sandpat

Shelley, I didn't know that was referred to as "faux" trapunto. I took a class from Paula Reid and she taught that technique as "machine trapunto". I guess it doesn't matter, I just know that I like it. It might not be exactly the same thing...does the wool shrink any? Paula emphatically said you MUST use Poly and recommended high loft for the trapunto. I had done some trapunto before the class and used cotton scraps. She told me that if I washed it...the trapunto parts would end up looking like an old ladies bra....you know what I mean....so I haven't washed it..I'm scared to....what do you think?

Ducky

Shelley, that is absolutely beautiful. Wow. I wonder how long you've quilted and how many pieces you've put in contests. As it is right now with me, I just feel proud to even get my top to the long-armer. :shock:

Shelley

Well, I don't think wool is supposed to shrink. So I don't thing that would be a problem. Faux trapunto and machine trapunto are probably the same thing. Since I stitched so close on the outside of the trapunto parts, I didn't have to cut the second layer of batting close. In fact, I used squares. You'd never know there are two layers of batting there.

If you wash, and don't want shrinkage, use cold water, then block on something rigid. When I block quilts, I use foam insulation boards.

Shelley

I've been longarm quilting about a year and 1/2, minus about 6 months for a broken wrist (you don't want to get me going on THAT story!!!). I've been making tops for about 9 years, and have put quilts in fairs and local shows for years. I'm still looking for the right quilt top to do for a machine quilting show. The level of competition at those shows is pretty intense. I've cut back to piecing about a dozen tops a year, since I'm also quilting customer tops. I've done as many as 24 in a year, but there were lots of small, easy tops. I also help my husband with our grain and cattle ranch, plus I have a bookkeeping business. We're down to two kids at home - those older two must have been a lot of work, because I keep finding more time since they are away from home!!!

Don't worry about the quantity of tops you get done. That will come with time. Get your techniques mastered, and you'll always be happy with your finished product! If you want to improve, enlist your long armer as a partner. Have her show you how to be a better piecer. Everyone can improve on something. You wouldn't believe what I found out when I had to quilt my own quilts...... :shock:

omak

[quote=Shelley
Well, I don't think wool is supposed to shrink. So I don't thing that would be a problem. If you wash, and don't want shrinkage, use cold water, then block on something rigid. When I block quilts, I use foam insulation boards. [/quote]

Wool WILL shrink. It will felt if there is enough agitation while it is being washed, so the secret to keeping wool in the trapunto anywhere close to what you started with, quilt in tub for washing, a few swishes (in cold water, as Shelley suggests) ... lay it out to dry ... Felt comes from wool that has been washed in hot water and soap with lots of agitation and then dried with a high heat ... if you use wool inside your trapunto, check out care instructions for a wool sweater, and then you will know what to expect from wool yarn or fabric.

BarbS

Absolutely stunning!!

k3n

Breathtaking!

K x

beachlady

Gorgeous quilt! Quilting is great, but it sounds like you are a pro.