Blocking a Quilt

When I talked about doing a blog it was recommended to me to write about twice a week. Obviously I have been remiss about doing just that. I can't believe where the time goes. Writing the blog definitely needs to be on a regular to-do list.

The last few weeks have been full of scheduling classes and getting the class requirements and samples to the shops, some driven and some in the mail to Washington and California.

Before I could mail a Rising Sun quilt it desperately needed blocked. It was quite lumpy. I followed directions by the famous machine quilter, Diane Gaudynski. I let the quilt soak in the washing machine in cold water, spun it dry on the delicate cycle; Filled the washer full with luke warm water and a little dissolved quilt soap. It ran through a whole delicate cycle. I carefully lifted it out of the washing machine, supporting the weight so it wouldn't put stress on the wet quilt, then spread it out flat in a prepared area. I'd put a bed sheet and plastic garbage bags down on a carpeted floor out of the way of people and pets. I shaped it using a large square ruler for the corners, made sure any borders were straight and patted it down anywhere it wasn't flat. I closed the door and let it dry. It came out amazingly flat and ready for a wall or show. The two quilts I've done have come out perfect without that "washed" look. I think by drying them flat instead of in the dryer helps to keep them looking new.

Pictured is a miniature pinapple quilt that I machine quilted and blocked. The blocking set the quilting and made it lie perfectly flat.

Today is a busy day of household chores and not much quilting. Boohoo!

Have a great day. Happy Quilting!