I am not using a hoop to quilt this and have found it to be a very different experience. Some of the hand movements are different, and my left hand does get tired from holding the quilt. It was workable for a mini quilt, but I don't think I would "go hoopless" for a larger quilt.
Julie and I were "chatting" about how hand stitching a project results in feeling a stronger attachment to it. It's a simple, directionally proportional equation...
the more time is spent, the stronger the connection is.
It makes sense in stitching, and in relationships.
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| Hands of my quilting friends |
Speaking of which, I am planning which of my projects to take to my upcoming quilt retreat. I can't wait to be with my friends again. The same gang of us have attended quilt camp together for over 10 years. That's a lot of life lived, and a lot of stitches we've taken together!
Today I will be hand stitching the binding down on my Valentine's mini quilt.
What are you hand stitching today?
21 comments:
Lovely Valentine quilt Kathy! As regards hand quilting, I find that with a hoop my stitches are more regular but not so small. Have a great Sunday!
Kathy, My only experience hand quilting was hoopless until I finally figured out how to use a hoop properly the way I hand quilt... all is well now and my stitches are smaller and more uniform than without the hoop... also my back side is flattering too! lol Kathi
Yes, the left hand gets cramped when not using a hoop. I think I have figured out how to use one now with the hugs ad kisses quilt and my left hand is much happier. I'll still go hoopless for small projects I think. Hopefully I can get a few stitches in on H&K this week. It is feeling neglected!
hexies will be worked on today - love your little mini - that is one thing I haven't made many of is mini quilts - a small table runner here or there but most of mine are big - if my table coverings could be baby quilts in size.
Your post about how hand work seems to make us feel closer to our quilts is so true for me. I made a quilt for my daughter last year totally by machine and when it was finished I just felt like I had wasted my time. It was a modern chevron and I just felt like I could have going to a box store to purchase it. She loved it and I had a feeling it was because I took the time to make it for her and I guess that is all that counts!
I wish I had time today to do any stitching. I did finish 2 hexie flowers last night, while watching a movie with hubby. Have fun stitching today!
Yes, I agree...I form a relationship with quilts that I hand quilt as well as quilts with small pieces. Cute little mini. I've never made one unless you consider a couple of doll quilts as minis. Have fun with your friends.
Isn't it fun to work on a small project once in a while? Love your little Valentine's quilt! And I agree about the connection with a hand-quilted project. I have two hand-quilted quilts and they are both very special to me in a way that none of the others are. But I also think that sometimes it's the amount of love we pour into it as we stitch - however we stitch, whether by hand or machine - that makes it so very special. The ones I have made with special people in my heart, praying for them and cocentrating on how much I love them as I stitch, have become heirlooms that I know will be cherished forever :*)
Wow, what cute little blocks in the small quilt. And I agree ... there's something extra special about a hand-quilted quilt. I admit that I'm a little biased since all the quilting I do is by hand, but I think that because we handle the quilt and because we spend more time with the quilt while hand quilting, we just form a deeper bond with the hand-quilted quilt. (No offense to those who machine quilt.)
Cute little quilt! You are spot on with your comments about hand-stitching; it is a completely different sort of connection to the work for me, and a much more enjoyable way of quilting too.
Kathy, if you look on YouTube for video by the Thimblelady, you will see her method of quilting. She was on an episode of Alex Anderson's years ago and also has a tutorial on her own website I believe. I have been using her method and thimble and am having great success quilting hoopless. The opposite hand doesn't support the quilt at all
all. There is also less pain from arthritis on the needle hand. I recommend her method, although it takes a little getting used to....but worth it!
Kathy, if you look on YouTube for video by the Thimblelady, you will see her method of quilting. She was on an episode of Alex Anderson's years ago and also has a tutorial on her own website I believe. I have been using her method and thimble and am having great success quilting hoopless. The opposite hand doesn't support the quilt at all
all. There is also less pain from arthritis on the needle hand. I recommend her method, although it takes a little getting used to....but worth it!
I've tried quilting without a hoop and felt it was more stress on my hands--and I didn't feel like I could keep my stitches as consistent without that even tension on the surface. Obviously I am pretty set in my ways, but old habits are hard to break and I have been hand quilting this way for over 40 years.
Sounds like you have good times coming up! Enjoy! : )
Your quilt looks wonderful! Good for you to try a new method.:)
Such a lovely mini valentine quilt. There's just something about red shade and white and shades thereof. I invite you to link to WIPs Be Gone to share this cute quilt and its progess. Thanks for sharing, Kathy.
I have only recently begun quilting with a hoop...all of my hand quilting is done on small quilts...I used to baste like a mad woman before getting to the quilting...now, spray baste it is!
Love you slow stitching Sunday link up...good to know there are still plenty of kindred spirits around
forgot to say how wonderful your Valentine quilt is...all that love stitched in...
Fun photo of all the hands! Enjoy your slow stitching today.
I agree what a fun photo of all the hands. Such wonderful friendships.
Have fun on your retreat. I hope you have time for hand sewing.
Totally agree with your observations about hand work. I much prefer it to machine work....though I certainly do my share of it. The so many quilts, so little time thing. Love your cute little Hugs and Kisses quilt!
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