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Sunday, September 9, 2018

Feisty Fiesta :: Taming the Twists

I have to say I was more than a little bit worried about this quilt after I finished piecing the top.  ('Let's Do The Twist')  After adding more and more stripes, the top became out of shape and I wasn't sure I'd be able to whip it back into shape.

  I decided I'd use basting spray, only the second time I've done that, hoping it would help aid in the effort.  There wasn't any do overs or going back at this point.  Which meant I may as well quilt it and hope for the best.

FEISTY FIESTA
44" X 45"
As you can see I conquered the wonk!!  For the most part!  I don't know if I should admit this, but it was the first time I ever blocked a quilt.  It's true.  Lots of people do it, I just never felt the need to until this one.  

After the quilting was finished I trimmed around the quilt leaving a little excess batting and backing around the edges.  Then zig zag stitched the edges of the fabric so when I tossed it in the wash it wouldn't fray.  Choosing the hand wash cycle on my washing machine, I tossed it in and let it work its magic.  When it was finished and still wet, I pinned it to the floor carefully adjusting until it appeared to be relatively square and left it to dry.  

When it came time to pull the pins I was hoping it would keep it's shape, everyone says it will, and low and behold!  It did!  Whew!  Makes me want to block another one...one day!

Certainly there are many blocking tutorials out there that will walk you through the steps needed.  I knew enough to give it a try, but full disclosure, I don't know if it was proper or not!



I was determined to use on color of thread for all the quilting when I started...and then, I couldn't help myself.  I raided the thread rack!  As long as it had a bobbin with thread on it, I grabbed it.  Which mind you, happens to be a great way to use up partially wound bobbins.



How could I have a Fiesta celebration without lots of colors?!  The answer is...you can't!  I couldn't wimp out now!



In the twisted blocks, I simply quilted a curve line in between each twist and stitched in the ditch around each block.  The plain log cabin blocks received spiral quilting.  

  

All the quilting on this quilt was never intended to be straight.  I intentionally quilted organic/natural lines in all different widths.  Considering the nature of shot cottons and the issue I had with it being distorted, I felt it was the best solution to handle the imperfections.  



I pieced the back for a little more party pizazz!  Plus it also gives you a better picture of the quilting.



Color, texture...that usually equals fun in my book!



The 'textured twists' after washing didn't hold their shape, but I knew that from the get go.  Shot cottons are a lighter weight fabric so that wasn't a surprise.  Spray starch is a great tool to get crisp distinctive twists, but doesn't hold up to water!



All things consider, I'm going to call this one a success!  I love the colors, the design, the quilting, the technique.  



And yes, I do have more ideas in the works.  More 'textured twists' mayhem!  I guess I may as well go with it until I can go no more!

Since I'm not a regular at the quilt blocking game, do you block your quilts?  Was there something I should have done differently?

LINKING:
MIDWEEK MAKERS  NEEDLE & THREAD   TGIFF  CAN I GET A WHOOP WHOOP 

20 comments:

  1. so so good! I have never blocked a quilt...

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    1. I didn’t know what else to do about the wonkiness of the quilt. I figured it wouldn’t hurt to try blocking and I’m so glad I did!

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  2. Can't say as I have never blocked a quilt. Now knitting, absolutely! I will block all day long with my knits. Love the array of color in this piece, so festive!

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  3. I lov3 this one - such beautiful color, Jayne! I'm glad the blocking helped straighten everything out. I think my walking foot is sometimes pushing parts of my quilts into wonkiness, and trying to figure out what to do about it. Maybe adjust the tension of the presser foot? I need to research that.

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  4. It sounds to me like you pretty much did everything I do when blocking a quilt. Afterwards I take a deep breath and trim it square... or try getting a section wet and re-positioning to dry if it needs it.

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  5. Fiesta is a perfect name for this one. It is a riot of color but in a good way. I love all the movement and texture in it. Thanks so much for sharing this with Oh Scrap! I love it!!

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  6. A little wonkyness never hurts a delightful quilt. It just adds a touch of high spirits, which those bright colors certainly convey. Enjoy your fun finish.

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  7. I’ve never blocked a quilt either. Your quilt is so colorful and bright! I love everything about it!

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    1. I am glad I got to see first hand what blocking does. I’m sure I’ll do it again in the future, just not on every quilt!

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  8. YES! Success! I love all the wonkiness of your using different colored threads and bobbins, and just going for it. Sounds like your blocking technique was spot on! Congrats! Now what's up your sleeve for your next project?

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    1. I was shocked at how blocking saved this quilt! Future wonky…watch out! I have several more quilts in various stages … it’s been a good couple of months for creativity for me!

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  9. I've never blocked a quilt before and wasn't really truly sure what it was so I think your method sounds just great! I'll keep that in the back of my mind for the day I have a wonky quilt! I love your quilt with its festive riot of color. Can't wait to see what other textural things you've got in your brains. ;)

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  10. So zesty! So fun and happy! It's a Fiesta indeed :) I think your quilting choices were spot-on, adding lots of texture without distracting from the main party event, doing the Twist all night long!

    I've never blocked a quilt, yet. I have one that was meant to be a toddler quilt but I hung it on the wall for a while. It definitely needed blocking for that, oh well! Anything that a kid is going to love to rags can be a bit wonky in my opinion :)

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  11. Love your quilt and the bright colors. I haven't ever blocked a quilt and appreciate your tip.

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  12. Nope I never block, perhaps I should on some. I was curious to see how you handled the quilting around the twists. Have you named one 'Let's Do the Twist'? If not you should, LOL

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  13. No, I have never blocked a quilt! I do block most of my knitting though. Love this party quilt! Great colors!

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  14. quilt turned out great. I love all of the bright colors.

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  15. That quilt is so cool. It's been fun watching it come together. Does a quilt stay blocked once it's done? Doesn't it go back to pre-blocked state the next time it's washed? No, I've never done that.

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  16. A beautiful riot of color and truly a success.

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