Monday, June 9, 2014

Anatomy of a Memory Quilt Part 4


So know I get to the fun part of the memory quilt. The pictures. Using word processing software (I use Word), I insert the photos that I have previously scanned or were sent to me electronically into a blank document.






Once I have to photos I want, I usually insert more than I think I will need I print them on muslin which has been ironed onto freezer paper.

It is a very time consuming process; I trim the photos to size, add sashing between them and then add them to the quilt. There is a lot more to it, but I don't want to bore you.

Anyway Ta Dah! Here is the finished top - the only thing left to do is to quilt it - making sure not to quilt over the photos and bind it; once the label is added then it will be on it's way to it's new home.


Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Anatomy of a Memory Quilt Part 3

The next part is the border. I decided to make them with half-square triangles.


I start out with charm squares, which are squares of fabrics 5 inches square. A light colored and a dark colored one are paired.
I chain piece them together which just means I stitched each of the squares together without lifting the foot of the sewing machine.
 Each square needs to be sewn 1/4 inch along each side.
After sewn each block is cut from corner to corner.
I use a cutting mat which is turns, it's really helpful so that I don't have to cut left-handed or move the square.
Then the magic happens, you open each corner press and trip the little dog ears. Easy peasy half-square triangles. I needed about 80 for this quilt.








Here's what they look like on the quilt. I added sashing between.