.jpg)
The second picture is the transfer method I used (another first time learning experience). Most of you probably know that is Golden Threads quilting paper, and it worked well for me. I stitched that design on opposite sides of the quilt (fat quarter nine patch pattern), and the simpler design on the other two sides. For some reason, I failed to get a picture of that design or even the entire quilt. Anyway I got it turned in to the group on time.
I want to share a bit of my experience in arriving at that design. First of all, you can see the original idea in the August/September issue of McCall's Quick Quilts; in fact, you can see several good ideas there for quilting motifs. I liked the way it shows turning the corner, but the corners in my quilt are not quite 90 degrees as you will see. Being the dummy I am, I had to really work at it to get mine into a circle, sort of, but I finally got it done. Then it was time to start worrying about how well I'd be able to quilt that circle four times on my approximately 90" square quilt!
Yesterday morning I was reading all the updates on the blogs I follow, and I'm so glad I did that first thing (right after my Bible reading). If you don't follow Rogue Quilter, you are missing a real treat. Her July 16 post was just the inspiration and encouragement I needed. You can see and read it here .There are lots of beautiful feathers out there on the web, but none more beautiful than hers!
Knowing full well I could never come up to her standards, I loved how she shared about her first attempts and her progress because of her sheer determination. I'm usually a fairly determined person, so I decided to try to follow her advice, and just do it! I got one of my big circles finished yesterday. It certainly is not perfect, but for the most part, it's good enough for me! Now if I can just get the next three done. Here's my pattern.
Here it is quilted and the paper removed (well most of it). I think I've told you those are 2" squares.
I've seen the little blue parakeet only once since July 2, but he flew away before I could get to my camera.
I am so concerned about all the problems going on in our nation. Last week I grieved and prayed for their families as I watched the five funerals for Dallas Police officers. So sad!!! Then today as I left church, the first words on my car radio told of another multi-officer shooting in Baton Rouge. Please join me in praying that somehow the Lord will put an end to the many and varied problems we are facing each day. Surely He has a solution somewhere for us --- if we will just do what He says in II Chronicles 7:14. May God bless America!
--"Love"
Love, your feathers look wonderful! I'm glad you stuck with it, they just take practice. I really like the way you are quilting your civil war quilt, it is going to be beautiful! It is sad about the loss of all those officers, it just makes no sense. I have family and friends who are officers or retired officers and I pray for everyone one out there who is working to keep us all safe.
ReplyDeleteThe baby quilt is so sweet, and the feathers on it are lovely, but the big quilt is fabulous. I'm not sure why you ever doubted your ability. Can't wait to see the finished quilt now.
ReplyDeleteWatching the evening news is not for sissies. So many heartbreaking stories each day.
What do you mean "someday?" You ARE doing feathers now!! It looks great! Now that you are doing them with the Golden Threads papers you will get the feel for doing them and you can try it without the paper. The more you do it the better it will be. Go for it! The world is going crazy - it's not the first time. I just hope it can be stopped soon.
ReplyDeleteYou did a beautiful job on your feathers! You should be proud!
ReplyDeleteI have never used that paper, though I think I have some of it somewhere. Was it easy to tear away? I think it has been my fear that I will be picking tiny bits of paper out of the stitches with tweezers.
As Ruth said, this method will help create the muscle memory that will enable you to create those feather shapes one day without the paper. Smart way to go. : )
Your feathers look awesome! You are a free motion quilting expert!!!
ReplyDeleteIt is so very sad all the violence that we are seeing in the world. Prayers.
Great job with the feathers. They work so well with your quilt design.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte
Your feathers look fantastic! Before long you'll be able to do them without the paper templates to guide you, I'm sure. I'm so happy to see you trying the free motion quilting - for so long you kept saying you were too old for it, but obviously you're NOT! And if you want to feel better about your quilting, look at ANY quilting up close and carefully. You're going to find that EVERY quilter, no matter how experienced, how talented, how decorated, has portions that are less than stellar. (Unless, of course, they use a computer, and that doesn't count here!) Take a step back from what you've done. Look at the WHOLE project, not just 4 square inches, and you'll find you're a whole lot better than you think!
ReplyDeleteAs for the state of our nation - I too am worried deeply. It seems in a few short years crimes that we heard about going on in very terrible parts of terrible places are occurring in safe places and to people intended to keep us safe. I don't know what has truly changed to make people this angry, but I pray, too, that it will end before another tragedy occurs.