This is a queen sized hand sewn customer quilt that I was asked to quilt and bind. It was not in great condition. It had holes and more fullness than I have ever seen or had to work with. I told her puckers would be unavoidable and they were.
Here are some before shots. I think there were worse spots than these just didn't get them in the photos.
And here are the after shots. I quilted it in a smaller than normal meander hoping to hold down the extra fabric. I was also hoping to be able to close up the holes with the meandering. I think it worked pretty well.
My customer told me that someone had already told her "no" to quilting this for her. I knew that she wanted it quilted and not being a quilter herself, didn't really understand how bad this top was. Thankfully she doesn't want to use this quilt on a bed or anything. From a distance I think it looks nice. And I think she will be happy.
What do you do with tops that are not sewn together well? Have you ever told your customer no?
It turned out really nice. I wouldn't do a customer quilt that wasn't fairly flat because my setup (and lack of a third hand) doesn't allow me to smooth the top as I quilt.
ReplyDeleteHmm, I don't do other people's quilts so can't really make a comment. I can understand why a quilter might be reluctant to have a go at a quilt that is not sewn well, it's your quilting reputation at stake after all. I think you did a marvellous job and the owner will be happy with the finished product.
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job with what you had to work with. I don't do a lot of customer quilts, but I have passed on a couple for various reasons. I feel if I am not comfortable doing it that I should let them know so that they get the best results with their quilt.
ReplyDeleteI think your final product looks great, and I'm sure your customer is thankful for your willing to finish it for her. I did a couple of old quilts for a customer that had lots of puckers, really no straight lines, and lots of fullness. I was just honest with her that we'd have puckers, but that I would do my best so she could have useable quilt. She completely understood and was so grateful to have it finished. I can't imagine telling a customer no.
ReplyDeleteIt looks beautiful from here. I always say that perfect isn't flawless. Perfect is finished. This will be a treasure.
ReplyDelete