Wednesday, February 6, 2013

An Improv & LillyBelle Quilt { A Quilt As You Go Finish } : :

Improv & LillyBelle QAYG finished quilt

I am so thrilled to have this quilt finished! To say that I took my time with it, is a HUGE understatement, and definitely shouldn't signify that creating it wasn't fun! I really enjoyed it and I'm so glad I took my time! I think it's honest to say that the main reason it did take until now is simply because I was making this quilt just for me, and you know how those things get pushed to the bottom of the list!

Well, since sharing my Quilt As You Go How-to, I've received so many questions on finishing a qayg quilt! I took lots of photos as I finished, to share today and link to as a Part 2 of that tutorial. My intention was to make the finishing of this quilt as easy as possible and I think it was!

For starters, I used 505 Basting Spray for the first time. That's the only part I didn't photograph. My husband helped with the spraying, I laid the quilt right side down, he sprayed the batting that was already quilted to the quilt top in smallish sections, and I made sure the seams were all nice and flat while I smoothed down the backing fabric. All in all it took maybe 20 minutes!

About a week later, I finally found the time to add my final quilting stitches. When adding this stitching it IS recommended that you do use a Walking Foot. I haven't found it necessary now that I am using my Janome. Working my way down from the top of my quilt to the bottom, with my stitch length set at 3, I simply sewed about 1/4" to maybe 1/2" from the seam line.

sewing along each side of the seam

scant quiting stitch

I continued this for both sides of each seam running from the top of my quilt to the bottom!

quilt both sides of the seams

Here's a good look at just how these stitches will look from the backside of your quilt!

quilted stitches from the back

Now working from side to side, I decided this time to add my stitches by stitching in the ditch. This is a way of quilting that minimizes how much thread shows on the top of the quilt. Even though stitching in the ditch is somewhat invisible on the top of the quilt, it does secure all three layers of the quilt sandwich!

from side to side -- stitch in the ditch

You can add your quilting stitches either way -- by stitching along the seams, by stitching in the ditch, or combining them as I did.  Any of these will be enough to set that backing fabric to your quilt as you go quilt top!

Here's a look at how those stitches will look from the back of your quilt, once you're completely finished!

quilted stitches -- back

But first, you have to bind the quilt using your preferred method! I know there are about a million ways to do so, my go-to is exactly the same as Allson's of Cluck, Cluck, Sews Machine Binding method! She has a wonderful tutorial!!

I also love using this super smart, time saving trick!

Add your binding

If you have a foot on your machine or extension table, the binding unrolls neatly and slowly, and out of your way, as you add it to your quilt. No need for pins -- LOVE it!!

Little Binding Trick

Seriously -- between the quilting as you go, the basting spray, and this little binding trick -- quilting doesn't get any easier folks!!

And, in the end you have a pretty, handmade quilt!!

back, binding. front

QAYG Quilt


Since this quilt is just for me, yay ! I went a little crazy with the super sweet and girly LillyBelle Garden Rocket border and used nothing but Bari J.'s Henna Stripe for the back! I love it!! It's so colorful and fun on the front and has such a Wintery back, and I do LOVE Winter!!

Wintry Back -- Henna Stripe & Aqua

In the end I think we'll all agree, regardless of your fabric taste or even how you make a quilt -- that this is the very best part!

Finished Last Night!!

I hope you do give qayg a try! Be sure to let me know if you do, ok? Feel free to share on my Facebook page or in my Maureen Cracknell Handmade Flickr group, and of course you can share a link here or email me anytime, as well!

Thanks so much for stopping by!!   ♥Maureen

84 comments:

  1. so beautiful, maureen! i've never tried qayg, but you make it look so doable and fun!

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  2. I can't wait to use the binding tip on my next quilt! That's one of those "why didn't I ever think of that" things! I love the backing fabric!

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    1. I know it! I'm so glad you like the backing fabric, I was worried it looked a little busy in my full shot photo. Up close, it's so pretty! I love to just stare at it!! :)

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  3. Absolutely gorgeous!

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  4. and now trying to rig my machine up to do that binding trick!!! thanks for sharing!

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  5. Very nice. I wish my sewing machine had one of those binding spools. I would love to be able to do that:)

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  6. love that last picture the best! warm and cozy. :-) I am wanting to give qayg a try, so saving all your posts for when i have the time... thanks for sharing the how-tos!

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  7. I like how this turned out! I have been thinking more and more that I need to start machine quilting some of my quilts but do not want to pay to have someone else do them. This method would certainly make it easier for me to do myself. I notice you do not use a walking foot - I have always been told that you needed a walking foot to do straight line quilting - nice to see that you don't

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    1. Thanks Karen! I'm going to edit this to suggest that you do use a walking foot, actually. I meant to, but forgot. It is definitely recommended, but I haven't found it necessary with my Janome!

