Latte Quilt - I think I'm way over my head!

Is anyone from the group doing the Latte quilt? I decided to take the course at my Bernina Dealer in order to learn more about my machine (we meet once a month). What a difficult and time consuming quilt it is.

This hooping and re-hooping business is not as easy as it looks (it takes me forever to remotly get it to be somewhat centered). Anyone have tips or know of an internet site that might offer some help. I am just about to give up and this is really only my first attempt and first block. I'm also having such a difficult time with the embroidery stitch on the last curve and I can't figure out why the last one. I can't seem to get it right (I've taken it apart at least 5 times). The book is not forthcoming with tips either. Here's the not as of yet completed block that is causing my hair to turn gray.

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Reply to
C&S
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while I cannot for a moment assist in your problems (no experience) I do want to say:

WOWOWOW!!! I'm impressed you got this far!

btw I vaguely remember that someone did the quilt on this NG last winter

Reply to
Jessamy

Didn't Bernina come out with a 12 inch square hoop that you don't have to keep rehooping. You might look into this and use this hoop to do the Latte quilt blocks.

Reply to
webbie

Carole,

That is so pretty but it turned my hair grey just looking at it. I can't imagine actually doing it.

Jacqueline

Reply to
Jacqueline

Can't help with the embroidery problem (it looks gorgeous to me) but - I just had to say I LOVE that witch's boot and spider!!

Good luck with the hooping

Reply to
Cats

While I am not doing the latte (I have the book), the hopping does get easier as you go along...so stick with it. Also consider joining the Latte Yahoo groups. You can get 24/7 help and encouragement there!!! They have LOADS of tips for each block too in teh files section. Don't give up. This quilt would be a mega accomplishment!

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Melissa in NJ

Reply to
Melissa in NJ

Carole, I did the Latte Quilt at my Bernina dealer/LQS last year. The hooping does get easier as you go along. Don't give up--it is worth it!! One lady in our group made six of them at the same time--crazy, huh? Here is a link to my Yahoo Photos with pics of mine.

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Reply to
Donna in NE La.

I sure don't have any tips, but this is a beautiful block! I hope you stick with it -- I'd love to see the finished product. :)

So, is a latte quilt so called because of the thread that is used, or because of the design? This is the first one I've seen.

Thanks,

Nancy in NS

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Reply to
Nancy in NS

causing my

Geesh, Carole...it turns my hair gray just LOOKING at it....! That's going to be one amazing block (and one amazing quilt), so hang in there!

-Irene

-------------- You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.=20

--Mae West=20

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Reply to
IMS

O-h---m-y---g-o-o-d-n-e-s-s!! That is AMAZING...how long did that take to do? It's breathtaking.

Irene

-------------- You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.=20

--Mae West=20

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Reply to
IMS

Wowie Kazowie, what a block! That's gorgeous! You hang in there, this is going to be worth it!!

Karen, Queen of Squishies

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Reply to
Karen, Queen of Squishies

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I'm piggybacking here -- didn't see the original post for some reason. :S Anyway, that block is *gorgeous*, Carole! Have I mentioned lately that I love blue? ;) Blue and white, blue and yellow, blue and blue -- whatever! Keep it up -- it's going to be a spectacular quilt!

Reply to
Sandy Foster

Thank you, Irene. We did it over a nine or ten month period. It was fun and sometimes nervewracking but I learned a lot about my machine while doing it. I said I would never do it again but signed up for a class called "Elizabethan Splendor" It's in several issues of the magazine "Machine Embroidery". It's another one that is going to last 6 months or so.

Reply to
Donna in NE La.

I adore blues too. Every time I think might get another quilt going, it turns out blue-and-white somehow.

Nel (Gadget Queen)

Sandy Foster wrote:

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Reply to
Sartorresartus

I got the book a year ago, and intend to start it one day. However, I thought I would have to do it in shiny fabric (which I don't much like) so I am delighted to see you doing it on matt (cotton?). Now I will _have_ to go dust off my embroidery gadget.

Hooping drives me mad too, but the stabilsers help, as does the spray on adhesive. Do you use the grid thingy as you hoop? I find that keeps me central, Oh and I cheat, I make the machine _think_ it is central according to where I put the block. You have to fiddle with the layout and keep making it centre itself. But it usually works out in the end.

Nel Gadget Queen

C&S wrote:

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Reply to
Sartorresartus

Thanks Melissa for the info on the group. I have joined it and will take the time to check out their info. I did finish the block. The decorative embroidery stitch used is not easy to master on curves. I can't begin to tell you how many times I took it apart. I don't think I can count that high! I was afraid that the holes would remain, however after soaking the block to remove the stabilizer, the holes were no longer there once the block was dry. However, I do seem to have some puckering in the middle that is driving me nuts. I didn't use all the stitches they suggested as I felt the fabric framing the block was enough. She does use muslin only so she can play with decorative stitches.

Reply to
C&S

Wow, I'm impressed! Very nice, thank you for sharing. I did finish the block. I didn't use as many decorative stitches as the author. It think it would have been over whelming with the fabric frame. Thanks for the encouragement and for showing your quilt.

Reply to
C&S

The quilt is called latte because of the colours that are used. The original quilt is made on muslin with satin type fabrics using light brownish/tan threads. It is quite a challenge. Here is the book cover. It should give you an idea on the color.

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Reply to
C&S

Her colours are not my style at the moment, however I can understand her use of numerous decorative embroidery stitches. If you start adding colours, IMO you need to reduce the number of decorative stitches. Here is the finished block:

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I'm disappointed with the center. It appears to be stretched out. I used the type of stabilizer that you wet and it sticks on the fabric, creating a stiff square to work with. I had to wet the block to remove it. I don't know if I was too hard during the removal process or if this is normal. I guess I'll find out in class.

I do use the "grid thingy" when I hoop. It's the only way to center, I think. I also use the template that comes with the book. I use 202 spray and line the "grid thingy" with the template.

Good luck with your quilt, let me know how it turns out. Oh, just blow the dust off! ;o)

Reply to
C&S

FWIW - the only time I did any machine embroidery (for a shop and it wasn't my machine) the resident teacher told me to change needles frequently to avoid stitch problems and holes in fine fabrics. I did (like I said - not my machine so I just followed instructions) so I have no idea what happens if you don't lol

Good luck with the other blocks. This is going to be a real masterpiece!

Reply to
Cats

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