Scrappy Log Cabin Project

While hand quilting my Liberty Four Patch quilt I started a new project with the same fabrics plus some other scraps : a baby crib quilt with Log Cabin blocks separated by strips.

For the central squares I cut 3"x 3".

For the strips I cut 1.75" width.

The finished block measures 8"x 8".

The finished top will measure 24"x 37".

In my circle there are three babies to be born soon : one next July and two next autumn! This means another three baby quilts to offer... how great, I love sewing baby quilts!

Hand Quilting

My last three posts showed you my Liberty Four Patch progress step by step.

Forth step : putting the basted three layers on the hoop and starting hand quilting.

After trying many kinds of batting (synthetic, cotton, wool) I found out that for hand quilting the synthetic one gives the best result. You can almost get the Trapunto look by making very small stitches and slightly pulling the thread.

The second picture shows how I use my hoop to quilt the border.

After hand quilting is finished, I sewed the binding as shown here and here, and this is the last step.

Spring is beautiful these days, and it was so pleasant to quilt outside, especially when the quilt colors are in harmony with the garden! I cannot prevent myself from sending you pictures of my flowers.

Basting Tutorial

The first thing when you prepare basting is to cut the backing and the batting at least 4 inches larger and 4 inches longer than the top.

Draw a mark on the middle of your table.

Fold your backing in two lengthwise, wrong side against wrong side.

Line it up with the mark.

Open and fix it with a tape.

Do the same with your batting. Then fold your top in two lengthwise, right side against right side and line it up.

This is what you obtain.

These are the tools you need for basting your three layers.

Before stitching, put some pins to maintain the three layers together.

The spoon will help you to lift and grasp your needle effortless without moving the quilt.

Start from the middle of the quilt and stitch diagonal lines with big stitches.

The quilt is now ready to be fixed on the hoop for hand quilting.