QuiltCon Challenge Top: Sandwiching and Quilting

When we last saw our QuiltCon Charity Challenge quilt, at the November 12 Sew-In, we were still arranging "sand" pieces, and deciding to add foundation paper-pieced blocks to give the quilt several focal points, and to reinforce the challenge theme of "scale."

Thanks to the efforts of two quilters - Cindy and Linda - three foundation paper-pieced beach chairs were added. The free Beach Chair pattern is a Cotton and Steel design found here. The pattern makes a 10" block. By enlarging and reducing the foundation papers on a printer, and some trial and error, 6" and 12" blocks were also made.

Linda sewed the blocks into the sand to complete the quilt top which measures roughly 70" X 91".

Thanks to generous donations by member Pat, and Al at Sharky's Vac 'n Sew, we had the ingredients to complete the quilt. 

Pat donated a Quilter's Dream Poly Request batt, and two spools of Aurifil thread for quilting.

Sharky's gave us 2-3/4" yards of this wide back (108") print by Carrie Bloomston, called "Newsprint.

On December 29, 2016, Dee, Debbie and Linda pin-basted the quilt sandwich in preparation for quilting. 

Then, Linda took it home to quilt on her Janome 1600P. She began with the blue and emerald waters, quilting waves and curls. The top thread is 50-weight Aurifil #2730 Delft Blue; and the bobbin thread is 40-weight Aurifil #6724 Moonstone.

After completing the water section, Linda quilted the sand.

She used 50-weight Aurifil #2318 Cashmere to quilt a design of long switchbacks, with an occasional "ripple."

Karen then took the quilt for quilting the sun and sky on her Babylock Tiara. Using 40-weight Aurifil #3910 variegated Lemon Ice, she first quilted a spiral in the center of the sun.  

As she continued quilting, she used a Fibonacci sequence to quilt spirals at intervals, again repeating the concept of scale, and added straight-line and gently undulating waves to indict "rays" coming from the sun.

With Karen's efforts, the quilt is now completely quilted and ready for binding. 

Members can expect to see the quilt at this stage at our Saturday, January 14 Sew-In at the Belleview Public Library. Come for all or part of the day, from 10 am to 6 pm.