Top finished!

It seems kind of odd to be calling this denim quilt a “summer quilt”. Summer quilts should be light and airy but this quilt will be neither light nor will it be airy. I’m calling it a summer quilt because I plan on using it as a table cover on picnic tables. For summer! (Of course, I live in Florida so while it is only April, it’s already fairly summery!) I want it to be sturdy and washable so I went with denim. I was asked if I was planning to use batting. Yes! I am! I want that crinkle that only comes with batting! So that makes it even heavier.

Gotta say. If this was a winter quilt I would be putting some soft minky on for backing. But no, it’s a summer quilt so I’m using some fun cotton quilting fabric that just arrived yesterday and I’m very excited to share it with you. Next week.

More about the work from this week….

Although this is the fourth denim quilt I have made, I totally forgot about how difficult it is to sew through all of those thick seams. I usually use my Babylock Unity for my quilts but this time I’m using the Brother PQ1500SL and a 100/16 denim needle. Thus far, I have had no problemo sewing through all those thick layers. I might have to move up to a 110/18 needle when I actually start quilting. Yikes, these seams are thick! Because they are so thick I’m pressing all my seam allowances open to reduce bulkiness.

This is how I pin my quilt pieces together for stitching. I stick a pin (that’s the yellow circle in the bottom photo) in the seam of both layers. Then I use wonder clips to make sure the seam allowances stay open. Then I remove the pin.

When I get the entire row clipped, I flip it over and stitch from the other side because then I know that the other side’s seam allowances stay open, too. Does that make sense? Works for me!

Not all of the seams are perfect but I’m very happy with how it has turned out!

The top is done and the backing is here! Washed and in the dryer as I write this post! Hoping to get it basted and start quilting by next week!

It’s been awhile since I’ve been this excited about a quilt! Really looking forward to the finish!