Free Motion Inspiration

Do you ever get stuck thinking about what to quilt on the next quilt?  I especially find this to be true, when I am asked to do a custom quilt, and I'm not really wanting to use the computer for it. 

In my job, I teach a long arm quilting guild each month.  Sometimes coming up with another topic and keeping it fresh and interesting can be a challenge.  Last year, I had the idea to have an ongoing class and called it "Free Motion Frenzy".  Each month (except May & December), I shared at least two free motion designs.  The challenge was to make a small sampler, with all the design ideas, to hang on the wall in your quilting space.  Then, when it's time to quilt, you have 20+ designs at your fingertips, ready to inspire you.

This certainly isn't a new idea.  We've had Handi Quilter educators come to teach, and they have shared these samplers.  So, I used one as my example.  I did my framework using the Pro-Stitcher software, and then, I spent the year loading the quilt on the machine each month and doing my 2 or 3 designs.

I chose to do something else, too.  I played with threads.  I used black fabric so it would show the fun thread colors.  So, here it is.

It now hangs on my wall behind my long arm machine.  I now have ideas to help me when it's time to quilt and I'm not using my computer.  Plus, lots of fun with my threads.  Just a note...the spider web design was quilted with glow in the dark thread.  And it really does glow in the dark.  The best glowing is from the spaces that have more than one line of stitching. 

How about you?   How do you find a way to choose designs?

Keep on Sewing and Quilting!

I've had quite the quilting journey.  I started out quilting on my Bernina sewing machine.  Then, I learned how to use a longarm quilting machine, so I had to buy one.  Then, I learned how to use the computer, so I had to buy one.  I actually have had the opportunity to learn enough on the longarm that I now teach classes at my local quilt shop.  Of course, with everything in the world being turned upside down this spring, I'm not teaching classes for a bit yet.  I have kept busy quilting at home, though.  I thought I would show a few things I've quilted lately.

I love this one.  The bright Kaffe Fassett fabrics were a delight to look at.  The quilting design is Kaleidoscope e2e.  It has so many swirls and bubbles, just a really fun pattern.

This next one, does not have any computer work on it.  I traced the wool flowers on Golden Threads paper, then quilted through it. After echoing around the applique, then filled in with the echoed curve.

This last one was mostly free motion.  I just used the computer on the squares in the corner.  I've been working on feathers, so I'm really excited how these turned out.

The amazing thing is, that when I was doing the free motion, I really felt a zen-like state.  I was relaxed and really enjoyed it.  I sometimes forget that I feel that way when I quilt.

That's it for today.  Keep on Sewing!

Coming Back to the Blog

How do you start a blog again after a long absence?  This has been whirling in my brain for some time.  However, I did not come up with anything profound.  I will start with today.  I have been quilting a lot this year.  I just finished #152 for this year.  This quilt is a grandmother's flower garden.  English paper piecing, pieced together, then appliqued to the background.  I just love the colors, and my phone doesn't do it justice.  The owner and I thought cross hatching would be nice.

We were right.  I just love how it turned out.  But, I must tell you the rest of the story.

I own a Handi Quilter Fusion with Pro-Stitcher.  That means I have the capability to have computerized quilting.  I didn't know how to set up for cross-hatching a whole quilt.  It made me a little nervous.  I did some research on a Facebook group, found an idea of which design to use, and gave it a try.  It did work out marvelously!  I'm pretty excited for the owner to see it.

This next one is a quilt I worked on this summer.  I used the computer for the flowers in the points where the blocks meet, then filled with swirls to give the idea of a windy day.  Each umbrella (80 on the quilt) is also quilted with vane lines.  Lots of fun on this quilt.  I enjoy when I can mix computer with my own work.

Then, last, this is a mini quilt - about 11" square.  I made two of them, starting with 3.5" squares for the pinwheels.  Then, I quilted them both at the same time with my Pro-Stitcher.  I used a clam shell design resized to 3/4" high.

This was for our Sew Small sew-along.  We are working out of a Moda All-stars book, but the quilt chosen was applique.  So, I made this instead.  This month's is paper-piecing, so I am working on something else instead.  I think you may think me mad when you see it later this month.  That's all I'm sharing about that right now.

Anyway, I look forward to sharing more as I go along.  Thanks for joining me today!

Keep Sewing!

Week 8

The year just seems to be flying by...one week at a time.

This week I only completed one project.  A new bag, only I made 2 of them.  One will be at the store, and one for me.  The fabric is the new French General line from Moda.

I wonder sometimes what holds me back from getting more accomplished.  I know this last week I was busy with church callings, worked extra hours, didn't sleep well enough so I didn't feel well on Saturday, tried to keep my house clean enough between times, and laundry.  (Plus, a little wasted time when I am too tired to work on a quilt).

I also realized today that I feel a bit like a lone wolf.  There is not another person I know personally or locally that will quilt a full-size (queen-size or less) quilt on their domestic machine.  I have taught the class for close to three years, yet I haven't heard if anyone has really taken to doing it.  I love being able to quilt on my own machine.  I try to improve my skills, and I still get nervous quilting for customers.  However, that being said, I would love to be able to connect with someone else who machine quilts.  We could encourage each other and share our challenges and ideas.

Then, this evening, I stumbled onto a blog that mentioned a Free-Motion Quilt Challenge.  Complete with a tutorial (for February only) on how to do feathers by Diane Gaudynski.  I have seen her work and her website before, but it has been a while since I looked at it.  I love this tutorial and I really want to spend some time practicing this technique.  The blog which provided the link (Feb. 18th entry) is quilting these feathers on satin.  WOW!  I am inspired and determined to find/make the time to work on this quilting method.  I'll have to make sure to check out enough books on CD from the library so I can relax while working on it.

Are you a domestic quilter?  I know some long-arm quilters that are fabulous, too.  I just know that a long-arm machine isn't in the plan for several years (if ever?).

Hot-pad count:  11.

Next projects:  an apron for the store, 2 customer quilts, challenge quilt, enough said ;)

Keep on Sewing!