A few of you guessed that I was making a version of Abundance, the current quiltalong over at Humble Quilts. Over the last few years, Lori has organized several of these, based on recreating an actual vintage doll or child's quilt. Because I've been away for many of them, I had been looking forward to her challenge this January, but when she posted the quilt she had chosen, I was initially underwhelmed. I kept clicking back, however, and it grew on me.
On Saturday, I pushed away from the computer and started pulling fabrics. Now, Tuesday, it's almost quilted up. I took the opportunity to try out some of the Mountain Mist Cream Rose batting that I'd been hearing about and even on this little piece, I can see it will be a favorite. It's quilting up like butter! Since I do pre-wash all of my fabrics, I'm wondering how its bit of shrinkage will affect a final piece upon washing, but I plan to machine quilt up a test piece to check that out before I use it on a large project.
Speaking of pre-washing fabrics, Becky Goldsmith, one of the Piece o' Cake designers, had a good post on her blog last week regarding why you should pre-wash your quilting fabric. No matter which side you fall on this subject, I think it's worth a read.
As some of you have noticed, I didn't travel to Japan this year for the Tokyo Quilt Festival. If you're looking for some good coverage of the event, Luana Rubin, the owner of eQuilter, is there right now, blogging about it and soon, posting photos on Flickr. Last year we were taking photos side-by-side and I know she'll have lots of good shots of this year's quilts.
Thanks for the links today. I have always been a no-wash gal, but Becky's comment about pinning less almost pulls me over to the other side. The thought of washing all my fabric is a bit overwhelming, though. Maybe I will try pre-washing for just one project as a comparison.
And your mini quilt is lovely!
Posted by: Anita | January 29, 2013 at 12:04 PM
I love the look of your Abundance quilt in the hoop. I want to try that batting now too! I will look for some.
Posted by: janet | January 29, 2013 at 01:36 PM
I'm a pre washer. I made a quilt early on and used batiks, then I washed the left over fabric. Oh my, it ran and ran and ran. I'm terrified to ever wash the quilt, someone can do that after I die...and I won't gift it out because of the color issue.
Posted by: Sharon | January 29, 2013 at 01:58 PM
Thanks for the links in this post! I have just posted on my Guild blog about Becky's suggestions and reasons for washing fabric (and a link to your blog).
http://www.mahonebayquiltersguild.com/2013/01/to-wash-or-not-to-wash.html
I am and always have been a washer, just seems right! But I only iron once, before I cut. I try and fold the fabric right out of the dryer or from the clothes line - why iron twice?
Thanks again!
Posted by: Barb Robson | January 29, 2013 at 02:37 PM
So behind on visiting everyone - love the look of your Abundance quilt! And hand quilting it too - good for you! My little version must go under the machine due to time.
Checked out some of your earlier postings and my heart skipped some beats on seeing your applique - stunning work and your fabric choices are perfect!
Happy stitching!
Posted by: Pat Taylor | January 29, 2013 at 03:02 PM
It is adorable! I really like your fabric selection too!!
Posted by: Lorid | January 29, 2013 at 11:39 PM
love your little quilt and oh your stitches look great.
glad you like that batting too. Ok I may have to go back to pre-washing my fabric now . I stopped about a year ago but have always worried about the shrinkage , that post convinced me.
thanks.
Kathie
Posted by: kathie | January 30, 2013 at 05:30 AM
Your picture made me do a double take, as I saw a similar little quilt on someone else's blog and I thought I was on her blog -- I didn't realize it was a quilt-along! Your fabrics are so pretty!
I also love your diplomacy on the wash or not wash issue. I don't say no matter which side you fall on, I just tell people to wash LOL!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | January 30, 2013 at 09:00 AM
Adorable, I love your colors!
Posted by: Kelly | January 30, 2013 at 01:28 PM
Beautiful!
Posted by: Katy S | January 30, 2013 at 08:32 PM
Your quilt is really beautiful, such lovely colours. That batting sounds wonderful. So interesting to hear about washing. When I started quilting I washed everything!! but then I met other quilters who didn't, someone actually laughed at me so I stopped, after reading Becky's post I think I'll go back to washing... it just makes sense.
Posted by: Rachaeldaisy | February 08, 2013 at 03:44 AM