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Saturday, October 28, 2017

Do you ever tie quilts?

When I first started quilting decades ago, that was what I did most of the time. I was so slow at hand quilting, and couldn't afford to pay someone to machine quilt. So this week I went back to my roots.
The binding isn't wrapped around and sewn down in this photo, but my Mom has since taken care of that. She is gifting it to a man in her neighborhood that was really good to my Dad the last few years of his life, visiting him, and helping him with many tasks.

Mom had wanted to give him a quilt, but all of hers have been promised to people already (and she isn't quilting anymore). This is a top I had put together years ago with leftover parts from one of her quilts, so I told her I would tie it if she would bind it, and she could give it to him. She is happy with the results.
When I tie a quilt by myself, I smooth out  the backing and pin it into the carpet around the edges, using T-pins. Then I spread out the batting, and finally smooth out the top over it all and pin around the outside of the top. I tie one quarter of the quilt at a time, starting in the middle and working out toward the edge. Not everyone's knees can do this, I know. Mine haven't complained so far, but my back sure does!!





I basted a couple of little blocks that I will be hand quilting. The one in front is for my brother, made from leftovers from Mom's "Happy" quilt. After he has had 4 heart procedures in the past 5 months, he needs some "happy".

The block in the back was made by Jill Reid, an online friend that has since passed away. It was thoughtfully given to me by Barb (Fun with Barb blog), a good friend of Jill's, and I am going to hand quilt it and put it on my wall of quilts from friends. You can't tell from the photo, but I have marked a feathered wreath in the pink. For all the feathers I have machine quilted, I have never hand quilted any.

 




You may have seen on Lori's (Humble Quilts blog) blog her efforts to make a block representing the solar eclipse. I have been on a similar quest. Last night I stayed up way too late and tried a block Lori has made using a different pattern. If it hadn't been so late, I may not have messed up the color placement I was attempting.
I may try this block one more time, and try to get the colors where I want them this time. This block finishes at 5 1/2".
 




This is my latest thrift store find for my sewing room. It is making sense of the growing stacks of charm squares and mini charm squares, and fits nicely in about the only empty spot left in the room. It is very stable, so I don't have a fear of it toppling over on me.


Not really much to share this post, considering it has been over a week since my last post. Maybe one day I will surprise you and really make big progress on something--but don't hold your breath.

Until next time, 
Janet O.










39 comments:

  1. My first quilts were also tied. I like how they look, I'm just always concerned that the ties don't provide enough stability. That being said, the full sized quilt I tied for my oldest son got heavy use and lasted almost 20 years. It might still be around if his beagle puppy hadn't taken a liking to it!
    I'd say you have been up to a lot! Love that eclipse block!
    Nice thrift store find. Don't want that fabric falling on you! I have had that happen to me and it was witnessed by someone who doesn't understand the purpose of a fabric stash. Ouch!

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  2. I can't find a problem with the color placement, maybe you fixed it before photographing. It's a great little block. I do still tie quilts. I almost had to tie the Yellowstone quilt because I was running out of time. I ended up big stitching it in wide horizontal lines. it just needs the binding now. Your quilt turned out great. You mom's neighbor will love it.

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  3. My intention is not to be critical or demeaning about what others do but I just personally do not like the way tied quilts look. I understand some people like the look, some do it because of finances and others just prefer to do their donation quilts that way. But I would never tie a quilt since I don't like the look. And sometimes slow and steady wins the race! LOL

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  4. Love to see your hand quilting in a hoop :)
    Great shelf for fabric storage!

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  5. Great teamwork on the gifted quilt. Hope your brother likes the happy quilt mini you're hand quilting. Nice of Barb to share a Block with you too. Happy place to store your pre-cuts where you can see them.

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  6. For someone who didn't have much to show this week, I see a lot of projects here! I have only tied a few quilts in the past, most were donation quilts made for wildfire victims by our quilt ministry. We push several tables together and use them whenever we are layering and pinning our quilts. Much easier on our backs and knees. One member brought some bed lifter blocks that we can place under the tables when we're cutting our fabrics, what a great invention! I love your little eclipse block, it looks fine to me, maybe you've already fixed it for the photo?

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  7. I'm not sure what you were aiming for with the eclipse block but I like it just the way it is. It's exactly how the pictures looked to me. Glad to see more hexies!! I'm sure your brother will appreciate the "happy " you are sending him!

