Friday September 10-12, 2010

Although delayed in posting this, I wanted to chronicle another fabulous weekend event at the Marin Headlands working on this necktie quilt and it’s companion Shirt Pocket Quilt.

So many decisions I recall making, as I continue my slow-fall farther down this quilted ‘rabbit hole.’

• How do I assemble a quilt of full neckties? Chris C suggests that I appliqué them to a background first, then to the batting/backing.
• Blind stitching won’t be secure enough…? Cherise shows me her topstitching technique, which I can use at either end, then hide by dovetailing the ties and blind stitching in place.
• But, do I want all the partial machine-stitching to show on the back? Not really, perhaps I just stabilize the ties to the cotton batting blind stitching the rest on the front and only quilt a dozen ties.
• The center isn’t covered, as the ties are much wider at one end… What began with only 36 grew to 47. At final count, this quilt has ‘eaten’ 53 neckties!
• How do I finish the quilt edges? Marsha B suggests pillow top. Diane thinks ties as binding.
• Hmmm… Do I run the ties off the edges or not? Darleen W’s prairie points look nifty on her quilt. Mine would be more geometrically organic, but that might be a nice way to finish this.

This quilt has stretched my ability and creativity. Every choice leading to another fork, even spawning a second quilt when I tried to use the leftover shirtfronts and sleeves as the background for the appliquéd neckties.

Nicknamed The Shirt Pocket Quilt, this delightful design quietly waited for the decision to give those ties another base.

“Consider the hours spent cutting and piecing sleeves and shirtfronts together,” it whispered, “Aren’t these pockets interesting places for hiding mementos? Can’t do that when they are covered with ties, you know.”

True. And so, I match the ‘fjord blue’ shirt and purchase enough fabric for the original tie background AND the new backing for this charming bonus quilt with its simple pillow-top border.

Now it was time to stop fussing and start sewing. Once I pinned the ties in place, the quilt is rolled up like a burrito with the background and batting so I can sew hidden stability by machine. By Saturday night, I’ve completed tie #19 and another 5 by lunch Sunday. Dinner finds me sewing tie #37 and by the time I leave at 9pm, all 53 (except the burgundy silk Asian tie is delicately pinned in place) are secured.

There is so much more to do, but it will have to wait until after autumn and holiday travel.