Need help stabilizing an envelope quilt for shipping to DIL for hand-tying
 

I'm a very inexperienced quilter and would dearly love some advice from the wonderful QB treasure trove of expeienced quilters! I have machine-pieced a 65" x 85" quilt top for my son & Daughter-in-law. My DIL wants to hand-tie it as her contribution to her family's picnic blanket. She also wants it sandwiched/constructed as an envelope and without binding.

Once I sandwich the top, batting (Quilters Dream Green) & backing, I have to turn the HUGE envelope right-sides out. How do I keep it from shifting all over the place while being transported from AZ to WA? I'm concerned about the seams getting twisted out of place (and, all my pressing being ruined) when packing it up for transport. We're probably going to fly to WA and I doubt that the TSA will allow it on a plane with scads of big safety pins in it...

I've wondered about spray basting the top to the batting and then simply laying the backing (right sides together) on the pieced top before sewing the edges closed and turning it right sides out. This way only the backing would be loose before tying. Would the spray basting hold-up to being folded for a long period while being boxed & shipped or jammed into a suitcase?

I'm reluctant to hand-baste the whole thing because that seems to me, like tying it twice...

What would you recommend?

Thanks.

Kathleen

Why don't you wait until you get there to sandwich, stitch and turn? Is there no sewing machine available in WA?

I would add to the previous suggestion that if there is a a sewing machine available at DIL's leave the batting at home and have DIL pick some up.

That idea is worth exploring. My DIL does not have a walking foot for her machine, though.

You didn't say how you were getting from A to B - but did you consider once enveloped and turned rolling around one of those plastic swimming noodles. Probably have to use two fastened together with a wooden dowel or plastic pvc pipe about one foot each side of the join. Driving may make for interesting squishing into the car -- but the ends would bend around to shorten the total length. If flying airlines used to have boxes for skis or just wrap securely probably with lawn and leaf grade plastic bags and tape the devil out of it on the outside. Love to hear how you finally solve the problem and how it travelled.

Would yours fit? Walking feet (except Bernina) tend not to be very pricy, if you fly you would be able to buy one cheaper than a bulky item fee.

maybe another quilter there could help you ?? i have a friend in wa ...

Joannes sells a little gun that shoots plastic ties into the quilt to hold it together. Kind of like the plastic strings that hold price tags to clothing. No metal to set of TSA and the quit will be held place,,,,,,

What about just sewing it, folding it up, and turning it after arrival?