The Hugs and Kisses mini has been unsewn and resewn, and is finally ready for hand quilting. It is pin basted, threads are chosen and the stitching has begun.
I am trying two new things with this quilt:
1) I am not using a hoop. I have read in a few Slow Sunday Stitching link ups that some hand quilters don't use a hoop, so I thought I'd try it out and see if I like it.
2) I am using this quilt as a test run for eucalyptus batting. The packaging says it is good for machine or hand quilting, and so far it is needling fine by hand. The price was good, but I have no idea how it will hold up over time, and I could not find much information about that from Mr. Google. Have you ever used this type of batting?
beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty Kathy
ReplyDeleteGreat job. Let us know how the batting works for you. Happy stitching.
ReplyDeleteI'd never heard of eucalyptus batting. Doing a Google search didn't produce many results either. Must be hard to find? What kind of loft does it have and what are the stitching requirements (spacing)?
ReplyDeleteHow's the hoopless quilting going? I would be afraid that I wouldn't keep the tension correct to stitch well nor would I be able to control the fabric on the back (no puckers, etc.). Plus I figure I'd have to baste more intensively, and basting is such a pain in the rump for me. But I like the idea of not having to stop, get up, and move the hoop ... and I wonder if because the quilt sandwich is so loose (with no hoop) that I could get smaller stitches closer together. So I'm interested in how this works for you.
A few years ago bamboo was all the rage but I have found since that although soft it beards like crazy. So now I am back to 80/20. Would be very interested in how it works out.
ReplyDeleteI have done some hand quilting without a hoop and although I was able to do it, I was not as comfortable with it....I like my hoop or a quilt on a large frame!! Good luck!!!
I have never even heard of it! I used to quilt without a hoop and did fine - then I got my 3 roller and a small hoop and that is what I use now - sometimes when doing a small quilt in the hoop when I get to the sides I take it out of the hoop and finish without.
ReplyDeleteNever used that batting. I really like the outcome of your quilt. So pretty.
ReplyDeleteLovely quilt. I've tried quilting without a hoop and have trouble with my tension but love not having to move the hoop all the time. That tension could be a matter of practice makes perfect. Have not heard of eucalyptus batting but would definitely try it. One of my LQS periodically sells recycled plastic bottle batting - the batting is light green in color - and have used it several times for both hand and machine quilting and it quilts great but don't know about long term...................but considering the life cycle of plastic it should last into 3000!
ReplyDeleteEucalyptus??? Does it smell wonderful too? I can't wait to hear your review of it.
ReplyDeleteI would hope it doesn't smell. Probably like the Bamboo batting. Nice that you are hand quilting this one. Have a Happy <3 Day
ReplyDeleteGood luck minus the hoop! I think it works slightly better for using Perle Cotton, but for me, I'm still a hoop kind of girl with regular quilting thread.:)
ReplyDeleteIt never dawned on me that today is Friday the 13th. Ha! I stitch off the hoop when it no longer fits in the hoop, but still prefer to use the hoop.
ReplyDeleteI love this little mini! I was hoping to make it, but didn't fit it in! Cannot wait to see yours all hand quilted!
ReplyDeleteI prefer not to use a hoop
ReplyDeletePretty quilt
ReplyDeleteNever heard of the batting but your quilt is lovely.
ReplyDeleteHugs & Kisses turned out very cute--finally, huh? : )
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of that batting, either.
Hugs and Kisses turned out beautifully. Enjoy finishing it off by hand.
ReplyDeleteKathy, did you find the has an odour to it - even after washing? I have just completed my first quilt with eucalyptus batting and even after washing it twice I can still smell it. Any advice?
ReplyDeleteKathryn