Machine Quilting Journal #5

Machine Quilting Journal #5

Working on quilt #4 of 10, the Leaf Quilt. Ditch quilting revisited.

Again I used the 60/8 Microtex sharp needle, Madeira monopoly in needle, and this time King Tut 40 wt. cotton in the bobbin. I wanted the quilting to show on the back, but not the front of the quilt. I used several color ways of the King Tut. Who says bobbin threads have to match??

Staying in the ditch: Contrary to most teachers, who insist that one keep one’s eyes on the needle for ditch quilting; I do much better to look ahead of the needle about 1”; and let the right brain steer. This takes focus and practice, but skills are improving.

If I were really smart, I’d figure out a way to avoid ditch quilting.

Fern Feathers

An article in the AQS journal, May 20010, “Braided Feathers” by Shirley Stults opened the door for me for quilting totally freeform feathers. I wanted a more contemporary look than traditional feathers, and was able to achieve that with fern feathers. I didn’t need to braid them, just do a left feather, a right feather, bottom to top, and quilt stem back to bottom.

I started with the idea of doing veins in the leaves, but the shapes morphed into fern feathers. On a larger scale, this pattern would look great with a few swirls and tendrils. Maybe in the the border?? Needle thread: King Tut 40 wt cotton, color Autumn Days. No photo. This is a picture of the back of the quilt, showing King Tut in the bobbin.

Bonus pictures: hanging flower baskets, Edmonds, WA, 8/18/11. Flowers have been spectacular this summer. They really like the cool summer weather.