. . .but a disappearing one---thread basting. In the old days (here I go again!) before basting spray, long arms, and safety pinning, our only options were thread basting either in a grid or in radiating lines. My, what a division of opinions that caused! Then the discovery of using extra long basting needles speeded things up a bit. And for a short while, the tacking gun! We've come a long way since.
However, I am delighted to find a few quilters still use traditional methods and do wonderful work. My Japanese friend Eri is basting this Indigo panel she brought from her home country. The care and respect she puts into everything she makes is inspiring. She also makes delicate quilted jewelry and gorgeous Origami ornaments. She is camera shy, so you will have to take my word that she has a beautiful smile as well!
I wish I had the patience to baste like that. It's fun to hear the recent history of basting. I remember learning about the tacking gun. Eegads!
ReplyDeleteI have tried almost every method of sandwiching quilts and by far prefer to hand baste. The layers stay together so much better and no fussing over pins that pop open or won't come out. Saying that, I used to scrabble about on the floor to baste a quilt but that causes me too many aches and pains so other means are a neccesity sometimes.
ReplyDeleteShirley, your glorious applique deserves the best...however long it takes...however much it hurts!
DeleteI love that quilting is an ever changing, growing, living art form and we can do what we please with our own quilts however it pleases us ;0). I've tried all these methods except the gun and I do like the pin method best. However, sometimes hand basting is very zen and I like to do it before I hand quilt projects.
ReplyDeleteWhich is your favorite method Helen?
Quilting is so satisfying to me and gives all kinds of methods to learn and try.
Happy Sewing
I safety pin mostly, but I don't bother to close them. So they either fall out or stick me...not recommended. I am leaning towards outsourcing lately.
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