Tuesday, May 24, 2016

QAYG tutorial

 As I promised yesterday I will explain more about process of making QAYG.
After having a request to design and make a wedding quilt I began to think about possibility to make a big quilt on my domestic sewing machine.
One and the only possibility is QAYG. There are several ways.
I have tried method with stripes well described by Mariane from the Quilting Edge.
Now decided to divide the quilt in four, quilt all of the pieces, collect them, put a whole back, stitch three layers and make a binding.
All the steps are easy to follow, I have made several quilts, mug rugs, place mats etc.


 After quilting each quarter I stitched them together.
 

 Trim the exceed batting  close to the stitch at both sides.


Open seam allowances and fasten them to the batting.
Because all three layers will be stitched only, not heavy quilted, I suppose these allowances have to be fixed such way.




As a final step I have to add backing and collect all layers.
Lay on the floor and fix with safety pins.
At the beginning I thought to stitch all diagonals in one direction and then in other direction.


Meanwhile I realized that the big distance between lines (about 10 inches) might be a problem.
And I found a new way. It is brilliant and worked for me.
Although I have to stop to turn the quilt this way is better. The turn is very tiny so I made it perfect.



Making the binding is like a kids' play after all work.

Monday, May 23, 2016

The wedding quilt Diamonds was finished

Another big quilt is finished. I am pretty much satisfied with the result.


 The pictures are taken and the quilt is on its way to the just married young couple.


Here I asked a tall friend and mom staying on a chair to hold the quilt - the size is 87 x 82 inches - the biggest quilt I have ever made.


Now my design wall is empty - the printed project still staying alone on it.


Come here tomorrow - I will share some hints how to collect the 4 pieces.

Quilting with an open toe walking foot


Till now I have been used my walking foot and think it works well. That's why I think buying an open toe foot is not a must.
After 10 minutes I am fell in love with my open toe foot.
Look at the visibility.


It goes better than my stitch in the ditch foot.
Very useful for the project I am making - QAYG wedding quilt.