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Monday 30 April 2012

On The Flip Side

Today was basting day. Groan...I don't like basting. Before the fun could begin however, I needed to find a fabric to back my quilt. I've heard lots of folks say they put any old thing on the back because no one sees it anyway (especially for a wallhanging, which is what this will be) but it's been my experience that the first thing folks do when they look at your quilt is flip it over to see the back. Embroiderers will tell you the back of your work needs to be as neat as the front and this is a good maxim to apply to quilting also. Personally, I like to see the backs of quilts; that's where the pretty stitching shows up, especially on a plain fabric. Since there was nothing suitable in my stash, I headed to Dayle's Department Store. With Doreen's help, I chose a plain royal blue cotton. It picks up the blues in the Plume fabrics beautifully. Even though it will only be next to the binding fabric, they all play nicely together and it pleases my eye. I also chose two spools of blue cotton thread in a shade to match. This will be bottom thread only, as I am planning to use a metallic thread for the quilting. Since Polly's arrival in the household, basting has turned into a bit of a blood sport. She has made a frustrating process even more so. I waited until I was sure she was settled down for her long afternoon siesta before I laid out the fabric.
I followed the same method I've shown in past posts, securing the fabric to the floor using masking tape.
Over this I spread two layers of wool batting.
A good hour later, the quilt is well basted and ready to receive some stabilizing stitching. Then the real fun begins.

9 comments:

  1. Congratulations on completing the basting. I have 3 quilts tops that need to be done, and I just can't seem to get to them. Too many other things tempting me I think.

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  2. There have been times when I have been tempted to use 'any old thing' but I resist, as I really like when the front somehow relates to the back. I have been known to put quilts on my bed back side up so that I could enjoy the stitching.

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  3. I always feel great getting a quilt basted. Looking forward to the finish Karen.

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  4. Quilts are two sided.....doesn't matter if they are bed quilts or wall hanging there is a front and a back. I have seem some lovely quilts almost spoilt by the choice of backing fabric.....the "I've had this old stuff in my stash forever" fabrics.

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  5. Beautiful backing fabric. And you use TWO layers of wool batting? Is it Hobb's brand or something thinner?
    I use 2x4s to baste my quilts. Even doing it standing up/on a table it STILL is back breaking work.!

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  6. Great choice! You just can't go wrong with a BLUE!! lol I agree, too many people make a wrong choice with backing fabric. So many people choose something cheap for the backing; they'll regret that someday when it starts to fall apart after several launderings...

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  7. I agree with you...Blahhhh to basting. It's like a dirty word.... ha ha. But if you are like me, once I get started basting, it doesn't take that long, relative to the other sewing and prep times. Love the color.

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  8. Such pretty fabrics! That blue is gorgeous. Am I the only one who feels bad for Polly missing out on all that fun?

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  9. Karen I love your idea of the reward! Can you have the reward first???

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