Wednesday 17 June 2015

TMQG Raffle Quilt

Earlier this year, some of our Tasmanian MQG members got together at one of our sewing days and started putting blocks together for our raffle quilt. One of our very dedicated members (my friend Lauren) then put the rest of the blocks together. We worked together to piece the top - and then it was handed over to me for the quilting (which I finished back in April).



We made this quilt using a bundle of Kona solids, and Carolyn Friedlander's fantastic Aerial pattern. The blocks are all paper pieced, so it was the perfect choice for a group quilt in terms of making sure the blocks were all the same size. It went together like a dream! 


It took me a while to decide how to quilt this one, but I knew I wanted to keep it fairly simple since it's such a dynamic and complex design. I ended up deciding to quilt in the ditch in all the seams in each block, and then chose one colour within each block to do some free motion organic straight lines. I think it works really well - the texture is really lovely without distracting from the complexity of the blocks. 



I used coordinating Aurifil thread for all the quilting - my healthy thread stash certainly came in handy ;o) How to quilt the borders had me stumped for a while - but I ended up extending out the 'fractured' lines within the blocks, and then filling in the spaces around them with some swirls and a couple of feathery designs.


 It wasn't until I quilted the last border that I discovered what I should have done across the whole border - rather than extending the line and echoing it at an angle on both sides (as in the photo above), it looks much more effective where I've just echoed one side (as in the lower area in the photo below). I'm still really happy with how this one came out, but it was a really great learning experience and has given me ideas for how to quilt future projects :o)



We are currently selling raffle tickets for this quilt, and the winner will be drawn at the Craft and Quilt Fair in July. The money we raise will be going to a support a sewing program at our local Women's Prison. I am thrilled that we are supporting this program - I know so many people (including myself) who have found sewing and quilting to be amazing therapy when going through difficult times in life. If you are interested in purchasing tickets, please contact us at tassiemqg at gmail dot com.

xx Jess

PS stay tuned for my MisDirection pattern release later this week! I can't wait to show you my amazing testers versions.

15 comments:

Gina said...

I love this quilt. Thanks for the info on whose design it is as I think this would look great in the contents of my scrap basket. Love how you've done the borders, it makes them seem more integral to the quilt design ( does that make sense) xxx

Cheryl said...

This is such a great design. The quilt is beautiful and I hope that you will raise a lot of money from it!

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

What an awesome collaborative quilt. I hope the raffle goes well and helps support the sewing program; I agree that quilting is my best therapy.

elizabethdee said...

This is beautiful (like everything else you do). I especially like the way you quilted it. Good luck with the raffle -- some lucky person is going to be very very happy.

SewPsyched! said...

Wow! What a splendid quilt! And so lovely to donate it as a raffle :) XX!

Susan said...

WOW! This is a stunning quilt Jess! Your quilting has really added an extra dimension to the sparkling colours!

leanne said...

oh just LOVE this quilt Jess - its so alive ! love your quilting too - need to get some tickets I think !!

www.hudsonvalleyquilts.com said...

That's an amazing looking quilt. Look forward to more!!

Unknown said...

Beautiful Quilt, loved the Bright Colors!!!

Unknown said...

Hi Jess

How do I purchase raffle tickets if I'm from the USA? I have a friend in NSW if that helps. Can we purchase online?

I can pick up the quilt if I win :).

The quilt is amazing!!!!!

Amy

Unknown said...

PS I have AUS cash if you tell me where to send if I'm eligible to participate in the raffle.

Michele said...

It turned out fabulous and thank you for the lesson. I will keep it in mind. Good luck with the raffle.

Unknown said...

Hi Jess

Love your quilt and by an Australian quilter. I am from an island off Queensland and at the moment I was checking mail in Bali and saw it. Congratulations it is beautiful. Valerie

Anonymous said...

I would love the pattern if you would like to share!

SE Asia 2019 said...

I would love the pattern too! Beautiful!