A Tutorial plus some really good news!

First of all I got my new iron - it's a Panasonic Cordless Iron...so far, so good.  I previously had a Maytag Cordless Iron - not so good.  When removed from the base the heat lasted for only a couple of minutes, but the Panasonic seems to stay heated for at least 4 or 5 minutes before having to be returned to the heating unit.  It also has a great burst of steam for the those tough wrinkles that seem impossible to tame.

On to Hobbs Fusible Batting...

This is process I use for a large(r) quilt:

Lay down the quilt back, wrong side up, then layout the batting to remove any wrinkles, and give it a chance to breath.  The texture of the batting is like a cotton batt, but slightly stiffer, due to the fusing I imagine.  After laundering the fusing is completely removed, and the texture is that of a 80/20 batting.

After both layers are smoothed out, I add the quilt top, and trim away the excess batting/backing - leaving 4 to 5" extra

Next lay the quilt top and batting across the ironing board at the center of the quilt.  Start pressing the top/batt, pressing towards yourself.  When the exposed portion is completely pressed, lift and move the top/batt away from yourself to expose the next unironed section.  This will allow you to keep removing any bubbles or gaps until you have reached the end of the top/batt.  When you reach the end, pick up the top/batt and flip around on the ironing board, and repeat the process. 

Next I lay the pressed top/batt on a flat surface (my bed) and add the quilt back, carefully positioning over the top/batt.  Depending on how large your quilt is, gently fold and carry the quilt to your ironing surface.  Repeat the process that was used on the top.  Be careful to make sure that the top/batt are flat on the ironing surface, and don't get crumpled, or wrinkled. 

Next, start quilting!  I hope this helps...A couple of concerns I had, I'll share with you - in case you are wondering too.  Does the fusing stick to the iron if the iron touches it?  I haven't experienced this - I was careful, but not that careful.  The fusing doesn't react like fusible web.  Also when pressing the top & batt, the batting did not stick to the ironing board.  It is repositionable.  I'm very sensitive to chemicals (asthma), so I was initially cautious/worried, but I haven't had any trouble with fumes - unlike with sprays.  Also unlike the sprays there was no residue on the sewing machine, or the needle.

If anyone is interested, I'd be happy to send you a 12" x 12" sample until I run out.  Just send a 7.5" x 10.5" SASE (.97 cent stamp).  Email me, and I'll give you my mailing address.

Drum roll please - for the best news of all!!!

Did you see Lizzy's blog, and her super good news!  She has a fabric line coming out - it is amazing!  I know I'm her momma, and I know I'm prejudice, but I know great fabric, and this is like nothing else on the market right now.  I'm so proud, she is a great daughter, and a great designer! 

 

 

Comments

[nicolette]

Hurray for Lizzy and her fabrics. I’m so curious what she has designed! Lizzy Dish sounds great! You have every right to be a proud mama!
Thanks for the tutorial. Unfortunately they don’t sell fusible batting in Holland (not found yet). I work with the spray, for now that will do. Have a wonderful weekend!

[Nanette]

I couldn't be happier for both you and Lizzy. Its just amazing what happens when we work towards a goal. Such a blessing.

I loved the tutorial on the batting. I am on the look out for it! I think it will work great.

[Joan]

Thanks for the tutorial. I don't think I would have considered this product without it.
I'm excited about Lizzy's fabric--she's so talented. The hard part is waiting for it to come out!
Joan

[Serena]

Thanks for the great tips! I haven't used fusible batting for large quilts, but will have to give this a try!