After struggling with the Bamboo batting (below), I used Mountain Mist Light for this one. I had contacted Nancy Kerns for advice on the battings she uses. The difference was dramatic. I was able to take much smaller stitches more quickly and was able to use my #11 straw needle (which would have broken on the Bamboo batting. It is still visible in the upper left).
I had bought a lot of Bamboo batting for a template keeper project, so I thought I would try using it with hand quilting. I had to use a short, fat, clutzy needle (so it wouldn't break), and I couldn't get very many stitches per inch. It was a very frustrating batting to use.
8 comments:
Hi Margaret, I am glad you found an easier batting, it is no fun to hand quilt on tough batting. I like the idea of the bamboo batting and was going to give it a try, but think I will pass after your experience. Thanks for sharing. Both blocks, however, are wonderful, are you going to join the blocks after they are quilted?
Have a great weekend...
Cheri
Despite your difficulties, I think your blocks are really great!
thanks for letting us know I will be buying that batting too!
Nancy's word is golden!
Love your blocks :)
kathie
These blocks and quilts are beautiful. I don't know much about quilting, but I know what I like. I tried one time and it was just not my thing, got to uptight. The library I volunteer at shows quilts that are made in the quilt club here in our town and some of them are fantastic.
Hi, Margaret. Love your work as always. I have to say that I have also been considering using the bamboo batting and was hoping to find someone who could give an opinion based on hands on experience. That turns out to be you! I also have a suggestion for batting. I have been using Hobbs Thermore batting since the nineties. Like Mountain Mist Light, Thermore lets me quilt many tiny stitches and the real payoff is that it is guaranteed not to beard. Nancy and I have not had the batting discussion but I hope to get her take as well. Happy quilting, Nadine PS, I am one of those quilters using that short needle. I would love to see how you manage the long ones for hand quilting
Thanks to everyone for leaving comments! Nadine, I will have to try the Hobbs Thermore. I was in a desperate situation (had to get these done ASAP). I haven't had any bearding problems. I keep dropping the short needles. So I tried using a straw needle, and it was great.
Margaret
Thanks for visiting my blog. I have a look at yours : your applique is gorgeous ! Hugs from France.
The Viking ship block is wonderful. So sorry you had to endure working with the bamboo after my miserable experience with it. I do believe it is designed for stability in machine quilting, not for hand quilting. I will never use it again either.
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