Sunday, January 3, 2021

Hand Quilting in 2021

 My hand quilting project to start 2021 is blue Stars Around the Garden.


I always baste the edge of my quilts, I think it makes binding much easier with the edge laying flat. While I was basting the edge, I also stitched in the ditch along the edge of the narrow yellow border. 

I rolled and started quilting the cable. The narrow blue border is 3" and I'm using white YLI brand quilting thread. The thread can be purchased at Yoder Department Store or Lolly's Fabrics, both located in Shipshewana, Indiana. It is also available online.

This cable design is one of my favorite quilting designs. I have stencils in three different sizes for this design. While I quilt the cable, I also have a separate needle stitching in the ditch along the edge of the blue border. 

I used a Sewline white chalk pencil to mark the stencil on the darker blue fabric.

After I had finished appliqueing the border for blue stars, did you wonder what I was working on in the evening when I wasn't hand quilting? I pulled out this older Darlene Zimmerman panel and embroidered another block. 


I purchased the panel several years ago at Yoder Department Store in Shipshewana, they no longer have it in stock. I don't know if it is available online anywhere or not. You'll have to look for it yourself if you are interested.

There are 8 blocks on the panel, I've now completed 5 of them. A picture of the other completed 4 is here.

The pattern for Stars Around the Garden is available here.

This Hand Quilt Along is an opportunity for hand quilters and piecers to share and motivate one another. We post every three weeks, to show our progress and encourage one another.  If you have a hand quilting project and would like to join our group contact Kathy at the link below.

KathyMargaretDebNanetteSharonKarrinGretchenDaisyConnieMonica and Sherrie


Linking to Patchwork & QuiltsKathy's Slow Sunday Stitching,  Oh Scrap, Show & Tell Monday, Monday Making, Design Wall MondayBOM's Away


25 comments:

Kim said...

Well, now that you mention it, I did wonder what you were working on in the evening when those magical fingers of yours were not quilting. =) The embroidered block is stunning. As to the quilting cable, it is lovely. The quilting shows up brilliantly against the vivid blue fabric.

Katie said...

I'm glad you shared that embroidery block - so pretty!! And I'm fascinated by your handquilting process - thanks for talking us through it a little bit!!

The Cozy Quilter said...

Your hands are always busy with needle and thread! Beautiful embroidery block to add to the others. I enjoy watching your quilting process. Happy New Year!

Created by Kathi said...

I love your border on your quilt on the frame... I too stitch down the outermost edge of my quilts as I love how the binding goes on too <3
Enjoy your stitching on your panel... Have a wonderful week ahead as life returns to "normal"??? Out of holiday mode anyway! lol
Kathi

K Reeves said...

Stars Around the Garden is a great pattern, but I especially love your take on it. I will have to try your two needle method when Inget to the grid part of my quilt. Those embroidered blocks are beauties!

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

I love the cable design too and have several sizes - it is one of my favorites

Ivani said...

WOW!! What a fantastic embroidery block.
Your hand quilting is awesome and very clever to have 2 neddles ready for quilting 2 different areas at the same time

Rose Marie said...

Oh my, I'm going to enjoy seeing your progress on the hand quilting!

Deb A said...

Basting the edge of the quilt! I love that... must remember on the next quilt as that really would make it easier. As always - your stitches are so beautiful and inspiring.

Marly said...

Your embroidered piece is beautiful. Thanks for the hint on using two needles simultaneously when hand quilting. I like the idea of getting more done before moving the ring.

Sarah said...

Just hopped over to look at the other blocks you've stitched. They really are lovely!

nwpaintedlady said...

I have never thought of basting the edge of the border. I will be trying that next time. I hopped over and looked at your embroidery panels. All so beautiful but I love the poppies. Beautiful stitching :)

Jenny said...

Cable quilting is such an elegant design. And your floral embroidery is do pretty, I too popped over to see the other blocks.

Db said...

What a lovely embroidery block! Beautiful stitching.

Cynthia Brunz Designs said...

You are already off to a great start. Thanks for linking up with Oh Scrap!

Karrin Hurd said...

Beautiful embroidery and quilting! Always love to see your progress! Happy Stitching and Happy New Year!

shara said...

Your quilting is beautiful. What kind of frame do you use?

gayle said...

I love watching you quilt!
I'm a big fan of multiple needles, too. And I like to baste my edges as well. Lots of tricks to make life easier, right?

Chopin - A Passionate Quilter said...

Pretty stitching! Going to be a beauty!

Janis said...

Love your embroidery block, so pretty. I use a similar technique to multiple needles when I'm hand quilting. When I get too close to the edge of the hoop to keep stitching but have more stitching to do on that line I simply remove my needle, let the thread hang and move on to the next line to quilt. Once the interior of the hoop is pretty much completely quilted I move the quilt top so I can continue the lines that have threads waiting. I simply rethread my needle and keep going.

CathieJ said...

I do love a quilted cable. Your embroidery is so pretty.

Melisa- pinkernpunkinquilting said...

Your quilting is gorgeous, Gretchen and what a pretty panel you are working on. Hand quilting sure is relaxing. Have a blessed week.

Lynette said...

Yes, basting the edge sure does make it easier to do the binding. :) That's a really pretty embroidery block.

QuiltGranma said...

More beautiful work! Thank you for inspiring us!

Frédérique - Quilting Patchwork Appliqué said...

Lovely hand quilting. I love cables too, even if I don't use this pattern very often. Beautiful embroidered blocks!