Thursday, February 4, 2021

Paulina's Quilt Finished! and batting woes


I finished Paulina's BOLD purple quilt this week and mailed it to her in Boston (Three trips to the post office when all was said and done.  There is a new system).  Feels great to have my first finish of 2021! 

About the batting: 

I used a very light 100% cotton Mountain Mist Cream Rose batting, which was a total DREAM to quilt, really great.  I made sure to quilt no further apart than the 6" recommended spacing.   The reason I used this batt instead of my go-to Dream Cotton, is that I worried about the package exceeding the 2 kg weight limit, or that with the loftier batting, the quilt wouldn't fit into the box (largest size allowed).  I'd tested with a similarly sized finished quilt, and it was almost 2 kg.... so out of caution I chose the very lightest batting I had. 

So, it was great to work with, but, the quilt came out of the washer/dryer really quite wrinkled up and *too* puckered.   It could partly be our small washer/dryer combo which can sort of mangle things sometimes.  For the first time ever, I regret washing a quilt before I gift it!  But at least now I know and if I use that batting again, I will quilt much more densely and evenly, and know what to expect. 

More boring batting talk: 

In my stash of batting, I have one more Cream Rose batt, and a Dream Cotton batt (my usual go-to, in both Select and Request lofts).  Meanwhile I've ordered several other "new to me" Dream battings - 80/20, 70/30, and wool. It will be a year of experimentation with battings.  I sort of have a collection growing on the floor of my closet!  Off cuts are perfect for minis and other little projects. 

Meanwhile... the state of emergency has been extended into March.  Every day, I'm thankful we are healthy and that our loved ones in the US and Ireland are too.   Our parents (David's folks and my step mother) have all had their first vaccines.  Hallelujah! 

xo gratefully 

Cynthia 



22 comments:

  1. Wonderful finish!
    I read on the Japan Post website that handwritten addresses will no longer be allowed on packages to the US but I haven’t had to send anything yet, so I haven’t attempted the new system.

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    1. Pamela, ya it's a website you go to, and either register or continue as guest. You enter the details and choose options. Then you get sent an email (you need a password) with a code. From that code, you print out your label. The problem was, airmail was one of the options and because that option was available, I chose it. But, airmail isn't really an option. Finally I had it all worked out, but never received an email for a second package (small packet) I was trying to send. A daunting process and just another "nothing is easy" moment in Japan;).

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  2. What a sign of the times that your choice of batting was influenced by shipping restrictions! I've never used Cream Rose batting, but will remember your experience next time I choose a 100% cotton batting. Regardless, the quilt is lovely - all those saturated colors are right up my alley!

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  3. What a beautiful finish with all those bold colors! Sorry to hear about your batting woes. I never would have thought about batting and mailing restrictions but so glad your quilt is on its way! I usually use Quilters Dream Cotton request for hand quilting and Hobbs 80/20 for longarm quilting. Haven't used wool yet but from what I hear it's wonderful to work with.

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  4. An absolutely delightful finish. You can't look at those vibrant, rich colors and not smile.
    How frustrating it must have been to have the quilt come out so puckered. I think it was Lori at Humble Quilts blog who told me she ALWAYS washes a quilt before gifting so the recipient won't think they ruined it the first time they wash it. :)

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  5. I'm not a purple person but I am drawn to this quilt. It is very striking. Hugs

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  6. Bright, bold and beautiful! I'm sure Paulina will love it, especially since you and she did some of the fabric shopping 'together. I've had issues with older Mountain Mist battings in the past and pretty much only use Hobbs now unless someone donates batting to our quilt ministry. Hobbs heirloom wool is a new favorite for special quilts.

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  7. It’s a great quilt. I wouldn’t worry too much about the puckering, as it will most likely smooth out as it is used. She will love it regardless!

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  8. I had the same problem with that batting. I put it in a mini quit for a gift and when it came out of the dryer I was devastated. I felt like I had to make another gift. I have since learned (because I still have some of that batting) that if I take it out of the dryer before it's completely dry and lay it out flat to finish drying - it looks much better. I hope that helps. The quilt looks great to me and I know the person receiving it will be thrilled!!!!

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  9. Lovely finish! Sorry you're not entirely happy with the way the batting washed up. It's a very rich, wonderful looking quilt.:)

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  10. Wonderful scrappy with purple quilt! I feel your woes with the mail. I don't have to mail over seas but my g-kids live far away and mailing them quilts really adds up after awhile. take care!!!

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  11. Pauline is going to love her quilt. The colors and design is bold and beautiful. Interesting about the batting. I've never used that one before. I have used wool and bamboo and loved it, but pretty much stick to Dream Cotton Request. Keep us posted on your batting experiments.

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    1. I wish I'd brought a lifetime supply of Dream Cotton Request to Japan, lol. Hadn't counting on not being about to travel or have people bring it to me;).

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  12. Beautiful! Bright and bold, and hopefully a harbinger for the coming year. She will love it.

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  13. It is breathtaking! I seriously love this quilt. No surprise that I love the bright colors, but your placement is perfect. Thanks for the batting story. I have never used Cream Rose and I am now anxious to try it. I used my last vintage Mountain Mist cotton a few years ago and I haven't been able to find any recently. Looking forward to your conclusions on your new battings. Stay safe!

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  14. What a beautiful, vibrant quilt. I love the three blocks with the red flowers in the center.
    I've used Cream Rose before and haven't had a problem with it puckering too much. Maybe next time you could just partially dry it and then hang it to let it finish drying?

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  15. Here is another of your beautiful quilts oozing of colour. I have little experience of batting made from natural fibers, so I have not had any problems with shrinking yet.
    I was told at the postoffice last year that the system for international parcel post would change, and I have to read the instructions on Japan Post's website before I try to send anything.

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  16. I love this bold and fabulous quilt! And all out of your compact little apartment--you are something amazing. The backing has a perfect match in temperment, as I sometimes find it hard to get right. I never wash quilts before I gift them, but include washing instructions. Maybe I should re-think this? (It's been a while since I gifted any, but this week a grandchild is getting a quilt.) I loved the story about the Post Office. I had a bit of a wrangle with our P.O. this week too, but I have a feeling it was nothing like what happened with you. Congratulations!

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  17. Oh my goodness this is so rich and gorgeous! I love dense color scheme. You have really elevated the idea of a scrap quilt here.
    Thanks for the batting information. I would love to try it. BTW I do steam press quilts when they come out more creased than I want.
    sorry to hear about the extended emergency -stay well!

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  18. Is the post office accepting packages finally? I would really like to send off a quilt or two to the States but I think mine would be too heavy still...

    Where do you order your batting? For years I have just ordered Japanese batting through my friend and we've never seemed to have a choice. I'm happy with what I get but I've never thought about "choosing" a batting.

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