I LOVE my Accuquilt Go! I received the Chimney Sweep BOB die to use with this challenge. I designed the quilt in EQ8. I love being able to easily draw the block in so I can design an awesome modern vision for this block.
I imported in all the Island Batik fabrics so I could get a realistic view of the quilt in my fabrics. My design has 7 of the green colorway and 5 of the blue color. The blocks finish at 10" each.
I did make a sample block first, as I have a new machine and wanted to test out my 1/4" seam. Well, after a bit of adjustment, the seam was perfect. I always recommend making a sample block. It will really help you to fine tune all the details of the stitching as well as make sure you get the sewing process down.
I used a great combo of fabrics, with a generous portion of a neutral to balance out all the color and give a modern vibe to the quilt. I am a prewasher, so I did wash all my fabrics before use. It really softens the fabric and makes it easy to handle.
WOW, so easy and quick to cut .
I love that the cutting of the block is super fast and accurate. I did starch my fabrics as the outside of the block is on the bias. This did NOT make a difference in the piecing of the quilt.
I assembly line pieced the quilt on my Juki FAST straight stitch machine. I used a nice blue-grey thread from Aurifil for the piecing. Schmetz needles are my go-to for Batiks.
I love how the clipped corners on all the triangles make it super accurate.
Everything just stitched together SO easily. I can't wait to get the other BOB dies from Accuquilt
Once I pieced all the blocks, I cut sashings and solid blocks from my background fabrics, and the setting triangles out of the yummy blue.
I hang the finished pieced top over the bars of my Handiquilter Forte machine to inspire me to come up with something fun for the quilting.
I use the picture of the quilt that I created in EQ8 and import into my ProStitcher Designer software. Here is where I plan my quilting.
While I ended up using a different background design, this is pretty much how I decided to quilt the large 18" swirls. I did all those first then the background after. I basted the whole quilt first in order to get the whole process to work.
I love the big swirls. They are 18" and about 1/2" in between the stitch lines. I love the Hobbs 80/20 batting. The stitch definition is prominent with overtaking the piecing.
And the background design: I quilted up to about 1/4" from the swirls.
I chose the same blue for the binding to match the setting triangles. Sometimes I like a contrast binding, but not on this quilt. It really wanted to be the same fabric.
The quilt measures about 53" by 66"
I love the pop of color that the quilt adds to my farmhouse living room.
I love a great quilt finish, and this was one of the best!
Thanks to my sponsors:
Island Batik, Accuquilt, Hobbs Batting, Aurifil Thread, Schmetz needles
I received the products at no charge.
In the light of current events, we really need to find some joy.
The bright colors and act of creating with fabric can bring so much joy in a stressful time. I will continue to create in the next 2 months while I am at home not traveling and teaching.
Follow me on Instagram to find more fun and colorful quilt projects (and some gardening and cooking too!). @bestquilter
Come back soon!
Megan