By jove I think I’ve got it!! I think I’ve finally cracked this hand-quilting lark and now I’m cooking on gas – though it probably helps I’m on the home run!
This quilt was the Sarah Feilke BOM for 2017, I finished all the hand applique some time early last year and I’vebeen trying to hand quilt it ever since – in my defence it is a big quilt, about 96″ square.
Three weeks ago when I last shared it with you I was almost half way round the first side of the final deep border, the one with the rabbits on. I’m quilting the little diamonds on the outer border as I go along too…
Well I spent a good couple of evenings just working on this, helped I have to confess by a desire to escape the politics I could hear on the TV downstairs! I think it’s easier now I’m nearer the edge as there’s not so much man-handling of the quilt,I’m also finding quilting easier when I stitch the edges as I’m not using a hoop for that bit.
So, three weeks later and I’m here…
The straight lines are the machine basting threads which I’m gradually removing, it’s not that easy to see the quilting lines – I’m doing a cross-hatching following the line of the diamonds and outlining the rabbits and the central motifs – the heart or the flower. I’ve not quilted straight over the appliqued flowers and leaves on the vine, instead I’ve sorted of quilted underneath the top layer, taking advantage of the fact I didn’t have the courage to cut away the backing behind the applique! Unorthodox maybe, but it seems to work for me!
It’s not that easy to see how much I’ve done, it’s not easy to photograph it either as my arms aren’t long enough! I’ve basically quilted a quarter of the outside border, from one centre to the next one..
I can even say I’ve enjoyed it, in fact, I’ve changed from ‘I’m never hand-quilting a quilt ever again’ to ‘Maybe a smaller quilt next time’
Hand Quilt Along Links
This Hand Quilt Along is an opportunity for hand quilters and piecers to share and motivate one another. We post every three weeks, to show our progress and encourage one another. If you have a hand quilting project and would like to join our group contact Kathy at the link below.
Kathy, Margaret, Emma, Tracy, Deb, Susan, Nanette, Edith, Sharon, Karrin, Gretchen and Kathi
I’ll also be linking up with Kathy’s Quilts for Slow Stitching Sunday, a celebration of all things hand stitched.
thecraftycreek 
I think when you’ve finished this, you will stand back and be amazed that you made a thing of such beauty . . . and you’ll be ready to hand quilt again, I’m sure!
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Thanks Claire, just a couple of months ago I’d have said no way, not a chance, …but now there’s an idea just starting to sprout!
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It’s gorgeous and in time you will forget the struggle and simply marvel. as I do now.
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Thanks Cathy, a bit like babies 🙂
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There now, you see it’s not so bad! You’ve made good progress, and one of the rewards of quilting something big is always getting to the edges, where you don’t have the whole thing lying all over you! Besides, it would be a pity to waste all those skills you’ve developed so painfully!
You might find it easier to photograph with a strong light source at the side, or even lying on a table rather than hanging. Side lighting shows the ups and downs better.
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Thanks Kate for all your encouragement and help along the way 🙂 One problem with photographing it is finding somewhere big enough – this was on the floor, just a quarter of it and my arms weren’t long enough!
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Im sure this quilt is gonna be amazing. Your ideas for the quilting sound nice. I’m handquilting my Kenyan quilt and also find it easier without my hoop. Even with cross stitch and embroidery i haven’t made my peace yet with using a hoop 😅. Although I know the benefits.
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Thanks Bella, I like the sit-on embroidery hoops so I have both hands free, further in the quilt the lap quilting hoop allows me to get my hand under more easily….but actual quilting is easier without 🙂
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This quilt is always going to be extra special to you, because it was your first to quilt by hand. And I predict that you’ll be quilting by hand again, on another project, very soon!
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Thanks Kerry, I have to confess to having a little idea 🙂
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Just lovely! I have been admiring your quilt as you have been working on it. You are very ambitious to hand quilt this huge quilt as your first hand quilting project.
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Thanks Gail, it seemed a good idea at the time!
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Oh well done, Margaret! You are in the groove now, and I bet this final border gets easier and easier as you go!
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Thanks Kathy, I hope so!
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Hand quilting a quilt this size is a true labor of love and meditation 🙂 For me, once you find that magical rhythm there is such a calm and peace to the process. Your quilt is truly a magical journey ‘down the rabbit hole’ ~ gorgeous!
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Thanks, it’s certainly been quite a journey 🙂
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I have so much enjoyed seeing your progress in this- it is lovely
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Thanks Karin, it’s been a long term project!
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Looking great, Margaret! 🙂
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Thanks Laura, I’m finally winning!
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This is so very pretty!
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Thank you
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Your quilt is beautiful! Hand quilting does take a long time and does get tiresome along the way but so worth it when the quilt is finished. Happy Stitching!
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Thanks Gretchen, I’m getting there finally!
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Your quilt is a pretty of great beauty. Love all those pretty colours. As for hand quilting, though painfully slow I always think it adds such wonderful and soft texture to a quilt. Your hand quilting is lovely. You are on the home run now….can’t wait to see your beautiful quilt when you have stitched the last stitch. It is going to be a masterpiece.
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Thanks Kim, I can see light at the end of the tunnel 🙂
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Going to be a beauty when finished! Yes large quilts are very difficult to hand quilt when not in a large frame! You are doing well! Hugs
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I’m impressed you even tried to hand Quilt this mammoth sized quilt! You deserve a gold medal for sure!!!!❤️❤️
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I feel the excitement of being in the final stages!👏😀 you are going to have one beautiful quilt there when your finished!
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