I might be bias.

When we decided to purchase the new machine I also bought some fabric for my first quilt.  I am not one to start out with something easy (boring), so I decided to use a twist tool to make something a little different.  These are some of the steps and pictures of my first go at quilt making.

The first step was to decide on a pattern.  Instead of finding a pattern online, I decided to design my own.  I used excel to design the pattern and also used it to calculate the final size.  I purchased four different fabrics, so I made the design and gave each fabric a number.  I wanted to have some of the colors pop so I ultimately decided on this design.

I started cutting my squares out.  I needed 5x5 squares for the twist tool that I was using.  I probably cut 300 total because I wasn't paying attention at first and now the extras are in with all of our scrap pieces.  We use these to test different stitches and to run practice embroidery designs.

The next step in my plan was to sew all my pieces together.  I went a little crazy trying to keep all of the squares in order and pressing the seams all the same way.  It's something you really have to think about because sometimes you're looking at your rows upside down and backwards.  The beginning part of the quilt was quite large.  I would lay it across my table and, from there, I could see the pattern taking shape and make sure all my squares were in the right position to complete the pattern correctly.  There were a few rows I had to seam rip and redo but I thankfully caught them and made the corrections.  You can see in this picture that it wasn't fully sewn together yet.

This pictures shows the pattern from a different angle and you can see the different fabrics.  This was the mid-point to finishing my quilt topper.  I could have used this for my quilt but since I decided to use the twist tool, it was time to cut my project up again.










The next step in my quilt making process was to cut out the twisted blocks.  At every intersection of four squares, the twist tool is laid down and the square is cut out.  This started to become very confusing and I had to take a step back a few times and make sure everything was coming out correctly.  I cut the squares out two rows at a time, stacked them all in the order they were cut.  It was very important to keep them all in order as to keep the final pattern flowing correctly.




This is the first two rows sewn together.  If you look at the first intersection of four squares on the right, you can see the first pinwheel that was formed using the twist tool.  The final project has 13 pinwheels across.  I cut all of my twisted squares out and gave them all a row number.  I decided to buckle down and get them all sewn.  This is a picture of two rows left to sew.  You can see that it is kind of dark in our sewing room.  I am an early bird and this is what I would do in the morning to get my project finished.  I would log a good hour or two in the morning trying to complete my quilt top.

I finally got everything sewn together and added my border fabric.  I picked out this dark grey color to make the lighter colors of the pattern stand out.  I wanted to try and have my embroidery machine do all of the quilting for me since it was my first quilt but I decided to use the Bernina Stitch Regulator (BSR) and a freehand stipple stitch.  It was tricky at first but once I had the hang of it, I zoomed right along.  A stipple stitch is a zig-zag stitch that doesn't have a real pattern to it.  It is just a continuous curving line that never connects with itself.  I first drew my lines on the front of the quilt.  After all the stippling lines were drawn on, I made my quilt sandwich (quilt top, layer of batting, backing).  These get all pinned together so they don't slide during the quilting process.  I used the BSR to trace my stippling lines and this was the finished product at that point.  You can see the stippling lines from the top view (left) and bottom view (right).

The final step to completing the quilt was to make the bias binding.  To cut on the bias means to cut the fabric on a 45 degree angle.  When fabric is cut on the bias, it has a little bit of stretch to it.  I chose a coral color that compliments the coral on the quilt top.  This was all my bias strips sewn together.  You can see Duchess wanted in on some bias tape action.  I didn't know at the time but putting the bias binding on a quilt is not that easy.  By the end of my binding experience I was frustrated and just wanted it to be over.  Needless to say, I am going to need some practice in this department.  Now I just have to go into my scrap bag and put some binding time in.  

I think the quilt turned out well for my first go at it.  I got to use a lot of the features on the sewing machine, practiced lining up my seams and got to use the BSR on a real project.  I am already looking for my next project to start.  I have a few little things I have been thinking of and want to try to make my nieces some type of outfit.  I found a few cute patterns and might give that a go this weekend, if I can find some time.  
You can see here Roger loving it, but we might be bias!