Monday, February 20, 2012

Quilting malfunction

What is a quilting malfunction?  It's rather like a wardrobe malfunction but not as rude.  The pattern I was using for this latest quilt (this is unusual, readers, I do not usually make things from patterns) had  unusual instructions for the corners and edges.  It's an "on point" layout, where the blocks are set into the top in a diamond pattern instead of squarely.  Normally, you then require setting triangles to make the top a rectangle.  This pattern, however, merely used rectangular blocks and told you to trim them afterwards.  This I did.  Knowing that the long sides of triangles have a tendency to stretch, I sprayed all the edges with spray starch.  I added a narrow dark border, and then a wider outer one.  I felt some disquiet but ignored my misgivings.

When I lay the quilt top out to photograph it, the sides rippled like a stingray swimming.  Oh dear.  It was clear I had a serious case of Wavy Borders, something I have only experienced once before, many moons ago, and (due to lack of internet in those days to provide solutions) fixed with tediously cunning quilting on the borders.

I won't bore you with the details of unpicking both borders, measuring, trimming the corners, remeasuring, nipping and tucking and re-doing just the outer border.  Oh sorry, I just did.  The border fitted, they're the correct width, but still look slightly wavy in the photo.

I like how the colours have come together.  I think it'll be ok provided I don't quilt the borders in a horizontal manner.

13 comments:

Nancy J said...

I so like the pattern and the analogy of a swimming stingray!!The colours have gone so well, perfect combination. Unpicking, what a chore, but I guess it just had to be done.Still struggling with the FMQ feathers!!! Cheers from Jean.

Lisa said...

Funny, I've just been involved in a group quilt and the corner blocks were made like this... never seen it before!

Isn't unpicking and re sewing the most annoying thing?

The colours and fabrics worked well. You must be pleased.

Libby said...

Just wanted to say I really enjoy this quilt! The colors and fabrics are gorgeous and the slightly wavy borders do not detract in the least. I've been enjoying your blog!

Lorraine said...

Goodness, been there, done that, bought the t-shirt... I have learned to change the pattern if they use bias on the edges. NOT FUN to fix. Kudos to you for solving it!

dissertationrelief review said...

Your article is very appealing to me.

electronic cigarette said...

This article was extremely interesting, especially since I was searching for thoughts on this subject last week.

free mp3 songs download said...

This is my first time comment at your blog.Good recommended website.

buy essays online said...

Thanks a lot for sharing. You have done a brilliant job. Your article is truly relevant to my study at this moment, and I am really happy I discovered your website. However,
I would like to see more details about this topic.

essay-writing-service.co.uk said...

I would like to see more posts like this.

academia-research said...

Nice effort

academia-research.com said...

very interesting. as always

academia research said...

Thanks for info

Japanese Used Cars said...
This comment has been removed by the author.