Over the last week, I received a few extra yards of Essex Yarn Dyed linen, and was able to finish the center of my Carpenter's Wheel quilt top:
Annoyingly, when I started trying to piece all of these diamonds together, I realized that my 7" diamond template, wasn't 7" on both sides. The template I made was 7" across one way, and only 6.5" across the other side. By the time I realized it--after the center and the corners were pieced, I figured it was too late. I was not about to go back and rip all of those seams out, and trim down my blocks.
I pushed through, and I made them fit together. Have you ever done that before? I'm happy with it. You can't really tell that the diamonds are off from the photo, and I was still able to save all of my points because the squares of background fabric were too big for the slightly smaller on one side diamonds.
Now it's around 80" x 80", I'm waiting for fabric to arrive to finish the border--I'm adding a thin border of kona emerald, and another border of the Essex linen. I haven't decided what to do for the back yet. I'm not sure if I want to get 6 yards of fabric for backing, get a big sheet, or try to use scraps and make a very large pieced backing. How do you back your extra large quilts?
This week I'm linking with WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced and NTT Thursday at My Quilt Infatuation
I can't tell that the diamonds are uneven at all; good job getting everything to line up and go together! I tend to buy broadcloth that is extra wide for the backs of really large quilts. I just don't have the energy to do the fancy piecing and double-sided modern look for really big quilts. One source I like to use for the wide fabrics is BackSide Fabrics (http://www.backsidefabrics.com/). Good luck finding something that speaks to you!
ReplyDeleteLove your quilt top, I can't even tell you had issues with your triangles. It looks great! Piecing a big back is always hard for me, it seems much harder to me than piecing a front. I've never used a sheet as a backing but its a great option. Good luck! I'm looking forward to seeing it quilted! :)
ReplyDeleteIn terms of backing for big quilts, it depends upon how much of the fabric from the front I have around and whether I'm ready to "let it go" by using it for backing. A pieced back can be a great way to clear out the stash. I also love it when I stumble onto the perfect extra wide backing fabric... no piecing!... sadly, it doesn't happen very often! Love the idea of a narrow border of Kona Emerald... perhaps it would make a great backing too.
ReplyDeleteI like extra large quilts but am not so keen on getting them under my machine. If, one day, I get a larger machine, maybe. Your quilt top is really amazing!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's stunning - well done on pushing through with that pesky template. I pieced a throw sized quilt back this week and it uses a lot of stash. On big quilts I have bought a new bed sheet which here works out cheaper than yardage. I also used extra wide backing for a wedding gift quilt and that was a delight to use at 108" wide, not cheap but so worth doing!
ReplyDeleteThis is so gorgeous! It's a good thing to challenge yourself with things like this!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quilt top! I can't tell that there was a problem with the size at all! I have never used a bed sheet for a back, but know that many quilters do! Its a great idea and saves on piecing a back to fit!
ReplyDeleteWOW. Just Wow! I haven't tried anything with diamonds yet... they look so daunting... your quilt top is amazing and I love your border ideas. It will be a stunning finished product for sure!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Diamonds aren't quite as scary as they look--at least as long as your not too worried about everything being perfect :) It got a bit hairy a few times, but it all worked out in the end.
DeleteThis is so beautiful - I love your colours, and the combination of cottons and linen.
ReplyDeleteThey say a good quilter doesn't make perfect quilts, she just hides the mistakes well. You've done a wonderful job so far!
ReplyDeleteThat background color is perfect, making the star shine.
We never would have known about the template mishap until you mentioned it. How annoying for you, but how fortunate that it hasn't ruined the finished effect.
ReplyDeleteThe colours are beautiful!
I think my arms (and height) are too short to hold up an 80-inch quilt! Cute shoes.
I like pieced backings, but If it were something special like this, I would lash out and get the 6 metres of fabric, and then painstakingly match the pattern so the join on the back is hidden, but that it just me.
oh my gosh Kate - this is stunning! You would never know that you had to MacGyver those diamonds, and I'm super impressed with your skills that you were able to make that work! As for the backing - I'd bite the bullet and get the full 6 yards. If you're not keen on pattern matching, solid backings are great - they're usually less pricey than prints and they show off the quilting nicely.
ReplyDeleteReally don't notice the issue with the diamonds! I think the pretty fabrics stand out too much; it's so perfect to show off the large prints.
ReplyDeleteWhen I've pieced backings, usually I'll use the scraps to make a column which I then piece in between the two cuts -- saves the hassle of trying to match up the prints, and being annoyed when the join doesn't match; and it also brings over some consistency with the front by using the same fabrics. But I guess it would depend on the type of print you choose because a busy backing fabric + busy scraps might look weird unless you get some contrast!