The plan was to reverse applique the center cross, but in the end, it was easier to applique it on top. I cut away the yellow fabric in back to minimize the shadowing, but it still shows.
Looking through my scrap fabric for a large enough piece to use as backing, I found a piece of light purple gingham one of my church friends had given me earlier this year. There was just enough including a strip for hanging sleeves.
I used pins to baste this because I am using a hoop for quilting. I got enough dog hair laying it out on the carpet that I didn't need to get more by crawling around on top.
Today is a rainy day so the picture is bit dark. I pieced one-inch solids for the upper and lower borders and I think I will go with white for the binding. I am still deciding on a bible verse that I will embroider over the lower group of arms.
It is a bit heavier than the Coats and Clarks I usually use and much stronger than using embroidery cotton.
I am doing a back-stitch around the hands and I think that will be just enough.
I picked up a little container of "thread heaven" at the Tokyo Dome shops. I don't like starting and stopping when working, so tend to use a rather long piece of thread. So far, this seems to be working well to avoid fraying and knotting.
There will be a few large areas of background between the arms. I wonder if I need to actually quilt those spaces. I really don't want to put quilting in the area around the cross. If I do, maybe echo quilting would work. The batting I used was from the end of my thinsulate roll ... 60 weight.
I would have preferred to use thinner (like 40 weight) but taking the day to go into town hoping to find some ... nah, I gotta get goin'.
Nothing is engraved in stone so any suggestions are certainly welcome.
Love the one inch blocks top and bottom. Glad you got some Thread Heaven. I like it. Looks like you're well on your way.
ReplyDeleteFast and perfect! The 'flimsy' is looking good. I like the turned under seam allowance on the cross, it gives it a framed look.
ReplyDeleteIf you echo quilt the areas around the cross and between the arms, your quilt will have a lot of structure and the arms will appear almost real.
Backstitch in black is just perfect, and I am glad you have got a good thread and thread conditioner.
It turned out so beautiful Julie. I like the idea of echo quilting around the cross...or perhaps lines representing rays, like the sun? After all, the cross is the shining light for all those hands. :) blessings, marlene
ReplyDeleteI really like the outlining on the hands, that will look great when it's done. If the banner is unlikely to get washed often, I don't think that you will need to do much extra quilting in the background areas. Not having worked with thinsulate before, I don't know how easy it is to pull apart. And I do like the little solids along the top and bottom.
ReplyDeleteWhat a quick job you have made of this - your needle must just fly right along. I'm still waiting for my quilt tops to come back from being machine basted so I can start the hand quilting.
ReplyDeleteI love the backstitch on the hands, gives it just the right look for a bit of relief to the design while outlining the area.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
WONDERFUL as usual!! The black backstitching on the hands - the gingham backing and sleeves - the cross appliqued on top - the little one-inch squares on the ends for borders - along with a white binding - all working together to make a "Julie Original" - ;))
ReplyDeleteAs far as quilting goes - I like the idea of echo quilting around the cross. And I agree with StitchinByTheLake-marlene - maybe the background could use some "sun rays" - ;))
I love how everything came together on this top. The patchwork border is the icing on the cake! I too thought of "sun rays" behind the cross, but I know whatever you decide will look wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI also like the 3D effect of the cross, and the seams are even so it really works. There is a lot of movement in the circle/globe held in the hands, I love it. I'm sure you will select the right quilting techniques, don't overdo it I'd say. Thread Heaven is good, I use natural beeswax from the hardware shop, much cheaper!!
ReplyDeleteYour banner is looking really beautiful. You always do such lovely work.
ReplyDeleteI love going through my scraps and finding something that works! Your project is amazing!
ReplyDeleteI think it's beautiful. I'm impressed with how well you can come up with an idea and run with it. :) I can't wait to see it once it's finished!
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