need to make the fabric stick to the flannel.
One other tip I have to share today is that I have started glue basting my seams with Elmer’s Washable School Glue. You might have heard about this through the blogosphere. This technique promoted by Christy Fincher (Purple Daisies, LLC). Christy shares techniques used by her mother, master quilter Sharon Schamber. You might want to watch Christy’s video here. It takes a little extra time to glue baste, but I love the accuracy and speed of piecing this way. I do believe that this technique has preventing me from having to un-sew seams when points don’t match up. I find nothing more satisfying than to have points match perfectly. Yes, that is my OCD kicking in. The glue tips sold on Christy’s website are a must for this technique.
I hope you all have a wonderful crafty weekend. Remember, the pleasure is in the process. Lora