When I made my first Six Minute Circle (here), I had a hard time stopping with just one. Even though I was only trying it out, and had nothing in mind when making them, one became two and soon after nine were laying on my table!
Maybe deep down I did have something in mind. After all, I used hand dyed Shibori fabric for them all. Same story, one thing led to another and soon there was this finished piece of cloth.
I found a stray piece of linen for the background thinking it would be fine for this practice piece that wasn't suppose to turn into anything. Maybe the wrong color, but it was too late to change now!
After I settled on the layout with the circles, I strategically (by the seat of my pants) added a strip here and there to make three rows of circles. Which led to the skinny strip on the left between the circle rows. I didn't feel quite right, so I added a few more elements.
During the construction phase I knew this would get the hand quilting treatment! I needed more practice and was itching to do more.
I was wondering what a wide binding would look like when I'm finished? I should research that!
I still haven't gotten a thimble, or the proper needles or more perle cotton thread. I'm working with what I have since its all trial and error. Plus, I'm still learning!
Do you work with what you have when learning a new thing? Or do you get everything needed and then some before you start?
LINKING:
This is great fun! I've tried that circle a couple of times, and it does work really well! Holler if you need a tutorial on chunky binding....I've got one nearly written...
ReplyDeleteNext hand quilting project, I’ll practice restraint! I took it over the top with the quilting on this one! I’d say this is perfect timing with the chunky binding tutorial! I’m almost ready! Maybe your tutorial will be finished when I am…if not, I’ll be in contact!
DeleteI love your wunderful work !!!....
ReplyDeletegreetings from Germany
Zicki
It’s been a fun learning experience and I love learning something new!
DeleteFun project Jayne ! Your hand quilting looks great. I started last week to work on a new idea with Shibori hand dyed fabric too.
ReplyDeleteI was happy to finally use some of my shibori hand dyed fabrics! They has sat far too long! I can’t wait to see what you are up to with yours!
DeleteTo your question, I use what's on hand when an idea strikes or I want to try something new. Generally I use unlovable fabric, too, then I'm sorry I did when the project is successful but the fabric stinks ...
ReplyDeleteI’ve done that too! When I’m really unsure if my idea will work, use some crappy fabric and regret it in the end! I think I’m finally getting over the fear of using ‘the good stuff’, almost!
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ReplyDeleteThat background fabric looks great with the circles. What a great project - pretty and fun at the same time. I do try to venture out and try new things from time to time. Depending on how difficult it is, and how I was inspired, I either have some product I got at a show or store to make it, or I just wing it with the material I have on hand. I am frugal so usually material I have on hand. It doesn't have to be "waste" fabric though. Once things are at home, they are all available supplies and their price tag has disappeared so anything goes.
ReplyDeleteI went crazy with the quilting, but its hard not too! Maybe not frugal, innovative! I usually jump into a new technique on a whim and totally wing it. If I end up falling in love with the technique, I’ll then get the right supplies to make it easier. Learning to use what we have on hand is sometimes difficult, especially when it comes to fabric! For this piece, I’m satisfied with the background. I might have used something different if I had a plan from the beginning!
Deleteyou really need to get a finger protector for hand quilting or your fingers will get sore - you might want to try leather stick on thimbles or the metal stick on they are inexpensive. I sometimes get all I need when trying something new before I get started but not always - I do try to use what I already have in the sewing room to save money. Nice to see you tried hand quilting - that is about all I do and have been hand quilting for a very long time so always nice to see someone try it out and keep hand quilting alive for new generations. I just got one quilt off of my hand quilting frame and another has taken it's place. It is nice to slow down in the evenings, turn the sewing machine off, put on some music or netflix and sit at the hand quilting frame and unwind.
ReplyDeleteI’m always looking for something to do in the evenings, hand quilting seemed like another perfect solution for that! I’ve heard about the leather stick on thimbles and think they may be the best solution for me. Thimbles make me feel like I have all thumbs! I can’t even imagine quilting a large bed size quilt! But then I couldn’t imagine hand quilting either! Maybe one day! Thank you for stopping by and sharing your knowledge and tip!
DeleteThis is a very fun project. Your hand stitching is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteIt’s gotten a little out of hand, but the large running stitches are so much fun! I love how it looks and can’t wait to finish!
DeleteI made a wide binding once, attached by machine them hand sewn down with pearl cotton, loved the process and the outcome.....
ReplyDeleteI’ve never tried a wide binding, but I’m thinking it might work with this piece. I’m anxious to at least give it a try…love learning new things!
DeleteFor new techniques I am all over the place - sometimes I can give it a try with what I have on hand and sometimes I buy the kitchen sink before I'm willing to give it a try, LOL! I think you quilt is looking great and I'm curious how the chunky binding works for you (but I'm sure you'll give us and update!).
ReplyDeleteYou know I will Yvonne! This year is all about trying new things for me! I’m basically cheap as can be, so buying the right tools is super hard to do! Then when I do and realize how much easier or better it is, I wonder why the heck I hadn’t done it sooner!
DeleteThis is lovely! Really striking. I like to start with what I have- I find so often I don't really know what I need until I've started and figured out why what I have isn't working.... On the thimble front though, I've never found a thimble I like, but lately I've been using one of the stick-on thimble finger pads (you can get them on amazon) covered with a fabric bandaid. Works great for me, no loss of dexterity like I experience with a thimble, and you can use them over and over again.
ReplyDeleteYou know there are times when I use adhesive tape (for gauze bandages) on my thumb when I’m doing a lot of hand stitching bindings on! Bandaids work! I tend to always go with what I have on hand and do a lot of winging it. Finding something that works well at the time is almost as exciting as learning something new!
DeleteThanks for sharing your quilting journey. I always love to see what you are up to!
ReplyDeleteThis looks great - I'm itching to start handstitching and I'm not waiting for all the tools just too lazy to get going really - I like your figure it out while doing approach for this one!
ReplyDeleteYour hand quilting is awesome! It really enhances the circles and gives great texture to the background fabric.
ReplyDeleteThis is blooming brilliant, Jayne. But you really do need to get a thimble of some description.
ReplyDeleteLove how your hand quilting showcases the circling moons..("Blue Moon, you saw me standin' alone...") hugs, Julierose
ReplyDeleteThis is really GOOD! I think the background colour is also perfect with the blues! x Teje
ReplyDeleteLove what you did with your circles and the background colour works great. I had problems using a thimble when I started but now I can't sew without one, it makes it so much easier and stops your fingers getting sore.
ReplyDeleteSmiles
Kate