There’s been a lot of progress both on and under my needles lately. Under the needle—or more accurately, under the presser foot—I’ve finished the three cuddle quilts that were sandwiched at the guild workshop a few weeks ago.
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| Three completed charity quilts. |
The first quilt (above left) uses a fabric panel. Using fabric panels is a great shortcut when you want a quick, but polished result. The panel—a scene of colorful dinosaurs, trees, mountains and a volcano—needed no extra patchwork. The quilting design was a modified concentric circle motif and the quilt came together in no time.
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| Circle quilting motif on the dinosaur panel quilt. |
The second [triangles] quilt is from a pre-cut quilt kit. The patchwork runs from edge to edge and there are no borders for more contemporary style. The triangles showcase the various colors and patterns of the fabrics. The large, free-motion spirals contrast with the geometric design of the patchwork.
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| Swirls quilting motif on triangle quilt. |
The third quilt was made from discontinued fabric samples and scraps. Being that the prints were mostly florals, the free-motion quilting has flower, leaf, and vine motifs.
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| Free-motion quilting flower, leaf, and vine motifs. |
Binding by machine
The bindings for these quilts were attached by machine for a clean, durable edge… and a fast finish.
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| Bindings attached by machine. |
At the workshop, the quilt tops were measured and lengths of pre-made binding were cut. The lengths were right on the money! The remaining pieces will find their way into future scrappy bindings.
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| Very little binding remained after the quilts were bound. |
Quilt stats:
- Dinosaur quilt: 34.5” x 41.5” (finished size); 1.5 hrs free-motion quilting.
- Triangles quilt: 34.5” x 41” (finished size); 1.5 hrs free-motion quilting.
- Floral patchwork quilt: 41.25” x 45.5” (finished size); 2.25 hrs free-motion quilting.
- Binding for all three quilts: 3.75 hrs.
The backs of the cuddle quilts are colorful, too.
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| Backing fabrics for these cuddle quilts. |
Mitten Knitting
On the knitting front, three more pairs of mittens came off the needles. I continue to try new patterns to use up orphan balls of yarn and fill small pockets of time.
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| Three more pair of knitted mittens off the needles. |
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| New mittens in progress. This is the “Elf Fit Mitten” pattern. |
