Finished Kite Quilt

Kite Quilt Finished!

Yay! I finished the quilting last night and got to start my day making my binding. I followed the pattern on the amount of strips needed but instead of just using the white I used the leftover strips from the jelly roll and added some of the white in. I seamed the strips diagonally and pressed them open to keep the bulk down. When I was halfway through sewing the last strip down I realized there wasn't enough binding. No biggie I added on a white strip which made the last white section almost twice as long as any other section. If anyone asks I did that on purpose okay?

I may have gotten a little over zealous while sewing the rest, went a little too far down to be able to join, and had to pull out the seam ripper...

I finished sewing the binding on with the machine and flipped it over to start hand sewing it to the back. I got about halfway through doing this part before I realized that I finished the binding straight across and not diagonally like all of the other seams. So, again, if anyone asks I totally did that on purpose to add a little interest!

I think the quilting looks pretty neat on the back.

My tip for today? When you are working on a project and things start going wrong take a break. Walk away from the quilt for a little while, drink some water, go for a walk whatever will calm your nerves. Once you have had a few minutes to reflect you will realize it really isn't the end of the world. The little mishaps add some character to the quilt and most of the time if you refrain from pointing it out to everyone they are unlikely to even notice a small mistake.

I'm linking up with Sew Fresh Quilts, Confessions of A Fabric Addict, TGIFF, and Crazy Mom Quilts go check out all of the fun posts!

Check out Part One and Part Two

Kite Quilt Part 2

Since my last update I have completed the quilt top, basted it, and started quilting. If you follow me on Instagram (if you don't you should!) I posted a picture of the top before basting. I'm still working out ideas on how I want this quilted as I'm doing it. As of right now I am working on straight lines within the white sections and I'm thinking about doing straight lines in alternating directions within the kite blocks. If anyone has a really good idea for the kite blocks please share I am always open to suggestions.

The backing is a turquoise solid that is also used in the top. I was able to try out a tip that I learned from one of my awesome blogging mentors Stephanie at Late Night Quilter. When piecing the backing fabric open it, so you have the full width of fabric, then fold it lengthwise right sides together and sew along the selvage with an inch seam allowance. Cut the folded edge and the selvage, press the seam open, and you have a perfect backing. Up until now I was measuring, cutting, then sewing together. This way is so much easier once you give it a try.

How do you guys baste your quilts? I have always used pins but lately I have been wanting to try spray basting. If you spray baste what kind do you use? I love hearing everyones opinion on the subject.

Check out Part One and The Big Finish

Kite Quilt

I'm going to let you in on a little secret. I hate pressing seams open. There I said it. I'll press seams to one side all day long but the second you ask me to press them open I turn into a preschooler that doesn't want to pick up their toys. "But Moooommmmm do I have to do it?" The answer is yes it definitely needs to be done but that doesn't mean we can't complain while we do it.

I said that I would have The Kite Quilt (affiliate link) top done today...yeah not so much. All of the seams need to be pressed open. Yesterday I spent more time than I am willing to admit pressing the seams because I'm a genius and didn't do it while I was sewing the strip sets together. All together I had 12 sets of 4 seams that were width of fabric. 

Once that was done I cut each strip into four blocks.

The blocks were then cut into triangles.

A lot of triangles.

I only ended up getting eight setting triangles done. Once I get the last two done I need to work on the seven blocks that will be set on point. I'm thinking maybe Friday I will be done with the top if I don't get distracted by my shiny blog. That may have been what happened to me today but I did get some stuff done on here so there is that! Speaking of which...check me out I figured out how to get my picture in the side bar and a short description. I also completed my About Me page so go take a look and learn a little bit about my life. 

Check out Part Two and The Big Finish