1/11/15

Stitching to Beat the Snails

Today I'm stitching at a glacial pace. I'm working at getting the Psycatdelic quilt thread-basted...something new for me. As I said yesterday, I'm using Sharon Schamber's method which clearly is easier when you're working with a quilt the size of hers. My quilt is much larger at 80 x 65 inches, and it's going to take me a while to get it finished. All I can say is that I hope I'm happy with the results when all is said and done.

As you can see, there's a lot more quilt rolled up on the boards than there is stitched and hanging off the end of the table.


It's slow-going trying to keep everything smooth. I unstitched and restitched this section at least three times trying to get the tucks out of the quilt back.


Since then, I've realized that I need to keep nudging the board for the back tight in each section because it tends to slide as I work. Now that I've figured that out, I'm hoping things will go a little more smoothly...no pun intended. But it's a pretty good pun, don't you think?

Did I show you the label I made for it in a moment of extreme optimism? Because only extreme optimism would lead me to believe that this quilt will be finished some day. Anyway. I googled "psychedelic cat images" and found this one on the FlickR page of "Elizabeth". It seemed perfect for my label and so I wrote to Elizabeth, who graciously gave me permission to use her sketch. Here's the label I'm planning to use:



Also this morning, I did some more work on my Gingerbread Square block. I think it's safe to claim at least half finished now. 


Can you see the sparkly gold thread for the "Kiss" lanterns on either sides of the door? I'll be using that to stitch the garland for the tree, and I'll be using silver sparkly thread to stitch the smoke from the chimney when I get that far. Fun, huh?

Once I have the rest of the candy cane arch stitched (and the rest of the French knots for the wreaths on the door), I'll be ready to move my hoop and finish the right side of the piece. 


So much fun. 

In honor of my morning of ultra sedate stitching, I'm linking up to Sunday Slow Stitching.


Tonight we're going to see Unbroken. I've read the book, and I'm looking forward to seeing the movie. It's a fantastic story if you haven't read the book. I thought it was fiction when I read it and discovered to open-mouthed amazement that it was a true story. A good read if you're looking for something.

Until then, I'll just continue on at my leisurely pace.

19 comments:

Kaisievic said...

Your cat quilt is so amazing; good luck with the basting! I also love your gingerbread house block. I would like to see Unbroken, amazing that he went through all that and still lived to 97! My dear Dad is a Changi veteran and he is still in excellent health at 95! They made them tough in the old days, didn't they?

WoolenSails said...

I just love that quilt and can't wait to see it quilted. I always like to have a machine stitch and a hand stitch project going at the same time.

Debbie

Lyndsey said...

The cat quilt is delightful and the gingerbread house looks good enough to eat. You always manage to find such fun stitchery patterns. i haven't read the book but Unbroken is on my must see list.

quiltzyx said...

I was just reading about the board method for basting - I skipped the video though. My quilt teacher had shown us that quite a few years ago, but I had forgotten about it until you wrote about it.
The Gingerbread stitchery is looking great! Does any of the crayon rub off on you while you're stitching? I know you heat set it, but I wondered. Is the garland on the tree all French knots?
Do you remember the old cat painting I showed last year that my sister did when she was a teenager? Skinny cats kind of entwined on a brown background. Nancy (my sister) told me to toss it when I sent her a picture of it, but I decided I wanted to keep it. Now I've decided that I don't like the brown background, so I'm going to take the canvas off the stretchers & figure out a way to use it (without the brown) in a quilt. It's my job for today. That's my story & I'm sticking to it!

Vroomans' Quilts said...

I don't think I could mess with the boards - I have done a few king size on my single banquet table. It takes time, patience and a lot of smoothing - but they got done (so my mother could hand quilt them - not me). Great label for they cat quilt. And the gingerbread house is coming along nicely.

dq said...

It is SEW SEW SEW pretty!

Junebug613 said...

I'll just wish you luck on getting Psycatdelic basted. I have only quilted a few small quilts. The label is fantastic! I'm enjoying watching your Gingerbread stitchery come to life.

Brown Family said...

We always learn lessons when we venture into something new. Love the label!

Celtic Thistle said...

Great label Barbara! I love your Gingerbread stitchery too.

Doreen said...

I use Sharon's method of basting for all my quilts and love it!!!! My 8' boards are the only ones that really get the work-out, the shorter ones (Sharon's wall-hanging length) don't get used much. The big difference is that I pin-baste (see here: http://treadlemusic.wordpress.com/2013/02/05/pin-basting/) and I have never (I know, dangerous word!) had any problems with wrinkling, etc, of the backing......even when the quilt extended beyond the length of the boards!!!!!! And it goes so quickly......usually done in 30-45 min. I am totally in love with your quilt and the label is the perfect one!!!!!
PLEASE......change your comment settings so I can use my WordPress sign-in. Thanks.

Quilter Kathy said...

That gingerbread house looks good enough to eat!!

juliehallfeldhaus said...

You get so much done!!! I saw that method of quilt basting. I might check it out better and use it for my program at quilt guild. I also have read the book Unbroken and we went to the movie. I think they left the most important part of his story out of the movie. I won't say what so I ruin it for you:)

Diane Wild said...

Love the labels you put on your quilts. Also read Unbroken and anxious to see the movie some day.

Becky said...

It was all the basting that made me decide on a long-arm machine. You are so prolific!

Dar said...

I have used Sharon's method of thread basting on the boards and have had no problems whatsoever. I usually spray my backing and top with a sizing or light spray starch during the final pressing of each and away I go. I've done a king size quilt in less than an hour, by myself. Your quilt is so cute. Love the label too, purrrfect.

Jennie in GA said...

Love your cat quilt....it will be worth the trouble of basting. And I ADORE your Gingerbread Square blocks!

CathieJ said...

I love that quilt. I am looking forward to seeing it finished.....maybe the label will influence the stitching. I really like your Gingerbread Block also. So sweet....pun intended.

Tami C said...

Your label for your Psycatdelic quilt is adorable! Your Gingerbread Square block is really coming along. I really like it.

Kate said...

Progress on two projects, you are moving right along.