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Finish Line
Tips and Tricks
By ZJ Humbach
I've found two key components for success when it comes to quick quilted gifts–streamlined construction methods and impact.
Busy longarmers need to think fast, faster, fastest for construction methods. Look for ways to do as much as possible on the longarm. If you have multiple small quilts, such as table runners, seam the linings together to save time since you'll only have to pin to the leaders once. Quilted fabric works well for lots of projects, from dog jackets to tote bags. Quilt the fabric first and combine pattern pieces if possible before cutting out the pattern to reduce sewing. Consider applying the binding with your longarm.
To save even more time, for utility quilts or functional pieces, apply your binding completely by domestic machine. The easiest way is to sew it to the back of the quilt, bring it to the front, and top-stitch it in place. For drag-around quilts or dog quilts, use an overlock stitch on your serger and cotton thread. You'll be surprised how well this edging holds up in the washer and dryer!
Just because a gift is quick doesn't mean it can't be dynamic. The easiest way to create impact is with dynamic fabric and bold color. Thread choice is close behind. Try a great printed fabric on the top and black on the back, use Superior's MonoPoly thread in the needle and a variegated thread in the bobbin and choose a complementary pantograph pattern to create subtle texture and an unexpected, vibrant wholecloth look on the back.
To make the placemats shown, I pinned on a piece of black Kona cotton for backing, used black batting, loaded up the machine with a variegated King Tut in the bobbin and Superior's MonoPoly in the needle, and floated a woodsy print fabric for the top. To save time and ensure accuracy, I stitched four identical placemat-size rectangles and then sized and dropped in one repeat of Kim Diamond's pantograph pattern Pine Needles. By stitching the outline of the placemats, I could use that as my cutting line when I took the quilt sandwich off the longarm machine. Rather than binding, I used a proprietary stitch called "the wave" on my Baby Lock serger to sew a decorative two-colored edge finish. By using a batik fabric for the napkins, I only needed one layer of fabric, saving both time and money. The rolled hemming stitch on the serger makes a lovely, fast, durable finish for napkins.
Flannel panels make nice, useful quilts for newborns. I prefer Dream Angel batting by Quilter's Dream whenever I make quilts for babies, children, and college students as it meets international flame-retardant standards, shrinks minimally, has no chemical additives, quilts easily, and drapes beautifully. Two of my favorite baby pantograph patterns are Anne Bright's Baby Comforts and Debra Geissler's Kids' Toys-1. Both are wonderful with either simple patchwork designs or cheater panels. Try Minkee on the back for a wonderful sculptured quilting look and incredible softness. Minkee does stretch, so pin it to the leaders with the stretch running parallel to the leaders to reduce distortion.
For the dog jackets, I layered plaid fleece with red trigger cloth, a very durable cotton fabric, and quilted Kim Diamond's Dog Bone pantograph pattern. The pattern was modified from the Jolly Jacket for Fido pattern in Eleanor Burn's Christmas at Bear's Paw Ranch (Quilt in a Day, 2004). By combining the main pieces into one large body piece, all I had to sew was the contrasting collar. The applique and doggy print binding were done by machine.
Think out of the box and have fun quilting wonderful gifts for the special people–and furry friends–in your life. Enjoy the compliments and hugs!
To purchase patterns or contact the longarm pattern designers mentioned in this article:
Visit Anne Bright at annebright.com.
Visit Kim Diamond at sweetdreamsquiltstudio.com.
Visit Debra Geissler at debrageissler.com.
Read ZJ Humbach's "Just Do It" article in the December 2007 issue of QN. If that issue is no longer available at your local quilt store, check back issue availability and order online at www.VillageQuiltShoppe.com.
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