I finished the crumb quilt top. I don’t think the zigzag
setting shows up as much as it could have and I think it’s because there is too
much variation in the blues. I should not have included the lightest and
darkest. That is okay – it is done and now it sits with the two other quilt
tops waiting to be quilted. Here are a some closeups.
I found some inspiration for these blocks so I’m now making
508 red and white HSTs. This quilt is for a challenge due in February. I want
to finish the top soon because I might want to hand quilt it.
I need some advice on pincushion filling. My sister gave me
the Mary Engelbreit teapot on the right and I’ve used it for years. I picked up
the little black hen pincushion at the quilt show boutique back in June. I
finally pulled it out to use and realized it was dulling my pins. It appears to
be filled with sand. Hmm….I realized I used sand to make the wool tomato pincushion
(April 2004 issue of APQ magazine) shown in the center for my niece. I got the
pincushion back from her and did a test. Yes, it seems to dull pins as well.
What do you suggest I use to refill these? I have some crushed walnut shells
but I’ve never used them. I think the teapot is filled with a poly stuffing. I
don’t want to use that for the other pincushions because it would be too lightweight.
It works for the teapot because it has a firm base. Would appreciate any
insight you have on pincushion filling.
I like your crumb top. Depending on how you quilt it, you could emphasize the zigzag setting more I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun collection of scraps in that quilt. I like the way you have included pinwheels and HSTs in with the crumbs.
ReplyDeleteI like the feel of walnut shells in pincushions--in fact, I just bought some today to fill some cushions I plan on making. The instructions I have say to place your pincushion in a tray to catch any spills and use a small funnel to fill them. Also, you can put some shells in the bottom for weight and then use poly fill the rest of the way.
I really LOVE your crumbs quilt and the variations in the blues, unlike you, very beautiful top !
ReplyDeletei think that your crumb top is very pretty~!
ReplyDeletethe use of the dyed fabrics for the zig zag produced a wonderful gentle movement and i LOVE it~! sometimes the zig zag setting is almost overwhelming and even the blocks being set get "second billing" but that is not the case with this one.
the blocks stand out and the zig zag fades in and out of view . . . quite a wonderful effect really.
i'm not too sure about pin cushion filling . . .
i once heard that hair was used in pin cushions because it had a sharpening effect but i don't know how true it is.
i' looking forward to seeing your red and white closer to completion.
you have really been making some nice progress on things~!
:-)
libbyQ
Your crumby quilt is quite wonderful! When I first looked at it I was struck by how much movement you had achieved in the background fabric and thought it must be a batik.
ReplyDeleteAs for the pincushions, if you can add wool roving or fleece to the walnut shells (instead of poly) then the lanolin in the wool will lubricate and rustproof your pins without any danger of residue on your fabric. Throw in a handful of dried lavender, or maybe balsam fir needles, if you enjoy their scent.
I really like your quilt top with the different background fabrics. They create a cool effect when looking at the quilt from a distance.
ReplyDeleteI have one bought pincushion and it feels as if it is filled with some granulate material, maybe little plastic pellets, with a few layers of batting on top.
I can understand why you might be disappointed with the background fabric for your quilt. However, I think it adds a certain patina to the quilt that once it is quilted and washed will make the quilt look very cozy and "worn". Perhaps that is not the look you were going for - but I really like it! :)
ReplyDeleteAs for the pincushions, I haven't made any but have learned from others that crushed walnut shells, saw dust and wool are probably your best bet. Your tomato one is very cute!
Judy
I love your string/zigzag quilt! The setting blues are lovely!
ReplyDeleteI like to use a mix of polyfil and walnut shells for my pincushions.
I love your crumb quilt and I think the blues look great and add sparkle.
ReplyDeleteThe r&w blocks are fun!
as far as the pin cushion, I'm not really sure. I have wool roving and that is nice. When I do that I make a little muslin pillow filled with sand or walnut shells to add weight.
good luck and let us know
great crumb quilt, sometimes I llike a quilt better after a little time has past and I'm not so critical-I think your blue zigzag is just fine. I thought the luminecient look was intentional.
ReplyDeleteI like to use the crushed walnut shells for pincushions--adding some wool-roving or if you have a little leftove wool batt-suppose to be good for the pins
You are so right about the sand. It will also cause your pins and needles to rust over time. I have several pin cushions I don’t use because of the sand. Some say crushed walnut shells work well. I bought a bag but I haven’t tried them yet.
ReplyDeleteYour zig zag quilt is beautiful. I like the blue background.
I LOVE this crumb quilt - it is really fabulous.
ReplyDeleteI see you have lots of great advice on the pin cushions.
I love the crumb top! I like the liveliness of the various blues, but I understand what you're saying about less value variation showing off the crumb blocks better. But I like it just the way it is.
ReplyDeleteA word of caution about using walnut shells as pin cushion filling: be sure any person who will be using the pin cushion doesn't have a tree nut allergy. While it's a great filling for personal use, it might not be the best choice for a boutique unless labeled as containing nut products.
I love the crumb top! I like the liveliness of the various blues, but I understand what you're saying about less value variation showing off the crumb blocks better. But I like it just the way it is.
ReplyDeleteA word of caution about using walnut shells as pin cushion filling: be sure any person who will be using the pin cushion doesn't have a tree nut allergy. While it's a great filling for personal use, it might not be the best choice for a boutique unless labeled as containing nut products.
I just discovered your blog and was reading through some of your posts. I always use sand for filler in pin cushions - I thought it was supposed to keep your pins sharp? From the comments above, I think I should try the walnut shells!
ReplyDelete