I am trying a new to me quilting technique....straight line quilting. I know that is probably backwards, but when I started quilting, I started with flowery FMQ and I had never done meandering or straight lines. So, I thought that "square dance" would look better with simple squares and straight lines. Here goes!
In the centre, I echoed the seams, as well as inside and outside each square..
Lots and lots of turning the quilt around...and around...and around!! YIKES! It is not really and easier than FMQ because you can't just "wander around" and need to be a bit more attentive. There is also more stopping and starting, but that wasn't as bad as I thought it would be either.
It uses A LOT less thread!! Consequently...I now have a lot left over !!
I did the inner border with a large zig-zag, which followed the print in the fabric...
And for the outer border I wanted to do a few straight lines all the way around. My machine has this cool gadget that helps keep the lines straight..
But when I went to use it for the borders, I realized that it was on the wrong side! I think you can buy a Left and Right side version, but only one came with the machine.
If I used it like that, I would have to stuff the whole quilt into the throat of the machine!! Maybe I am missing something??
But I found that if I flipped the gadget over, and used it upside down, it still worked...
So I am getting close...this one will be done soon (I have said that before LOL???)
And today is Wed again, so time to check in with The Needle and Thread Network..
and Lee's Work in Progress Wednesday..
In the centre, I echoed the seams, as well as inside and outside each square..
Lots and lots of turning the quilt around...and around...and around!! YIKES! It is not really and easier than FMQ because you can't just "wander around" and need to be a bit more attentive. There is also more stopping and starting, but that wasn't as bad as I thought it would be either.
It uses A LOT less thread!! Consequently...I now have a lot left over !!
I did the inner border with a large zig-zag, which followed the print in the fabric...
And for the outer border I wanted to do a few straight lines all the way around. My machine has this cool gadget that helps keep the lines straight..
But when I went to use it for the borders, I realized that it was on the wrong side! I think you can buy a Left and Right side version, but only one came with the machine.
If I used it like that, I would have to stuff the whole quilt into the throat of the machine!! Maybe I am missing something??
But I found that if I flipped the gadget over, and used it upside down, it still worked...
So I am getting close...this one will be done soon (I have said that before LOL???)
And today is Wed again, so time to check in with The Needle and Thread Network..
and Lee's Work in Progress Wednesday..
looking good!
ReplyDeleteI like the way you are using the quilting to add an accent to the areas quilted.
in stitches
That is how I use my bar - just works fine. Good for you in using something new.
ReplyDeletegood job on the lines, straight lines are actually easier on a domestic machine vs a long arm....
ReplyDeleteLooks good, I really do like the look of straight lines. Maybe because that's all I know how to do!
ReplyDeleteI've done both meandering quilting and straight line quilting and I like both. However, I am doing diagonal straight line quilting these days and like the effect very much.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Flo....glad you like my baby(beast).lol That was my Christmas gift in 2006; a new 2007 Pontiac Solstice...I can't get enough of it..an outstanding little car. Love it. Your quilting is very nice on this quilt..
ReplyDeleteThe straight lines on this quilt is exactly what it needed, the quilting lines emphasize the colours and shapes, and looks just great! I too have used my 'bar' upsidedown like that -- I don't think I have ever seen a left side one...
ReplyDeleteGadgets are good:) I really like the zig-zag following the fabric design...very cool idea.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of those posts of yours that sort of reads like a foriegn language to me...I do however really like that bright blue polka dot material in this quilt!
ReplyDeleteStraight lines are good. Now I have heard that with practice one can Free motion straight lines and then there isn't so much turning. I imagine that requires lots of practice! ;^)
ReplyDeletelovely quilting. I have a gadget like that too....but I never knew what it was for...LOL
ReplyDeleteGreat quilting pattern! I'll have to sit patiently to see the end result =D
ReplyDeleteIt's looking great, Flo! I keep meaning to try that gadget, it looks perfect for doing straight line quilting. Can't wait to see the whole piece finished!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you have mastered the technique, Flo. Looks good.
ReplyDeleteStraight line quilting really makes your quilt blocks stand out. I just finished doing stitch in the ditch and realized that I don't do it enough. I have that gadget and love it for cross hatching.
ReplyDeleteYour quilt is going to be beautiful when it's done! Thanks for sharing your progress!
ReplyDeletewelcome to the world of straightline quilting - looks like you have pretty much got it mastered! Well done!
ReplyDeleteVery inventive--but isn't that we quilters are? Always ready to figure out a hitch, a dilemma, a problem. I like your straight line quilting--like your curlique FMQ, too--but it's always good to have a change. I can't sew any way but forwards with those even-feed feet, so I understand on the turning the quilt, round and round. Hoorah for finishes! It's looking good.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth E.
opquilt.com
Nice quilting on a nice quilt! As for the turning, I end my stitching at each corner, lifted the pressure foot, dragged the quilt to the next starting point, ...., until the whole row was quilted in that direction. It leaves threads to snip, but I prefer that to turning a quilt more than absolutely necessary.
ReplyDeleteThe echoing of the lines looks good. Nice job!
ReplyDelete