Day 1 of my quilting journey was full of newness for me. I purchased 2 yards of each print for this project. Each piece of fabric needed to be pressed and starched before cutting. This was a tip I got from a beginning quilting group. This process takes time, but I kind of enjoyed it. Pressing isn’t new to me. Being a garment sewist, pressing is an important step in the dressmaking process. Pressing can take a well sewn garment to a whole different level. Oddly, I’ve always enjoyed pressing. When I was 15, my first job was in a Bridal Shop. It was my job to press the bridal gowns before pick up. Most people would have disliked that job, but I loved working around all those beautiful gowns.
While going through my sewing tools I found a quilters square. Don’t remember purchasing it, but I was glad I had it. It helped make cutting with my rotary cutter so much easier. The first strip I cut for each side of my panel was cut in a single layer. I knew I was going to have to change that because every strip consecutively gets longer. So, I streamlined cutting all my 3 1/2″ strips by carefully folding each fabric square before cutting.
I decided to use my Singer Quantum L-500 for this project. It has an onboard dual feed which I knew would help evenly feed the long seams I would be sewing. That’s similar to using a walking foot where the fabric is feed from the top and bottom at the same time. It makes for a very smooth, even seam and works especially well on long seams such as these.
I selected the 1/4″ foot that came with the machine. I know people have personal preferences with different sewing machine feet, but this one worked well for me. Making that perfect 1/4″ seam isn’t easy. Takes practice to achieve. This quilt will definitely give me lots of practice.
1/4″ foot made for dual feed
On Day 1, I was able to get 2 rows of strips sewed to my center panel. It’s a process for sure. Pressing, measuring, cutting and sewing each strip one by one. Then repeating the same process for each row. It will take time, but it’s been very relaxing and gratifying.
Here are a few pictures of my progress so far:
Thanks for following my progress. Please leave me a comment with a quilting tip if you’d like to share something helpful with this beginner. On to my next strip!!
