Last week we had an ice storm in East TN. It gave me an opportunity to sit and finish quilting my new Star Garden. (See the home page for a full picture.) Here is the view from my back window onto the deck.
View from my back window.
I put on a pot of tea and baked some scones to eat while quilting. When I got to the border, I thought you all might like to see how I keep my borders flat when quilting…
I start quilting from the center of my quilt, as taught in the “Tiny Stitches 2″ book. When I get to the borders, I take my quilt out of the hoop and attach a muslin “sleeve”. (The sleeve I use over and over again. I cut 2 yards of muslin in half lengthwise, sewed it up into a sleeve and then turn it right side out. You can also use an old beach towel.)
Start by laying your quilt flat, extending the extra batting and backing.
Lay the quilt flat with the border extended.
Now baste your “sleeve” right sides together along the edge of the border through all 3 layers. (I usually have to move the sleeve onto another side after I’ve finished quilting part of the border.)
Baste the sleeve onto the edge of the quilt.
When you put the quilt back into your hoop, you have an “extension” with the sleeve. It helps the border to stay put when quilting and give you a nice FLAT border every time.
Ready to quilt the border.
I finished the quilting in the late afternoon in time to have another scone! Pass the clotted cream!