Thursday, April 7, 2011

A spring finish!

Here it is! My raffle quilt is complete after a marathon quilting session yesterday.

Raffle quilt complete!

I totally copied Katy's quilt along sample and quilted horizontal lines with my Pfaff's wavy stitch. I didn't quilt as densely as she did as my thread supply for the bobbin (to match the back of the quilt) was running too low to risk it. This quilt had to be complete for our fund raising event tomorrow night. I managed to spread the quilting evenly with a row along each sashing seam and two rows through each row of squares.

Raffle quilt wavy quilting

Now I'm trying to decide if I should wash and dry it prior to the event. What do you think? Would the crinkly look appeal to the non-quilting public, or should I keep it crisp-looking? (fellow teammates, Di, Jo, Andrea, Marsha, Rebecca, please advise!).

I always label quilts that leave my home. Admittedly, I'm less reliable on labeling quilts staying with us because I always think 'ahh, I'll do that later'. I once read an article by a quilt appraiser who said it is important to 'quilt the label in' for security (i.e. harder to remove label in the case of *gasp* quilt theft - which does happen, sadly). I often plan to do this, but then the excitement of sandwiching and getting on with the quilting causes my brains to fall out and I forget.

Not this time. Look at me go! I sewed the label to the backing using my machine's blanket stitch and then quilted right through that sucker. I also finished the binding by machine. I love hand stitching my bindings to the back, but 20 minutes vs 4 hours was a no-brainer this time around.

Raffle quilt label

I'm so happy this quilt is done. It's been pieced since mid-November (see, I always stall after the top is pieced!!), so it was about time to quilter-up and finish the job. I am a woman in need of deadlines.

To make your own jelly roll quilt, visit Fat Quarterly and look under 'tutorials'.

31 comments:

Unknown said...

Lovely work - well done

Flo @ Butterfly Quilting said...

Great quilt! And I love the label...do you print this on with a printer, or just a marking pen?

Unknown said...

Wow, it looks amazing, well done!

Amy Friend said...

Wow, you can really work under pressure! It looks fabulous! I kinda think washing it would be good because clearly it will need to be washed over its life and this way, the new owner knows what to expect. You are very generous!

dutchcomfort said...

Such a sweet quilt Krista! I love the sashings and the quilting is beautiful!

I never prewash quilts unless they are gifts for babies.

felicity said...

Wonderful, wonderful. I would *not* prewash.

Donna said...

Beautiful! I would wash it...the crinkly effect is the "frosting," in my opinion. The quilt is truly lovely.

Pam said...

It is beautiful Krista! Great job! I am sure you will get many opinions on to wash or not to wash - I wouldn't pre-wash it and leave it to look "brand new" You can always include washing instructions with the quilt. I wish I could go to the event but we will be out of town. Good luck tomorrow and I hope it is a very successful evening - Have fun!

Mermaid's Purse said...

It's gorgeous! I love the wavy quilting - it gives a lovely texture as is so I wouldn't wash it beforehand!

Live a Colorful Life said...

This is a beautiful quilt and the wavy quilting is awesome! I might make a similar quilt with my Hunky Dory fabric.

Patty said...

Very pretty, and should be a good money-maker for your charity :-) I'd like to use that idea for the waving quilting lines in a future project!

pinksuedeshoe said...

I love this. After your first post about it I pulled out my Jelly Roll. I can't wait to cut it apart! Good luck at auction! (Also, your backing fabric is totally one of the prints in Creamie's room. )

WandaFish said...

This looks fabulous, Krista! I hope it raises lots of money :)
What size has it come out at? I'm looking for inspiration for the Naked Bed Challenge and might have just found it!

WandaFish said...

Oh, I'm in the don't pre-wash camp :)

Dianne said...

Beautiful Krista, a job well done!! Aren't you proud I didn't use the L word? :0)
I like the crisp look myself so would go with no washing. I can see the donations rolling in now....

Unknown said...

So pretty your quilt, Krista! I'm in favour of the washing (love the crinkly look and soft feel, like it's been around for generations) but that's just me...

Christina said...

Such a pretty quilt! I really like how you quilted it too. Good tip on the labels:)

Krista said...

Lovely! I love washing quilts right after they're done, but I could see that people who don't understand quilts might think it's been used? I've wondered the same thing myself for donation quilts.

Barb said...

A beautiful finish for a wonderful cause! I hope it raises lots of money. I wouldn't wash it, but I would include washing instructions and a note that it will crinkle with washing so the buyer is aware. Congrats on your finish.

sandra said...

Beautiful quilt , I always wash my quilt as soon as I finish but it is a very individual thing but including washing instructions is an excellent idea.

Katie B said...

Beautiful quilt for an excellent cause!

What Comes Next? said...

it is beautiful Krista, and I hope the fundraiser is a huge success. I agree to the not washing, but including the care instructions for the future owner.

ladybugquilting said...

Great Job!
Let's hope you raise lot's.
I vote no to washing, I love the Crisp Look and to Non Quilters it could look used!

Jodie said...

I love the wavy line quilting - it looks great.
and I vote crisp for what its worth - being a non-quilter.

myBearpaw said...

Your quilt is gorgeous, I bet it makes tons of money for that wonderful charity. I am very impressed with your machine too, I really need to upgrade! I say don't wash.

Lynne (Lily's Quilts) said...

I love this more than I can say and do not wash - I like the clean look and then they can make it crinkly themselves - Krista, I love this soooooo much.

mamadevlin said...

Love that pattern and I love the way your quilt turned out. I have 2 jelly rolls and 2 charm packs that I have been trying to find a pattern for. The quilt that you just made would be perfect!! I tried to look at Katy's blog to find her quilt along and I don't see it. Would you mind sharing it?

Canadian Kristin said...

Well done, Krista! That's an amazing piece of love right there!!! I know you'll do well in the auction! Really, well done!

Andrea C said...

I LOVE IT!! Gosh it did turn out lovely. I'm not giving my opinion re washing or not because you've probably made the decision either way. See you tonight.

Rene' said...

I love how you did the wavy line quilting...very simple but great effect! I'm interested to hear whether you washed it or not...always a dilemma for me when giving/donating. Good idea with the label.

Kirsty said...

I love this quilt. I have hunky dory and have been deliberating about what to do with it. Just picked up a lovely piece of taupe linen so I'm thinking I might put the two together. Thank you for your inspiration!