Saturday, September 25, 2010

Quilt Content

Baptist Fans quilting designs seem to have eluded me -- perhaps I was trying too hard, and perhaps "free form" is more my style. I was just fooling around, aiming in that direction and look what happened! Something clicked and I finally had the lines and directions. I LIKE it! My version needs to stay small to fit in my working space (9 inches)on my machine. I still need more practice but it's possible now. (Funny about that "practice" thing!) This will make a great textured background.
I basted this big Double Delight outside, in the garage. Frankly, it's kinda nice out there. This quilt is 86" x 104" - definitely a chore. It took me about 1 hr. 45 minutes. I've posted my set-up before, but there are always new people dropping by this blog. No more on-the-floor-knee issues, or cramped space issues. I WILL have snow and cold issues in a few weeks but for now, it works wonderfully. The PVC pipes were a simple solution to raise the table. It takes 5 minutes to set them up, or take them down. Tables were $114.00 for two and great for other projects or picnics as well. Each measures 30" x 72". I've used them for quilt basting at least 10 times. Radio is on, lawn chairs are available, birds singing, etc.

13 comments:

  1. fabulous inspiring as always :)
    I was lucky enough (well I said it was that or nothing) to be given for my 40th birthday a waist high cutting table, ends fold out.
    keep well looks like you know when to 'hold um know when to fold um'
    keep well. Summer approaching for us.

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  2. Since you have that great clear space in the garage, why not use it. Someone in our guild shared the idea of the PVC pipe to raise a table height. Also, a friend of mine bought bed risers, and they work the same way as the PVC pipe. I love your quilt!

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  3. Since you have such a great set up for pin basting, can I send a few of mine your way?

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  4. Very cool! Oh and I got the Nickel border book today!

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  5. Oh, so much work ahead, Elaine - hope you get some quiet time to get it done - should be beautiful!
    Hugs - Lurline♥

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  6. Love your quilt, even better, love those fans. Thanks for sharing them. We have similar brains (oooh, scarey) and I like the free-style of these much better than the formal and traditional. Go, girl!

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  7. My quilt studio is IN a double garage complete with commerical in/outdoor carpet, air conditioning and heat. I love it.

    But back to business. Baptist fans aren't they great. If you know Mary she does freehand ones. If you're interested check out
    http://blog.maryquilts.com/how-tos/

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  8. I was hoping that you would put a diagram of your baptist fans on - and you did! This definitely looks like something that I can do! I might try it soon. I will be basting several smaller quilts in the garage this coming week, so we shall see!

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  9. Oh...Oh...Oh......I knew this...maybe from you earlier....bit I forgot....thanks for re-posting it. I have one table already...just need to get another on....and I have plenty of PVC laying around!!!
    Baptist Fans rock!!!

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  10. I have yet to quilt my Double Delight too. I like "traditional" quilting patterns for Bonnie's quilts... gives them an old fashion look. I've seen Mary Johnson's freehand BFs but have been afraid to give it a try. I love yours too....kinda like BF McTavishing. :-) Guess it's time to get the white board out and doodle. Can't wait to see your finished quilt!

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  11. Thanks, Elaine, for sharing your setup for basting with us again. I am making notes this time--have everything but the tables--will purchase two of those. :)

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  12. The fans look great. I'll have to do some practising too. I have one of those tables and it's in constant use around here.

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  13. The baptist fan free motion eluded me also...for many years. One day I saw a quilting video featuring another technique and viola'! It clicked. I can't imagine what took me so long to understand it! It is my fav. quilting pattern. I really prefer the true baptist fan but am willing to settle for the free motion one it is more my style....not necessarily consistent or accurate!! LOL!! Love the quilt!

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