Against the Grain - a flimsy!

I have completed what I call a chicken quilt, Against the Grain. I realize that they are rooster, but chicken to me means roosters too. lol I decided to show it to you at the flimsy stage, as Darlene would call it, because I don't know when I'll have a chance to machine quilt it any time soon. Since I do need my blog fix, well why not!

This is a pattern from Teri Christopherson of (Black Mountain Quilts). I just love her work. The pattern is called Rooster Hollow from the book Seaside Cottage. I just love that book and have made another quilt from it. I had purchased the black toile in 2001, with the purpose of making this quilt. The original pattern calls for burgundy pointed corner block stars all around the quilt, but I felt that it really was too much. Besides, I didn't like the fact that the stars around the borders were not complete.

It's amazing how a photograph allows you to see a project differently. Now that I look at it, I don't know that I like the gold diamond squares in the corners. Luckily, it's still a flimsy so I'll have an opportunity to change my mind before I tackle the machine quilting.

At first I was going to use the water soluble stabilizer as the foundation for reversing the piece. Usually, the method calls for interfacing, the type used by dressmakers. However, I do not like the stiffness that it creates. I prefer the hand applique feel. By using the water soluble stabilizer, the foundation will dissolve in the first washing, leaving the quilt soft. This method works best for patterns that do not have small features, like the rooster's feet. It was difficult to turn all the parts inside out and certainly wasn't worth the aggravations. I changed to the method whereby I glued the edge around the freezer paper and machine appliqued the piece to the background. I used water soluble stabilizer to create the stability necessary for non puckering machine applique. To remove the freezer paper, I wet the block and pull it apart. Once dry, the block has no stiffness.

Water soluble stabilizer is actually an embroidery product that I have adapted to machine applique. Because it dissolves with water, it does not create a stiffness that is common with interfacing or fusible web. I bought this stabilizer at the Viking dealer in Plattsburgh. Yes, I do pay a visit to the dark side every now and again! ;o) lol

If you like Teri Christopherson's work you might want to check out her sister, Barbara Brandeberg of Cabbage Rose. For those addicted to blogging, I mean interested, Barbara does have a blog.

Have a great week every one!