Home Sewing Machine Quilting Journey 1Current focus: improve machine quilting. I'm 10 tops behind., What are the bottlenecks?
1. No backs (new house rule: make back as soon as top is done)
2. Skill level
3. Dithering over WHAT DESIGNS to quilt
Plan: Focus on skills, keep samples of patterns I learn, and QUIT DITHERING. Share that journey on blog, as I go.
Started with Pam Clarke's QUILTING INSIDE THE LINES, for this quilt. It was almost a free quilt, since it was made of the most eclectic scraps, i.e. 2 1/2" strips cut into varying lengths, and sashed with plaid thrift market shirts. I had to buy a batt, and decided to try the low loft poly by Mountain Mist, as it was the least expensive. I'm not a fan of poly batts; but decided this was worth a try. It worked fine, and I may use it again.
Pam emphasizes "practicing with a purpose" and has 10 motifs to master. The 2 for this quilt are "swirl" and "loop". The loop was easy, but the swirl took a couple of hours of paper and pencil practice to learn. I wondered why she chose the most difficult motif as the first one. Maybe, because once learned, and burned into brain, the others are easy. At first, I practiced drawing "east to west", but then realized I'd be quilting "north to south", so I turned paper 90 degrees. The "swirl" is half way to a spiral, a motif I've wanted to be able to do for a long time. I also quilted "leaf" motif on the border strips, and had a terrible time with them. They are mutant forms. I've done lots of leaves, but had trouble with Pam's version.
Bobbin thread: Bottom line by Superior, no lint, and long bobbin life
Needle thread: Highlights by Superior, 40 wt poly, no lint, no thread breakage
Needle: 90/14 Topstitch, titanium, available from Superior
Needle: 90/14 Topstitch, titanium, available from Superior
I admire your willingness to experiment, and to record all the variables involved in creating the outcome you desire. What dedication to your craft/art! Great way to spend your holiday.
ReplyDeleteI thinnk considering what "bottlenecks are slowing our progress is quite helpful. Once I realized that noe place with big tables to bast was my bottleneck, I began an intensive seardh for a basting spot. It turned out that our local volunteer fire department has a big meeting room with lots of tables. AS a member they do not charge m e for the use. Now I am a happy quilter. I spend a whole day and baste three or four quilts at a time.
Go Buffy! I'm at exactly the same machine quilting stage. Just got a new, metal, open toed quilting foot and that helped a lot. I check in with Leah Day's website and blog for ideas and advice.
ReplyDeleteThanks for comments. I'd hoped this will start a dialog of sharing.
ReplyDeleteBuffy,
ReplyDeleteYet another gorgeous quilt from you! I think Paula said it right. I admire your willingness to experiment. A true improv quilter in my mind!
Can not wait to see all these beauties in person!
Thanks for the tip on bobbin thread. I needed that!
I am very impressed. It looks wonderful. And thanks for all the info!
ReplyDelete