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  8. This looks fab. Glad the basting spray worked well for you!

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  9. Oh it turned out so beautiful!!! Now I can't wait to get started on mine. I don't know if it's just a mental thing for me, but I needed to see your project all the way through before I started mine. I like a clear picture in my head before I start any project. Thanks for the binding tip. I will have to share that with my mother.

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  10. Your quilt is beautiful. Thanks for including the links to the tutorials. They were quite helpful.

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  11. Beautiful!
    I love the photo outside in the snow - quilt reminds me of those first signs of spring - early bulbs poking through the snow, facing some clear, blue, sunny skies! :)

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  12. Very Pretty. I am using your QAYG technique right now, however, I am on the S-L-O-W path, no finish in sight yet.

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  13. It's beautiful!! I love the pictures in the snow. All the colors really pop!

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  14. What a spectacular quilt, Maureen! Sometimes a girl just has to make something girly for herself! I'm hoping to try the qayg method soon. You make it look easy!

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    1. It is easy, I promise you!! And, once you get all those blocks done, finishing comes together in a cinch! I just realized I forgot to measure this quilt, but it's a large one. Using qayg for a crib size would be just wonderful -- I'm adding it to my list!! :)

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  15. Love the finished quilt. You do make it look easy, especially for those of us who have small home machines where fitting a big ol' finished quilt is just near impossible. I do want to try this for my next big quilt.

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  16. It's just beautiful, and I really like that chunky border! I'm so glad you got it finished. I love the binding spool idea. I use bias, so I do have to be careful that it doesn't handled too much.

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  17. What a lovely quilt! I want to give QAYG a go ~ just need the right project to do it with!
    Say, did you ever think of what fabric and quilt you want to make from yesterday?

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  18. Love the idea of putting the binding on the foot of the extension table. I'll have to try it - I've been putting the binding rolled up on the floor.

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  19. Wow this amazing Maureen!! Love the first picture plus love the binding trick. Can't wait to see what you do next.

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  20. I want to make my very first quilt for my son- age 29- he is getting married on the beach( he lives on the coast). I had to work so hard while he was growing up to provide all the things he needed I never had time to do the extra special things I would have liked to do. Could you do a gallery of all the quilts you have made- I would love to see all the patterns. Thank You for making my life so much more colorful.

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  21. I want to make my very first quilt for my son- age 29- he is getting married on the beach( he lives on the coast). I had to work so hard while he was growing up to provide all the things he needed I never had time to do the extra special things I would have liked to do. Could you do a gallery of all the quilts you have made- I would love to see all the patterns. Thank You for making my life so much more colorful.

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  22. Love it. I am definitely going to plan a quilt as you go quilt soon. One more trick for those of us who don't have that cute little foot for the binding, I use a small piece of masking tape to attach it to an empty Aurifil spool and wind it up. Then I stick it on my extra upright spool holder. (I have a Bernina) and it works just the same way, you untape when you get to the end. I rarely pin my bindings anyway.

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  23. Ah! It turned out great! I absolutely love it! I've never done QAYG before, so I'll need to try that. And that binding trick... genius!!

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  24. I need to try a QAYG quilt. I love Lilybelle. I made a quilt for my niece from that line. it's so pretty, modern, yet feminie!

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  25. Thank you so much for the tip about the binding around the leg on the extension table. What a awesome idea. Thanks a million.

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  26. Gorgeous quilt, Maureen! Love the QAYG method, and must give it a try this year. I am also a convert to 505 spray basting; such a time and back saver for me! I haven't tried straight line quilting without my walking foot on my Janome, but it looks great.

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  27. Gorgeous!! Thanks so much for the tutes, tips, and tricks!!

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  28. I love how this quilt came out. I have 3 quilts now waiting to be bound, and this is the method I was going to use! And thank you for sharing your sewing table hack. brilliant! I am going to try that next time.

    I really love how the print on the back looks in such a large scale. I used that fabric in tiny 2.5" squares and it looks like a totally different print!

    Did I miss how the spray basting went for you? I finally quilted that one quilt that I did it with and was pretty happy with the results. I can't remember if you posted about your experience.

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  29. The quilt looks great, but I am in awe at the binding trick!! That is so amazing- thanks for sharing!

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  30. This is gorgeous and your QAYG works really well. Mum wants me to make her a king size quilt and the only way I can manage to quilt it will be using this method.

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    1. I have only made large quilts using this method and it does work beautifully! Good luck with your quilts, you can do it!!!

