Thursday, April 03, 2014

Basting, heavy clamps, blizzard, camera repair

Whew - what a title!



Backing

Another backing planned with 10 inch squares - this uses almost 6 yds. of perfectly good fabric!  This backing takes about 2-3 hours to make, especially if the squares are cut already, something I do frequently with bits and pieces.  Also, remember these 10 1/2 inch squares are pretty close to Layer Cakes that cost a LOT!!!

Basting the Quilt 

The day was beautiful in western Nebraska.  I swept out the garage, then set up my 2 tables, put on the extension legs all in about 5 minutes.  Basting takes longer, but DH helped me and I even had large pins for him to help baste.  It was a nice time, together.  I use pins and spray, if I have it.

I tried using these heavy clamps on the ends and sides of the backing to hold the backing tight/taut. Each time I baste a quilt I try something different, with various results.  Since a quilt is frequently longer and wider than the tables, it's not easy to find clamps that will work on the edges of tables.  HOWEVER, THIS WORKED VERY WELL!  It was their weight, hanging on the backing that did the job - these are expensive, but the principal is good - any kind will do if they are heavy enough.   The small didn't work - not heavy enough, but the 2 larges sizes were great.  I can barely open the biggest ones -- they are tough!!!,  but they only have to clip onto the backing and their own weight does the job. I put 3 on a side.  





Here is the blizzard the day AFTER I basted the quilt - good grief - glad I didn't wait.


Camera fixed

Last thing, my camera quit for some odd reason.  It wasn't cheap in 2006, and I dread learning how to stumble through MORE techie stuff with a new camera, downloading, etc.  The camera repair place that I was bragging about a year ago, no longer fixes this version.  So, coming from a family of "fixers", I spent hours on the Internet today, searching for "fixes" and voila!!!!  We fixed it with alcohol, and wiping contact areas clean.  Easy-Peazy!  Happy Day!!!

9 comments:

  1. We had such a long, cold winter -- and spring is taking its time to arrive. It's been blustery here in northeasternmost Illinois though we are spared the snow. I baste on top of my cutting table and use jumbo bulldog clips (the kind that hold papers together)to clamp the backing. Good for you to persist in finding a fix for your camera. Too often our attitude (or other people's attitude) is that electronics, even expensive ones, are disposable. (I've had my camera since 2008 and it works fine for me.)

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  2. Hi Elaine ,just wondering what pattern that is under the clamps. Thanks Debbie

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  3. Debbie - your post came as "Anonymous".

    The quilt I Hourglass - see previous post for better picture. I'll get it quilted in next week or two. Very easy, excellent for use of strips. 8-)

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  4. the wipe contact points is probably the best tip of my day....

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  5. I've always said I would piece a backing with 10" squares. I need to just do it one of these days! I've done FQ's and larger, but I just need to bite the bullet and cut some 10" squares! Great job!

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  6. I keep meaning to try that backing technique, but never seem to have the patience to do it when I'm needing a back!

    Great tip with those clamps! I cannot open them though, so would have to have help!

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  7. Label me "Dumb Bunny!" I didn't see the backing post until I scrolled down and there it was! Thank you!

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  8. Thanks for sharing your great idea using the clamps to help baste. Nice of Hubby to help.

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  9. Great idea with the large clamps.

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