I'll be pinning a larger kitchen sink using Mountain Mist Blue Ribbon batting (100% cotton). This must be quilted every 2" or less, is rather fragile (lock the cats in the bathroom when laying it out), but shrinks up beautifully. For a true antique look, I highly recommend it.
Julia will be keeping Bonnie Girl and I entertained while pinning. We'll learn how to clarify butter, debone a chicken breast, and even speak a little French. So until next time, Bon Apetite.
This piece of batting (sewn together from 3 sections) came out too small for a previous quilt top. So I went downstairs to the magic bin and pulled out a kitchen sink that needs borders. I'll make the borders just wide enough to accomodate the batting, back it in something from my stash, quilt it, and call it done! (I'm getting ready for some serious done-ness around here.)
From our favorite local library comes this wonderful trilogy that Bonnie Girl and I have been enjoying while I pin. She gets to watch, while I get to listen. See if your library has it, as it's very well done.
And last but not least the promo item for the day - Simply Cotton batting. Mary Jo's has it in at least 3 sizes. My order just arrived today. First the good news . . . full size (81" x 96") is $10.99 and king size (120" x 120") is around $18.00. It is similar to Warm and Natural, can be quilted up to 10", and is needle punched. Here's the big HOWEVER, however, they recommend that it be pre-washed (by hand) due to potential oils in the seed/hull remnants in the batting. You may remember when Warm and Natural had to be treated the same way.
The label also says that if you choose not to pre-wash, they recommend you wash your quilt immediately upon finishing. In other words, get it done speedy quick.
I'll be using this batting in several tops that have darker fabrics and non-white/light backings, things that I simply want to get done. For my good bed quilts, I'll be using Hobbs Organic which is my all time favorite and has very different properties.
If you want to learn more about battings, see if your library has Harriet Hargrave's Heirloom Machine quilting book. You'll find a wealth of info therein.
It's time for me to get those borders on, so until then, keep stitchin' . . .
And for those of you asking about the hourglass quilt in the background, those squares are 2-1/2" finished. I gave a tutorial for making that block here.
It's been a very long day work-wise so I'll say goodnight for now and . . .
Until then, keep stitchin'
I've been trying to set up my pinning table since July. As usual, I'm running at weft speed. I'll be attempting to quilt this using the baptist fan pattern. It's one of the more difficult ones in machine quilting, but I wanted a specific all-over design, something to soften the straight lines of color. Wish me luck!
There are indeed challenges in decorating when most of your seasonal items remain packed in storage in another state. However, I unearthed this piece of plaid wool and decided to use it as a tablecloth. It was purchased years ago to make a skirt. Luckily, by thinking outside the box, I was able to move on to plan B.
