For one thing, we had to use spray basting, outdoors of course, and it was a windy day. I have never been a big fan of spray basting and this just emphasized why I don't like it: the wind blew a lot of the spray away.
Now the concept of this was to stitch through all the layers so there wouldn't be any quilting lines and, therefore, detract from the overall picture. One small problem. See that big oval in the center? The one that the basting spray blew away ? Uh huh, it bubbled and pouched and sagged. You can kind of see it in the picture.
I actually went back onto this and, using DMC embroidery floss in the same colors and embroidered flowers on top of the printed flowers. This helped keep some of the sagging in check.
If I were to do this again, I would add a step by doing the appliqué first. I feel that the designer was trying to cut corners and it did not work. I definitely would NOT use the spray basting (I hate that junk). I would, in fact, do the extra step and quilt it.
And that is why you take classes.
Regardless, you did a great job on this piece! I don't like using basting spray either. I prefer to take my time and put in basting stitches and I am confident in the end result.
ReplyDeleteI only tried spray basting once on a queen sized quilt and I ended up having to pin it anyway. Plus I hate the smell of it even outside. Plus with our long winters here I can only use it less than half the time. THat being said, I do like the looks of your piece. Can't see the bubbles and bumps in the picture. The idea is great.
ReplyDeleteI can't see the sagging and bubbling in the picture you showed, but it must be frustrating for you. Embroidering sounds like a great solution. It is a striking quilt, though.
ReplyDeleteI have used spray basting and I don't mind it that much - esp. for small things like table runners. But the whole idea is to hold it together until you quilt it - it is not to be used instead of quilting. I think you are right - the applique should be done first and then layered and then quilted. I'm sure it could be quilted so it did not detract from the overall effect. Lovely wall hanging though. The feature fabric you chose is very striking. English country garden. I have some Japanese fabric that would look good with this pattern. I will have to put this on my list - lol
ReplyDeleteVery pretty! I love the scene you used. I haven't used spray basting before because I've heard negative things about it. On the other hand, some people love it for smaller pieces, but I'd just as soon pin. Have you ever used the "iron on" batting? I won a batt but haven't used it yet--I'm kind of afraid. Then again, I was thinking it might be perfect for a quilt with a minkee back.
ReplyDeleteIt looks terrific in the photo but I can understand where the problems may lie. It looks like you were able to do some creative troubleshooting. My main objection to the spray on adhesives is the odor.
ReplyDeleteFrom where I sit it looks great! But I do love the idea of embroidering some of the flowers to give the center some stability. Having never tried spray basting after reading your experience and that I've heard from others I think I'll continue to thread or pin baste.
ReplyDeleteAwww shucks! It is gorgeous nonetheless and I think embroidery was just the right touch!
ReplyDeleteHey it looks great - remember . . . we are our own worst critics.
ReplyDeleteAs for spray glue, it's what I learned to use for basting (it had just come on the market when I was a new quilter) I have had plenty of practice with it and usually pretty good luck. Everyone has their favorite method - it's good to have a choice *s*
I think it's really pretty! and as the queen, what I say goes! ta dum! I have to agree with you on the basting spray, when I read the warnings on the label I very carefully put it back on the shelf and stepped away quietly so as not to disturb it too much~
ReplyDeleteMan! From this angle it is gorgeous. After a while you won't even remember what imperfections were bothering you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful fabric you picked for the garden! I've been wanting to try this technique ever since I saw it in a magazine, but it is on that ever growing ever changing list of things to do someday. The grill design is beautiful too.
ReplyDeleteI think that the applique you added probably adds additional texture and interest to your quilt.
I love it - it looks so realistic!!
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