Friday 2 September 2011

I need your help... please

So, once again I've embarked on a project and got stuck!  This time, I really don't know what to do and so need your help.  I'll give you the background to this project in a later post, when it's finished, but just so you know, this is a doll's quilt, it's about 18 inches square.  I pieced it (not very well) then intended to quilt 1/4 inch either side of the seam.  I did this on the rows. 


Loveit.  But then I came to do the same thing on the columns and realised it wouldn't work.  My points are miles out.  They're not too bad in the centre, but at the ends of each row they're terrible.







See?  So now I don't know how to quilt it.  I'd really rather not unpick the quilting I have done, unless it's necessary but I don't know what to do!!  It doesn't matter what it looks like on the back as it's a one piece back:


Now, it doesn't have to be perfect as the recipient is only 3 and she's unlikely to have an issue with my piecing/quilting, she's going to be chuffed it's pink!  I'd love it if you could share some ideas with how to rescue this mess with me.  Please? 

22 comments:

Candace said...

I would stay with the same idea and quilt the lines a little wider on the columns --maybe 1/2" on the columns or 3/8". Visually, I don't think anyone would notice the difference.

DebbieCPhillips said...

I second the vote, I use a yardstick and chalk to mark my lines, then usually wind up slightly off anyway. Any really bad spots though, you can put an applique over. Did that on an inside out accident I had. Of course I had to rip the fabric when I tried to fix it.

Libby said...

I sure wouldnt take those stitches out! I think it would be ok just like it is. You really don't need to add anymore quilting unless you just want to. It looks fine just like it is!

The Dotty One said...

I'm not very expert on quilts (having only ever made one myself!) but do you think you need to quilt it anymore? I think you could leave it as it is - the lines you have done are close enough together to stop the wadding shifting about and on a small quilt the binding should hold everyhting together. Just a thought.... Other than that I don't have any ideas I'm afraid!
I love the colours and look of it though - you've got some gorgeous fabrics in there!

Nancy Lee said...

It is going to bug you that it didn't turn out the way you wanted it. If it were me -- and it has been me many, many times -- I would unpick it. Usually, you just have to unpick a few stitches and then pull. The bobbin threat releases then, and you can get a good start on the "revision". Once it is unpicked, FMQ the whole thing. That way, your piecing won't be out of whack. If that doesn't appeal, you could attach your walking foot and stitch in the ditches of the columns and rows.
Sorry that my advice involves unpicking, but misery LOVES company. As ever, the wider the stitch length, the less tedious the unpicking. Sad how much I know about unpicking, isn't it?
It is very pretty and pink!

Sandra :) said...

Girlfriend it's a DOLL QUILT for a 3 year old - you don't even NEED to quilt in the other direction - just sandwich or bind it and call it done!

Anonymous said...

Like Candace I'd carry on and not worry about it being perfect.

mammafairy said...

I think I might just quilt down the middles of the squares, that way you dont get involved in the missed meetings!
It is super pretty. If I was three I would be thrilled!

Sheila said...

Can you free motion some flowers randomly over the top , that should be enough to keep things anchored and it would look cute too. If you can't do it free motion , cut out a flower shape on Freezer paper and iron it on then sew around it , that works like a charm. Just a thought. Good luck!

Cuckoo said...

I wouldn't do anymore straight line quilting. On random squares I'd hand quilt a heart....but I have never made a quilt so it maybe a silly suggestion!

xxx

SewHappyGeek said...

Maybe try doing wavy lines the other way instead of straight ones. It'll soften where the points aren't perfect. Also, weird question: have you ever used spray starch before sewing the pieces together? Whenever I piece anything i give it a good starch which makes my piecing nearly always perfect. My points went from zero to hero! Honest!

Lisa Chin said...

You could do wavy lines across the other direction so that it doesn't about the squares being off. However you could also stop where you are and bind it as is. I'm sure she will love it no matter what you do! Good luck!

Fiona said...

I think it is fine as it is... with lines one way....

but you could...
do a line down the 'centre' of the squares.... you could even make it wavy.....

It's very pretty... perfect for little girl...

cauchy09 said...

i would just quilt some parallel diagonal lines that are not necessarily places so that they go thru the corners. then you'll get a lovely lattice of diamonds.

Julia said...

I'd say just add the binding and forget quilting it anymore. I think it looks fine as is.

Catherine said...

What about sewing diagonal lines across so you would end up with quilted triangles? Just my 2 cents worth :)

Allie said...

Agreeing with Candace - don't worry about it, girl! I think it will work out fine.

Shari said...

I would just bind it and call it done. I quite like the graphic quality of channel quilting.
You can practice your piecing another time to match those pesky corners - or deliberately off set them so they don't have to match up.
Lovely quilt for a little girl.

Kari V. said...

Why not do a diagonal grid at around 60 degrees from your current line? It will make a parallelogram grid and you won't have to worry about it lining up.

Sew,ray,me said...

I'd quilt it as you planned to do anyway! I made a patchwork notebook cover recently and the squares didn't exactly all match up but I just quilted it and I'm still really happy with it - and I'm my own worst critic!!

Alison said...

I have no ides, quilting is still on my 'will attempt one day' list!
I am passing you the versatile blogger award thingy today, details are at my place.

Alison
x
heavenlyhandmades.blogspot.com

Valspierssews said...

I live by 'done is better than perfect' now. Maybe do one line of stitching straight along the ditch to make the little squares puff up nicely. It won't matter if some ditches are missed in the process. The three year old will love it.