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  31. Soooo pretty Maureen. I think I remember when you showed us this fabric way back when. Loved it then love it now. I'm a big fan of the spray basting. I've tried machine stitching my binding but it has turned out the best. Back to hand stitching for me. I know some say it's relaxing but honestly for me at that point I want to get that baby on, washed, dried, and snuggling. Enjoy your beauty, love the pic taken laying on the couch. ;o)

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  32. This turned out fab!! I remember when you first shared those quilt block pictures last Summer, that was a long time ago! Haha =D So happy for you to have this finished for yourself!!

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  33. Maureen your quilt is beautiful. I have yet to make myself one--I just might do that this year. I agree with you about not using a walking for for the quilting. I find that my regular foot works just as well. You are right about adjusting the stitch length. Other than that, it is smooth sailing for me. I totally love the backing. Your color choice is also super.

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    1. Thank you Jerry! I'm so happy to read you agree! I have only used the walking foot once on my Janome and realized right away it wasn't really necessary. With all the non-quilting sewing I do, it's nice to not have to use anything other than the regular foot and feed for everything!!

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  34. I heard about a quilter that makes a quilt for herself every year on her birthday. I only have the first quilt I ever made. I'm thinking I might make one for myself this year and begin a tradition. I can't wait to try this quilt as you go method because it seems to come together quickly. Thank you for the links to the tutorials and all the photos. I'm glad that you made a nice something for yourself.

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  35. I've been eagerly waiting to see the finished quilt, and it certainly doesn't disappoint!It looks absolutely beautiful!And as much as i love the front, the back is so striking with the turquoise binding against the grey.
    Fantastic work!

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  36. Maybe you saw your binding trick on my blog? I thought I came up with in last summer....but I saw it somewhere else after I blogged it too. http://www.happierthanabirdquilts.com/2012/08/the-largest-quilt-shes-ever-made-part-9.html

    I really want to give QAYG a try, I'm just wondering how the backing would end up without having has much quilting stabilizing it.

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  37. I am in love with the border fabric!

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  38. Such a pretty quilt and you get to keep it, yeah!!!!!

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  39. I love it! Love the outdoors pic, as well as the one of the quilt on the couch! I've thought about doing qayg, but just haven't tried it yet. Love the backing!!! I'm starting a quilt which will be raffled at a Celebration of Life Golf Tournament being played in memory of my brother, who died of cancer in December. I imagine there will be a lot of tears quilted into this one...

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  40. Hi Maureen:
    I would like to join a quilt along but not sure who to go with. I am new to quilting & need something pretty basic & easy & then I will take it to a long armer for the real quilting.

    Also, I tried to change my profile to a reply to comment but could not find that on my account info. Suggestions?

    Jeanette Schnell

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  41. Oohhhh it's so luscious. That quilting looks wonderful. Great finish!

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  42. this is absolutely gorgeous my dear! and thanks for the binding tip! that is soooo smart!!!

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  43. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  44. Your quilt is so pretty! I think I need some of that gorgeous backing fabric. With this QAYG method, when the quilt is finished is it noticeable that there is batting in the seams? I like that binding holder trick and I saved it to use after I get a new machine. For now I put my binding on a cardboard tube (from toilet paper) and hang it around my neck and it unrolls as I stitch the binding on.

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  45. The quilt looks beautiful! I used your tutorial last year and I love this method! I will always use this method if I can because it is so much easier on my shoulders. I also like that the front can be quilted alot and the backing stays nice and soft with minimal quilting. The contrast is fantastic! I was worried about the seams when joining the blocks but it wasn't an issue at all! Glad spray basting worked out well, I aim to try it this year.

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    1. Thanks Rebecca! The seams, I think, are what most people worry about with this method of quilting. I would neither do it nor share it, if it was a problem. I really appreciate you sharing your own experience with qayg here!!

      I have to say -- I am a spray basting convert! I don't think I'll ever go back! I even used it to baste a large pillow that I just quilted. It is really wonder stuff! My biggest concern was the possibility of fumes, since I am so sensitive to chemicals, etc...but it wasn't a problem at all! Be sure to let me know if you do try it!! :)

      Thanks again!

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  46. Very pretty :o) Wish my quilting table had feet like that, I seem to find myself draped in binding when I'm sewing it on o.O

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  47. Absolutely beautiful quilt, front and back. Also, I love your images, the quilt on the fence, with the evergreen, etc. is just wonderful. You are such a talented woman!!!!!!!! xxxxxxxxx

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    1. Thank you sweet Sondra! I am fond of this fence, too! I'm not sure if it really shows in the photos, but it's really huge! I may switch it up and share my next quilt in my favorite tree in our yard. For the past few days we have had two beautiful, bright cardinals and one yellow Oriole hanging out in this tree. It's becoming a favorite spot of mine!!

