Machine Quilting Journal #7

Quilt #5 of 10: Turned to Sue Patten’s Adaptable Quilting Designs for this pattern. Needed a freezer paper pattern of the basic paisley-shaped spines to start the block, but able to remove it and do feathers and swirls freehand. Still not always smooth, but making progress. Able to do border all freehand, by first doing a freehand spine. Used same thread in needle and bobbin. i.e. Superior’s Rainbows, 40 wt poly. It comes on a 2000 yard cone. I finished with about one yard of thread left! My machine service man has tuned up my Juki, so that the tension is perfect. It’s a joy to see those beautifully balanced stitches roll out. This took most of the month of September. I need to quilt a little less dense, if I’m ever going to catch up. I’ve given up counting the number of unquilted tops. They just keep growing. Can’t seem to stay away from piecing. It is a quicker reward.