SATISFACTION - Finishing A Flannel Quilt With 'Big-Stitch'

The Women of the West quilt guild (WOW) has helped me get back into quilting. 

Our charity coordinator, Mary, collects unfinished quilt projects. It could be just a top, or there might be batting, backing or even prepared binding all ready to move this UFO toward completion. 

SIZE  38 x 50

Mary assembles bundles and sets them out on a table at our monthly meeting. I scurry over to browse for something that begs to be turned into a 'real' quilt. Something that speaks to me." Take me! Take me"!

At the last meeting I chose this sweet crib-size quilt top done with a variety of cheerful flannel print squares. Batting and backing were included. 

I planned to machine quilt it for a quick finish in an overall design but as I considered how I'd meander, free motion, I had second thoughts.  It seemed like a hard/stiff choice for such a soft thing. And I wondered if the flannel, being more loosely woven, would bunch up. 

I pin-basted it and let it sit. At last, inspiration struck as it often does if I give it time.  I remembered a little flannel quilt I'd made some time ago - sample squares of flannel sent out by a local quilt shop a long time ago!

  21" x 21"      

I did big-stitch on it and liked how it turned out. A teddy bear will go with it. Can you see the stitching?

That felt right for this top. I chose blue pearl cotton and hand-quilted it with 'big stitch' in a chevron design.

A piece of flannel from my stash worked just fine for the binding and . . . Voila!

I love it, don't' you?

Close up of stitching and chevron design

I hope it keeps some little one snuggly and warm.

Consider swapping UFO's with your quilting buddies. It's a great opportunity for creative thinking! And don't forget about Big Stitch....it's more appropriate for some projects and much quicker.

                      

  'til next time . . ...

 

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