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  48. This turned out beautiful! And seriously, the binding tip is awesome -- so gonna try that out very soon!

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  49. Beautifully done. Your instructions are easy to follow and your quilt turned out so well.

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  50. Only if I had this blog read 2 days ago! I just bound my first large quilt and I hated hauling the binding around! I'm so going to do that trick for the next quilt! Thank you for sharing that!

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  51. Your quilt is beautiful. I can't wait to try this out. I already have a pile of blocks made up and was wondering what to do with them. Your instructions are great. Thanks so very much.

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  52. this is so beautiful! the backing fabric is perfection and when i look at it i feel spring coming!

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  53. I cant find in the instructions where you put the backing on... do you just put a solid piece of fabric on and stitch at the block intersections?

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    1. I used 505 basting spray to baste the backing fabric to the quilted quilt top, before I stitched it all together.

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  54. Could you make/improvise a spool holder for the binding to fit on? I love the idea but my mqchine does not have this attachment.
    Thank you.

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  55. lovely quilt--love the backing material (shows you think outside of the box!!). Your tutorial is very concise and easy to understand, and I can't wait to try this method!!

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  56. I could just hug you, Maureen!
    I was thinking the other morning, while changing our bed, that I'd like to make a "nearly-to-the-floor" quilt for our bed. The thought of trying to quilt such a thing is just too daunting though, this technique is the perfect solution!
    Thank you so much :D
    X

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  57. I had tried another method and did not like it, so this looks much simpler and I have blocks waiting. Also a big hug for the binding tip. That will work for me! Thank you, thank you and thank you!!! Your quilt is absolutely gorgeous!!

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  58. I'm working on my first QAYG quilt! I'm having a blast quilting each square! And I'm using your method because I can't sew too much by hand without my hands hurting. Can't wait to see how it turns out! :) Thanks so much for the tutorials!

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  59. Hi Maureen: Thanks for all the tips you give us. I read every one of your posts because I always learn something new.

    I am looking at a Janome Horizon 8900 not the 12000 you have, mostly because of the price difference. I would love to have the 12000 to do some hoop quilting of some fancy stitches but I don't know how often I would use it.

    Thanks for saying the Janome works well for you. I know they are a sponsor but I assume that you loved it before they sponsored you.

    I am going to start my own blog. I have a lot to say but I hope I have some new things to add. I want to blog just because I love to write. I am getting some pictures taken so I can get going.

    Thanks again for all you do!

    Kay

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  60. Thanks for the binding tip. I tried it yesterday and it works like a charm. Brilliant!

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  61. Thank you so much for these posts. I find your tutorials to be easier to understand than my Craftsy classes.

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  62. Thank you so much for these posts. I found them from Facebook and I have to say I love your blog. I have found your tutorials on QAYG so much easier to understand than any blog or video on this subject.

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  63. FYI, Just stumbled onto your blog & love it, thank you for such great eye candy & tips!

    I just took a QAYG Craftsy class (making bags) & loved it! I'm so glad to find this tutorial b/c I wanted to apply it to quilt blocks that were already made (as opposed to building a log cabin qayg) so thanks! Can't wait to go grab my blocks I just finished!

    I do have a question for the back, it looks like you just did the few lines along side the ditch & in the ditch is this right? No heavy quilting so that it doesn't interfere with the front?? Does it hold up well on the back with washing etc? As far as no sagging? Thanks!

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  64. Love your tutorials! Thank you for all the time you take to show beautiful work with your amazing photography!
    My question: do you think this qyg metod would work with flannel or would it be just too bulky? I am getting ready to make a queen size flannel quilt for ME!! I know it will be heavy once I am done, but I refuse to send my quilts out. Save the money for more fabrics etc
    LJsCustomCreatons@hotmail.com (Sorry, not a techy)

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  65. Great quilt - you must be thrilled!

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  66. I really like this. Other QAYG finishes I have not liked as much because of the way the back of the quilt looks. I like your method a lot!

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  67. Love this tutorial! I hope to this a try. Your quilt is lovely....:)

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  68. I have only one question would the basting spray work if I were to spray both the top and backing at the same time so I can just sew the quilt together without to many seams?

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  69. How did you sew, quilt the border?

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  70. Maureen - is it possible to do only a 1/4" seam to join the blocks? I have blocks all made from a class, so I can't add fabric to them to make up the extra 1/4". I have a very small throat Baby Lock and am not looking forward to fitting a twin size quilt thru it!

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  71. I've always been confused by stitch in the ditch when seams are pressed open...aren't you just stitching thread to the backing then??? I don't see how that could connect the front and batting to the back when seams are open...with the exception of intersections. Thoughts??? Help??

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