My quilt group decided earlier this year to make a couple of quilts which would be raffled off at a coffee morning in November. Since I never know when to keep my big mouth shut, I volunteered to quilt them. I should have known better. I did stipulate the backing must be quilting fabric and the wadding was to be a decent one which was not poly. The quilts were dropped off earlier this week. The backing was so dense I think it could stand up on its own! That, plus the fact that the blocks were all made by people with differing levels of expertise so the seams were not too good at times, oh yes, and the odd pin left in! made for a tricky job. Poor Bertha nearly had a (nervous) breakdown when I tried to persuade her that she wanted to quilt the first one. Eventually, by raising the foot, raising the pressure on the foot, fiddling for ever with the tension, etc, I got going. The final result is OK, but I have to say that the backing fabric just does not do it for me. I was told it was bought specially because it went so well with the tops. Whaaat? You can see for yourself in the pictures.
Next time I am heard even thinking about offering to quilt a group quilt, please would somebody remind me of this experience?
AW... Your just a good person and wanted to help out !!! HAHA!!!
ReplyDeleteYou know it does look good from here !!
Your quilting is gorgeous and that's all that matters. I like the front but must agree with you....ouch to the back!! You're a good person for doing this and I am sure they appreciate you!
ReplyDeletePaulette
I love your quilting but I'm cracking up on the backing. I am not saying a thing! NOT a word.
ReplyDeleteSticking with the quilting. that really is a lovely, flowing design. I'm muchly impressed!
Open mouth and insert foot. I have done gotten myself into trouble by volunteering for stuff, too. But I still do it again.
ReplyDeleteThe backing fabric looks a little dense, but the top is pretty, and the quilting is beautiful as always!
ReplyDeleteOh poor you and Bertha. I hope she feels better now
ReplyDeleteLove and hugs Gina xxx
Oh dear! Poor Bertha, poor you! But it was a lovely thing for you to do! I've got a similar task, but I get to use my wadding and backing, so at least I know it will be fine! Great job on the quilting, but I'm with you on the backing ... not to my taste at all!
ReplyDeleteYou have done a lovely job Sue and the quilt top looks beautiful. I'll be diplomatic (unusual I know!) and not comment on the backing.
ReplyDeleteGood job on the quilting Sue, as usual :o). Next time you'll have to stipulate that you'll quilt it if you get to choose the backing and wadding.
ReplyDeleteGood advice from Sewali! I wondered why you didn't do just that - they could have been told that you could get a discount in a 'store' you knew of.......taken the money and chosed what Bertha likes! I am sure the quilt will look lovely anddo well, as long as no one asks to see the back while it's being raffled!
ReplyDeleteHey Quilthaze, I love the diplomacy! As for the rest of everyone's comments, yes, I should have said I would get the backing and wadding. Too late now to realise that. Still, I won't be making that mistake again!
ReplyDeleteBeen there--cottonreel
ReplyDeleteYes, I've learned that sometimes you get challenges when you volunteer but the quilt looks great -- I love rail fence quilts.
ReplyDeleteBeen there, done that, swore I would never wear the T shirt again!
ReplyDeleteHowever, that backing looks so horrible that I would have donated fabric of my own just so I did not have to quilt through it!
Well, I must say, I have learnt a lesson from this.
ReplyDelete