Stars and Scattered Hearts Quilt

Hello everyone.

Friday rolls around again and this week I have finished a child's quilt - for a little girl.

I designed it myself, starting with some star blocks and colourful sashing.  I kept the border a simple checkerboard as I wanted to scatter appliqued hearts over it.   It's the first time I've ever done machine applique and was pleased with how it turned out.

This photo was taken with the flash on.  I much prefer no flash but the weather has been wet, dull and foggy and absolutley no good for trying to get good photos!

This is my set up for quilting - not too bad at all becasue it is quite a small quilt.  It measures 44" x 55".

When I first started quilting the pebbles, I thought I had made a huge mistake but I was too far committed (lazy) to unpick it.  I kept going and now I'm pretty pleased with the result.

For the outer border, I quilted a swirly circles type pattern that I made up as I went along. Turned out great - I love the textures on this quilt.

For the hearts, I just outlined them.

I used a nice bright poly/cotton for the back.  I've been having a discussion with some quilty friends about using poly/cotton for quilt backs.  Is it a good thing or not ??  If you have an opinion please share.
I've yet to wash this quilt but I'm sure it will be ok on a cool/delicate wash.   I'll let you know how it turns out!

I'm linking up with M R from Quilt Matters , who is hosting this weeks TGIFF.  Pop over and check out the Friday finishes.

I'll be back soon with another post.  See you all next time.
Have a great weekend.
Rhianon.

Scrappy Stars Wall Hanging

Hello everyone
Well it's been quite a testing week for me.  Sometimes free motion quilting goes smoothly and according to plan and sometimes it doesn't!
I've been working on this wall hanging  - a gift for my twin's birthday.

I saw these scrappy star blocks on Bonnie Hunter's website and had to have a crack at them.  The green scrappy border were leftover strings from Orca Bay -  thought I'd put them to good use.

I had terrible tension troubles quilting this and I didn't know why until I decided to give my machine a clean and an oil.  The lint inside the bobbin case was quite unbelievable but not really - afterall I'd just completed a Bonnie Hunter mystery.  Extreme piecing !!!
After a good vacuum out, some oil and a fresh needle, my machine is now back to it's normal self.  I don't know why I didn't do that in the first place.  Lesson learned!!!

Not good huh?

However it all turned out ok.

I quilted feathers with a pebbled spine and a meandering in the white diamonds.

Here's a great tip I got from Irene (at my quilt group).  Use soap to mark your quiilt top.  You need to leave it until the bar is nearly done then the edges are nice and sharp.  It's quick and easy and smells nice.

After my last post on the Lantern quilt, lots of people have asked if I have a long arm, but I don't.  Just a little domestic.

This weeks TGIFF part is over at What a Hoot .  LynCC is hosting this week and I promise you there are some fantastic finishes , no less from the hostess herself.  Go and check them out - you will be inspired !

I'm off to sew the borders on my Orca Bay now.
Have a great weekend.
Rhianon.