hand tie this?
 

I would like to make this but would do all by hand as sewing machines and I do just not get along (I'm sure it's all my fault). I would use a flannel or chenille for the white top and hand applique the butterflies. I am confident with my abilities in the hand applique area. For the "batting" I would use another piece of flannel with a pink flannel or chenille for the back. I will be fine with the hand tying. BUT, I can't envision the finished piece. Will this look pretty with tying instead of the machine quilting? I just love the machine quilting on this. Would you use variegated embroidery floss in the colors of the butterflies or a solid in either white or the color of the backing? I am so awful at envisioning things.

Oh by the way, this is for my first grandbaby and I want it to be something that will stand up to washing and use.

Any other hints or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Here is a link to this. You can see the quilting so much better in the link. Thanks so much for your help!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/maybematilda/4554081279/


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It's really cute!

I don't think that most things that are totally hand done will hold up to the washing and wear that a machine sewn garment/item will. So, my advice, as much as you may detest it, would be to make friends with your sewing machine!

Tying would be okay, though, but not quite as tough, probably, and if you want the same overall effect (it won't be quite the same, though) use white thread to tie it with--at least on the white background.

I agree with Justflyingin, you can quilt with straight lines if you do not like to FMQ, looks nice and considered modern. No need to drop the feeddogs, lenghten your stitch and just sew like you normally would do. I am not a big tie fan, maybe just me...

I would start off making friends with the machine and make the sandwich and cross hatch. Remember straight lines. Using your walking foot. Find a tute to watch on cross hatching.
After that is done hand applique your beautiful butterflies.
Doing the hatching first is far easier. Also place a piece of batting under the butterfly as you hand sew will give it extra puff.

Great advice!!!!!!!!!!

Dang dottymo .. These are great tips! I am so blonde sometimes, I never would have thought to cross hatch first.

My first thought was cross hatch, (like DottyMO saod) but it can be hand quilted. Tying probably would'nt hold up to a lot of washing like closely quilted would. I have never hand quilted on flannel, so not sure how hard that might be. Sure is a pretty quilt.