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Saturday, April 02, 2011

Feathers

I've finally decided how to quilt O'Cherries. I had feathers in mind all along but wasn't sure how to go about it. I found quilting stencils on the internet and printed out the design I wanted in the correct size, then traced it onto the fabric.

Easy. And cheap.



I also found a matching design for the borders.


And I practiced a bit on a couple of "scrap sandwiches" I had leftover from a previous project. The feather design is quite forgiving. I had some tension issues and had to play around with that, but I think this is going to look good.


The OnlyChild said I should do the quilting in colour - red maybe. Ha! I don't think so... I will be quilting in white thread so my mistakes aren't as obvious. I'll also do some straight-line quilting on the diagonal through the chains.

But one question... should I do the motifs first or the straight lines? What works best?

16 comments:

  1. BarbApril 2, 2011 at 7:21 PM

    You are so clever....and I am sorry....don't know the answer to your question but am interested in the answer.

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  2. AmyApril 2, 2011 at 7:27 PM

    I like the design you picked, I am not for sure on what to do first, seams you might do the center first,then the diagonals.

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  3. DogwoodApril 2, 2011 at 7:45 PM

    It is going to be beautiful.
    Sounds like you had lots and lots of fun in Seattle. It is a great city.
    Have a nice evening.
    Hugs, Dogwood

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  4. PatApril 2, 2011 at 8:08 PM

    Be sure to post if you get an answer about what to do first, okay? I like the design you've chosen and I think the thread should be white because I don't think you want to draw your eye away from the crisp contrast that now exists between your lovely bright fabrics and the white.

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  5. Rachel Slote-BrownApril 2, 2011 at 10:13 PM

    Good choice-it'll look great.

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  6. AnonymousApril 2, 2011 at 10:27 PM

    I like sewing the straight lines first, then fill in with everything else. The straight stitching seems to give the quilt some stability before doing free-motion quilting. Just my opinion...

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  7. Sew Create It - JaneApril 3, 2011 at 4:02 AM

    Looks wonderful! I've done it before where you sew the straight lines first and then fill in with the wreaths. Just make sure you baste well!!

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  8. Quilt Doodle DesignsApril 3, 2011 at 6:08 AM

    Love the feathers! I love machine quilting them. I would start with the straight lines first and then do the feathers.

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  9. AnonymousApril 3, 2011 at 6:20 AM

    Very pretty...just sent you an email.

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  10. SaraApril 3, 2011 at 7:49 PM

    I would think that doing the straight lines would stabelize the quilt...so, I think I would do those first.

    Love the design you have picked...

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  11. leanneApril 3, 2011 at 8:26 PM

    Hi Rachel - that quilt looks gorgeous - congratulations on winning the fabric from Quilt Dad - can't wait to see what you do with it - by the way, loooooove the very cute pig - I bet he squeals when you cuddle him !!

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  12. Keep Stitchin'April 4, 2011 at 7:15 AM

    I machine quilt for others. You sew the straight lines first then the free motion ones. Free motion tends to 'move' fabric a bit and could distort where you want to straight line stitch later.
    Post when you're done, and have fun!

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  13. ThimbleannaApril 4, 2011 at 11:19 AM

    I've thought about feathers for my quilt too -- but I'm pretty sure I'd never be able to do them freehand. You're a brave girl -- but I know YOU can do it!!!

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  14. StacyApril 4, 2011 at 10:06 PM

    I like that feather pattern. The quilt will be beautiful!

    Glad to hear the snow is melting there, even if it is taking it's own sweet time. Did Seattle seem warm by comparison, or was it just more gray wet stuff?

    I will miss our ATC swap. If you think of some other fun activity, please let me know ... I couldn't come up with anything, but I'm suffering from a bit of creative burnout right now.

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  15. PunkiePie (Jen)April 10, 2011 at 7:26 AM

    I don't know the answer to your question but that is going to look fabulous!

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  16. CourtasticApril 25, 2011 at 7:53 AM

    I am terrified of actually trying to stitch a finished quilt any other way than with straight lines. Do you use a regular sewing machine to stitch those feathers, or do you have a long arm?

    Just curious about how you finish a quilt with actual "stitching."

    ReplyDelete

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