MOUSE-FETTI BY MARILYN ISLAS

 

Marilyn always brings me cute and colorful quilts, usually kid or baby size, and I always enjoy working on them. This time, however, she brought me a real challenge!

Marilyn bought this fabric for the purpose of having it quilted as a wholecloth, then cutting out pattern pieces to make a Travel Bag, shown below. The challenging part was that she did not want quilt batting in between the top and back, but a foam rubber-type product, covered in polyester, that is about 1/8" thick that is made for purse and bag construction! I had no idea if my machine would be able to sew through it! 

 

After using a piece with some scrap fabric to practice, it turns out that my Tin Lizzie could do it, but only if I ran the machine at the lowest speed, which is about four times slower than what I usually use! Plus, the hopper foot had to be lowered greatly, which pushed the fabric around quite a bit. You will notice in the video below that I was using my hand to keep the fabric as flat as possible. Also, I sped up the video to two times the real playback speed, because it was stitching so slowly.

 

I used YLI "Vineyard" cotton thread. The digital quilting design is called "Target", and it is available from Anne Bright Designs. Because the fabric was going to be used for a bag, I shrunk the design to itty-bitty size.

 

Here are a few photos of the quilting process, and a photo of the bag pattern. When Marilyn finishes the bag, she's going to send me a photo of it to update this post. I can't wait to see it! Because the fabric is Mickey Mouse themed, she even bought purse hardware with Mickey on it to complete the bag in true Disney style!

 

The quilting is done (phew!) and it's ready to be cut up by Marilyn into pattern pieces, and assembled into the travel bag.

Here is a short video of the fabric being digitally quilted with my Tin Lizzie Ansley 26 quilting machine and Butler Perfect Stitch computerized system. Maximize the screen to maximize your viewing pleasure!

 

 

The size of this wholecloth is approximately 36" x 60", and the cost for my services was $48.68, which included a set up fee, digital edge-to-edge quilting, and thread. And the quilt was finished and ready to be picked up three days after Marilyn dropped it off!

 

If you are a quilter looking for affordable rates for your latest project, give me a call! Don't quilt, but looking for a great gift for a special person in your life? Or maybe you want something special for yourself. I would love to design and create a quilt especially for you! Contact me for details at (815) 735-0997.