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  8. In 1974 I stitched 9-patch blocks, one set wool, the other set corduroy, to make "quilts" for my husband and me and as a Christmas gift for my grandfather. In about 1984 I stitched squares and rectangles together to tie a quilt for my daughter. And after my mother died in November, 1997, when I couldn't quite get into the Christmas spirit, I sewed and tied 9-patch blocks with sashing to make 8 or 10 "quilts" for our local children's hospital. After beginning to hand quilt I have trouble calling those tied quilts quilts. I know they are but they're just not the same. Now I remember, looking at your quilt in the first photo above, that those quilts have a charming, homey comfort to them. And they were so quick to finish!

    Barb's two posts about her friend's Wheel of Fortune blocks introduced me to that quilt pattern and it is on my list of quilts to make before I die. I like her friend's block, and I like your block. I see that the color placement in your black/grey block is different than in Barb's but I wasn't sure you were going for the same color placement. I'll look forward to seeing your second version.

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  9. Looks to me that you are showing all kinds of progress! Sweet blocks - nice work on the hexie...There is always something cozy about a tied quilt...one of the warmest ones we use in the winter is a scrappy (1/2” logs) log cabin - it was tied on the back with the help of my quilt guild sisters...Needs a new batt though - the fibers are bearding through the backing. One of these days I will have to clip all those ties and redo it...I finished it the week of 9/11 so there is a-lot of emotion in those layers.

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  10. The only quilt I have ever tied is a micro mini quilt I was sure I couldn't machine quilt! I have my Grandmother's yo-yo coverlet of feed sack prints that she had tied by her church quilt group to a backing.
    Love your minis and gifted blocks. Sweet.
    Your new storage tower is great.

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  11. Tied, machine, hand quilted with big or tiny stitches...,,they are all quilts. Made with love, gifted with kindness. Lovely

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  12. I have never tied a quilt, it looks effective. Gosh that method of hand basting does look tough on the back!! beautiful hand quilting. Kiwi Hugs xx

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  13. I've never tied a quilt but I knew this way to finish a quilt ! Yours is beautiful !
    One day, I saw a quilt with a very thick batting finished like this. I thought that it was easier ...
    Beautiful stitches on your blocks too !! Congratulations Janet !

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  14. the quilt is lovely and tieing is a great quick finish and it looks lovely at no extra cost......

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  15. I've tied quilts but not in a long time.....your knees are better than mine. I think this looks great and will be a perfect gift. The eclipse block .....when I first glanced at it I thought eclipse and now I don't see what needs to be changed.

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  16. I like tied quilts, too. I think they are warmer! That's a sweet gift for your dad's friend. Your eclipse block looks great to me and will be a cute way to remember the big event this year. Your friend quilt is going to be a great addition to your collection. <3

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  17. I've never hand tied a quilt, but my sister likes to. It sure makes a quilt soft and cuddly! I enjoyed seeing all your hand quilting projects (something else I can't do but love), and that shelf is great! Getting all our fabric under control is always a struggle isn't it?

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  18. I love the look of a of a tied quilt. It seems to give an extra measure of coziness. Its not so easy to do, however. I find it much more stressful on the hands than quilting. Your quilt is lovely, and sure to be loved by its lucky recipient.

    What's wrong with your eclipse block? It looks great!

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  19. I think my first quilt was tied and I remember it as quite the chore--maybe it was that heavy yarn I was using--lol! I love the added design element on your quilt--looks so charming!

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  20. So much to say! I love what you made for your dad's friend. So sweet. And the ties are great. I'm trying to understand how you were able to do the ties without attaching the carpet to them... maybe you can explain that to me!
    I have to say that I love your basting pins. Mine are just curved safety pins... yours look like diaper pins! Or maybe clothes pins.
    I love the eclipse block. Seems on the large size for you, though. :-)))))
    Love your little metal piece to hold charm packs etc. Looks like the perfect size...
    And your brother will no doubt love your happy donation!!
    Have a great day!
    xxxs,

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  21. I have never tied a quilt, so it was interesting to see how to do it. Love your little quilts, especially the eclipse one. Envious of your stash in its cupboard, such a good idea. Keeping it out on display will motivate you to dip into your stash more often!

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  22. My Mom and I used to tie quilts--she called them service quilts. She used flannel for the backing and they were quite strong and warm. A beautiful gift from your Mom and you for a kind friend. Great Good Will find--am thinking of some way to organize my charm squares--they seem to be multiplying.

