Replies

1. 
   rodezzy2 | Mar 27, 2009 04:38pm | #1

   Its called "foundation piecing".  Actually the foundation stablizes fabrics that are stretchy.  I realized from reading lots of the history of quilting that people who quilted many years ago, used old clothing for their utilitarian quilts.  They were not always using 100% cotton as we are urged in these past modern quilt making days.  I've found that the muslin can stretch and the squares would have to be "sized up" to a common size for all of the blocks.  You can certainly skip the muslin foundation if you are using 100% cotton identical sized strips.  Or strip piece a length of fabric and cut out your squares from the length of fabric you have created.

   The other use for foundations is "crazy quilts" and you have to use a foundation because you use "odd" sized pieces to make the blocks.  Also, you can use strips in all sizes.  You lay them on the foundation in random places to create a random look and feel to the block.  Also, if you sew across the straight of grain of the foundation you can avoid stretching the block very much.  Or just be careful with the bias and how you handle it while sewing. 

   This is true in "quilt-as-you-go" piecing.  This is where you sew not only on your backing (foundation), but you have the batting cut and placed on the wrong side of the backing square.  You sew and flip the strips on the batting side, through the foundation or backing.  You square is quilted already.  You then sew the squares together in a couple different ways that can be research online, or I've explained one in earlier threads here.

   Edited 3/27/2009 9:42 am ET by rodezzy2

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Mar 29, 2009 12:45am | #2

   I'm enjoying the foundation piecing on DGS's crazyquilt, now if I could just get those embroideries done...I wonder how many will actually end up on the quilt?  Some look nice on the computer but not as "cool" when embroidered onto fabric.  He's very artistic so I am being so self critical about this one it may not get done for decades instead of this year. 

1. 
   rodezzy2 | Mar 29, 2009 03:37am | #5

   Hi Mary, still working on DGS's quilt?  He He.  join the club.  You do such grand work, I'm sure you will get it done.  Have you finished the quilt.  Are you doing any fancy thread work on the seams?

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Mar 29, 2009 09:55am | #6

   Thanks for the encouragement!  Normally I thrive on doing several projects at once since they are all in different stages.  The last few months I can't seem to accomplish anything, my attention span is shot and I just cannot focus on anything....the studio looks like a fiber blizzard!

1. 
   rodezzy2 | Mar 29, 2009 07:37pm | #7

   Don't worry about all that, just look toward the future - and not too seriously - just try to have fun again with all you do.  If it's not fun that day don't do it.  Do it another day when it feels good.

2. 
   MaryinColorado | Mar 29, 2009 08:54pm | #8

   You are always such a positive influence!  Thank You! 

3. 
   JunkQueen | Mar 29, 2009 10:01pm | #9

   Good advice for all of us.

2. 
   peggyv | Mar 29, 2009 01:17am | #3

   Thank you so much for your explanation. I guess I just wanted to make this as easy as possible and I possibly could do without the foundation since the fabric is all cotton and pretty sturdy but I think I will try it the way the directions specify, at least this time.

1. 
   rodezzy2 | Mar 29, 2009 03:11am | #4

   Sounds good, please share your results with us.  I will be looking forward to see it.  I'll look on the internet for the pattern. 

   Is it the Nigella Quilt?  Its so beautiful.  I love fabric colors.  Greens, teals, chocolate, cream.  Awesome.

   I went back to your first thread and then looked up the quilt you asked about.  Yes, this is an old flip and sew pattern.  It looks like the squares are made and then cut diagonally through the squares at each corner.  (twice cutting an "X") Having the squares sewn first on foundation will help stablize the sections that are then re-sewn together to make new squares.  Making it even scrappier in the design.  I just love the fabric.  Her Daisy collection.

   Edited 3/28/2009 8:12 pm ET by rodezzy2

   Edited 3/28/2009 8:19 pm ET by rodezzy2

   Edited 3/28/2009 8:29 pm ET by rodezzy2

   Edited 3/28/2009 8:32 pm ET by rodezzy2

   Edited 3/28/2009 8:33 pm ET by rodezzy2