Heads up, this is a photo heavy post.
I have found that I can quilt about one spiral on Mum’s Garden a day. It’s a pretty big quilt at 60″ x 72″ to turn and turn and turn, and as I work my way to the edges of the quilt, getting the quilt to pass through the throat of my machine is becoming a bit more challenging.
Mum’s Garden – Spiral Quilting
I think this photograph of the back shows the change in thread colors I’ve been using, even though they are subtle. The thread for the center spiral matches the darkest fabric in the front (Aurifil 2468 Dark Wine to match Kona Burgundy), the next 4 spirals match the medium orange in the front (Aurifil 2350 Copper to match Kona Spice), and the outer 4 spirals match the yellow (Aurifil 2140 Orange Mustard to match Kona Yarrow) which is also what I used for the backing.
Each spiral is approximately 2 feet (24 inches) in diameter when complete, and I have been really happy with how the first 9 have come together. I keep checking the backing, and after completing these spirals, I knew it was time to re-baste the corners to keep from getting tucks in the backing.
In my last post about Mum’s Garden, several people suggested via the comments that I try spray basting to alleviate this basting issue, and I think that spray basting can be an awesome solution. I tested out spray basting years ago, and it’s just not something that can be tolerated in my household; we are chemical and scent sensitive. I know that there might be new products on the market, but I’m also only leaving the house to get groceries right now so I’m going to keep working with what I have on hand.
Mum’s Garden – re-basting corners
In the photo above, I have already re-basted 3 of the 4 corners and unpinned the last corner that needs to be redone. To begin, I started by taping the four corners of the quilt down and working to get tension across the quilt. Then I taped each side at the midpoint.
Mum’s Garden – re-basting corners
After unpinning a corner, I gently folded back the top and batting and you can see that the backing was pretty wavy.
Mum’s Garden – re-basting corners
I gently re-adjusted the positioning of the corner and then added a few more pieces of tape to ensure that the backing was taut and flat again.
Mum’s Garden – re-basting corners
Then I worked to nicely flatten the batting and quilt top.
Mum’s Garden – re-basting corners
After re-basting, it was time to stare down the quilt top and decide where to start the next spiral. The final quilting will be done with thread matching the background (Aurifil 2311 Muslin to match Kona Bone).
Mum’s Garden – Corner Spiral
This is what a 2 foot diameter corner spiral looks like. Before continuing to grow the spiral, I decided to stop, step back, and consider how to quilt the rest of the corner.
Quilting Plan 2.0
I’m glad I took the time to stop and think and doodle quilting lines in Procreate again, because I really disliked my initial thought of just continuing the spiral. My next idea was to fill in with additional spirals, but it made everything feel too cluttered. When I sketched out just a simple echo, I knew that it was the perfect solution. I like how it mimics the star shapes and creates more rest at the edges of the design.
So, it’s time to go fill in those spaces and finish the other three corners. This quilt will also need to be blocked after I’m done quilting to help get the long sides back to straight. I’m still hopeful I can have a finish later in the week to share, but we’ll see.
What are you working on this week?
I’m also averse to spraying adhesives & chemicals in the air I breathe. I tried using a fusible iron on batting once but find pin basting, despite the extra effort, the most effective method for smooth tops & backings. As you illustrated, repinning solves any issues the develop along the way. Excellent post.
The repinning of the quilt may be extra work but is a good way to solve the puckers. I like your quilting on this one.
Outstanding quilting, Yvonne. Applause, applause!!!
I do love this quilt. I like the added interest of changing the color of your quilting thread.
I always enjoy reading your posts and seeing your process. Each project you do is so well thought out and so well done. I have never pin basted a quilt; for some reason, the pins intimidate me. I should try it on a mini, right? Anyway, I like this quilt very much, Yvonne.
What a process, right? I didn’t realize each spiral was so big – I can see why you can only do it for so long!
beautiful quilting, Yvonne. Can I ask how wide apart are the individual rows within each spiral? and how do you keep each row so nice and even? I love it
The quilt is looking fabulous. Rebasting corners is the best way to deal with spirals. Its always so satisfying when you’ve got all the center bit done.
Your quilt is wonderful! I always pin baste on my table where I can get an office clip to hold the back of the fabric. That’s a lot of work turning the whole quilt around and around under the needle.
This is gorgeous, the circles look so even! It also looks like a LOT of work went into it. The re-basting bit was very interesting.
Th quilting certainly complements the beautiful top. Can you share how you space those spirals so evenly when you are quilting, especially with so much to move under the machine? Are you using a walking foot or a free motion foot? Your attention to detail is always so apparent in the finished product and admire your patience …. and your ability to crawl around on the floor to do the basting.
I, too, don’t use spray basting because I have asthma. Everything I buy is unscented with as little chemicals as possible.
Patience + persistence = perfection!
I never really think of re-basting but it is totally needed sometimes. In fact, I just finished a quilt that maybe could have used a little of that at the bottom. I love “drawing” on my quilts to get the design just right – it really helps. And course, I think you picked the right option, echoing.
The quilting is wonderful! I’m looking forward to your choice of binding.
It looks great! I was doing spiral quilting tonight. Quite a workout. LOL I spray basted, but after about 1/4 of the quilt, I see I need to smooth the backing again.
Have you tried little pieces of misty fuse to baste your quilt? It looks like a good alternative to using spray.
Wow wow wow wow WOW!! this is looking so amazing!
Wow! The quilting really enhances the design, the echo quilting at the edges was an inspired choice. Beautifully done (well almost)!
I seldom think about this, being a hand stitcher, but machine quilting a big quilt is a very physical activity. Doing a bit each day sounds like the best way to make progress without doing yourself any damage! I love your quilting solution, very elegant.
Such a beautiful way to quilt this top, and I appreciated your comments on “re-basting” as it would really help with controlling extra fullness in the backing. As always, a trip to your blog is always worth the time.