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  23. I'm sure your mom's neighbor will appreciate the quilt. I tied a couple of quilts several year ago that the kids use when they're watching movies in the family room. They are holding up better than I expected. Your eclipse block seems perfect to me, though of course I don't know what you had planned and perhaps that is even better?

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  24. For years and years all we ever did was tie our quilts. I still do sometimes depending on the quilt and who it's for.

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  25. Several of my first quilts were tied. There's a time and place for all techniques. I'm sure your Dad's friend will appreciate the kindness of a quilt. I think my knees might not enjoy a tying experience on the floor. The occasional basting party is hard enough! Hahaha

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  26. I think your tied quilt is great - love the different size squares in the blocks, and the yarn ties give it some interest. I used to have keys to the church and would go use one of the tables to pin-baste my quilts. I think it would work perfectly for tying them too - just tape the edges instead of pin them. Much easier on the knees and back! LOL I like the new shelving unit you found. I'm still on the hunt for one like you use for your mini projects - wish me luck!

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  27. I always love your posts, getting to see all the fun stuff you accomplish with your busy, busy life!! I am so glad quilting is your solace - it makes my heart sing!!

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  28. I think I've only tied one or 2 quilts and that was a long time ago. I prefer machine stitching them. Hand quilting is the ultimate, but I can't do that any more. I like your Eclipse block and couldn't see anything wrong with it either. I really like the blocks of your Mom's tied quilt - especially the different sizes of squares in the blocks. Good idea! I bought a shelf unit about the same size as yours at a garage sale and it fits in a very small space next to my clothes dryer. i have decided to get some baskets to hold the items on the shelves because there aren't any sides or back to keep things from falling off, which they do sometimes.

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  29. Lots to see in this post. I love the tied quilt - the ties suit the look and purpose of the quilt. I still feel like there's nothing prettier than a hand quilted quilt... but for utilitarian purposes, what could beat simple machine quilting, or, especially when using lofty batting, ties? A quilt, or comforter, no matter how it's made, is still made and given with love;). One of my favorite old quilts is a wool quilt (comforter) tied with wool yarn, made by my Grandma from scraps of family clothing, and given to her son. Anyway on a different note, I agree with so many other commenters... your eclipse block looks fine!

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  30. Hi Janet. Sorry you had to tie the quilt on the floor. Your poor back! I do have very portable quilt frames, call me next time and I'll loan them to you. I even have all the hardware you need! It is a lovely quilt, and will be a very nice gift.

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  31. I am in the same boat you were at first. I don't want to pay the money to have someone quilt my quilts and not an experienced quilter and it takes me awhile so I tie some of mine also. My Mom did also. I like the look of quilted quilts but I also lie the looks of tied quilts also. It is encouraging to see that someone else ties quilts at times. I also like the idea of pinning the quilt to the carpet but I would just pin it as my knees and back would not take the time it would take to tie it. Thanks for sharing! Nancy

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  32. I couldn't make an appearance back into blogland without coming over to say hi….As usual you are busy busy and being so creative. Love everything! I haven't tied a quilt before but always wanted too, just didn't know how. I did see a girl demonstrate it one time. At least I found out there's a special curved needle to use. Love your 'little blocks', so sweet! Hope all is well with you and yours!

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  33. I helped tie a quilt once but never for myself. Also, the guild I used to belong to made baby quilts for a charity. They were all tied quilts and very sweet.....and well used.

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  34. I have tied several doll quilts and I tied Everett's quilt. It was sweet. I love your repurposed (CD?) rack! We had one that Todd repurposed by nailing to our shed and using it to hold canned corn and cat food for the turtles. LOL! :)

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  35. Sorry to be so late in commenting. I finally have my power and internet back! Yes indeed I tie quilts. In fact I tied most of my quilts for the first 10 years or so. I find it disappointing that most shows do not allow tied quilts to be entered. So many of our antique quilts were tied. It is a tradition that is being lost. I love the quilt!

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  36. Thanks for sharing the process you use for tying a quilt. What a treasure your Mom's friend will receive! Your hand quilting is lovely; really, this is one of my greatest pleasures but time simply doesn't seem to allow that anymore. (I need to "find" the time and make that happen!!) Your etagere looks right at home, perfect!

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  37. lovely things that make my fingers itch but have to concentrate on walking first....very slow going

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  38. No I've never tied a quilt..I guess you have to get the knot right so it stays done? This quilt will make a perfect quilt for your Dad's friend, with the combination of your and your Mum's work in it. It's lovely. I see thre are more solar eclipse posts so will hold off commenting on your block, although it does look pretty effective from here!

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