Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Clementine Flying Geese and More Traditional Longarming



All the Geese Ready to Sort


There has been a great deal of juggling this fall in the quilting studio. Both hard and soft customer deadlines, emergency jobs, and ongoing long term projects meant no linear progress anywhere. So frustrating!  A part of me wondered if I had anything to show you. As a quilter and a blogger, I sometimes lose my perspective. I see it all everyday, and it becomes old hat. But then there is a moment when a project comes together, and I say, "Wow. I like that!" That's when I know I have something you will enjoy, too. I think this is one.



This is the first of two quilts meant for twin girls. They love pink. The quilts are to be alike, but not identical. Just one more row to add at the bottom. For the life of me, I do not know how I missed it. My goal is to have one of the two on the frame by evening, and both ready by Thanksgiving. It could happen. I will keep you posted. You can read more about these quilts HEREHERE.


Wrapping Up Old Projects


A customer asked me to quilt this piece some months ago, and I knew I wanted to take my time on it. There were large amounts of empty space. It would involve ruler work, and all the decisions about how to quilt it were left up to me. The hardest thing to decide was how to quilt those checkered triangles so they were saved until last.


I chose a paisley for the blood red border with matching thread. It reminded me of barnacles, and this piece had a water theme. A ditsy curlique was enough in the area with blue, and I chose to stay off the fence.


The houses and lighthouse were simply outlined in matching thread.


I created ripples in the 'water' below these boats, but chose to leave the top one without. I had no edges to create a border in that area. The stars are outlined as are the sails. The brown 'check mark' area was straight line quilted with a small ruler. This quilt is between 15-20 years old, and I was not sure if it was of any significance as a check mark or as houses by a shore. Knowing more about the quilt may have caused me to chose other motifs.


Initially I wanted to put scallops in the large triangles. Little did I know that a ruler of that length would not fit any way except as horizontal on a long arm! After some delay, a friend asked why I didn't quilt it like I had her Costa Maya quilt. And the dilemma was solved! 

Why I Explained About the Quilting
On This Customer Quilt

I spent a lot of time as a new quilter looking at how other quilters worked, chose patterns, and also their thread. I asked a few, and they were very generous with their answers. Figuring out how to quilt a quilt is what stops most of us from even trying. I will say there are many, many ways that a single quilt can be quilted, and you shouldn't be afraid to try. I just tried to let you in my own head about why I did this one in this way. It may not be what you would have done, but it pleased me. Think of your own quilts the same way. 

Come on, Doxie girls.
Let's go sew.



Linking up with~
Midweek Makers
Cooking Up Quilts
Freemotion By the River
Fiber Tuesday
To Do Tuesday
Patchwork Times
Love Laugh Quilt
Em's Scrap Bag

10 comments:

Anja @ Anja Quilts said...

I always like to know the "why" of quilting designs. I struggle constantly with making a decision on how to quilt something.

Linda Swanekamp said...

I bought a used book that show the same quilts quilted in different ways. Sort of opened up my eyes on how to approach. It sounds corny, but I try to quilt what the quilt is saying. I find it never works for me to impose a design on a quilt.

Sharon - IN said...

Fitting the quilting design to the pieced top, I think, is a skill. You got it, girl!

TheEclecticAbuela said...

Your geese are beautiful!

Stitchin At Home said...

The flying geese quilts are beautiful. Choosing quilting designs can sometimes be the hardest part of quilt making. The designs you choose for the quilting suit the quilt. Well done Julie.

Amy B. said...

The flying geese are gorgeous!

Christine Slaughter said...

Thank you so much for sharing your quilting process. I always struggle so much trying to come up with what motifs should be put into certain areas of a quilt and usually become so overwhelmed that I end up with an all-over design knowing I could have done better. It really does help to read how others decide on the motifs for their quilts. Also, LOVE the flying geese! Too cute!

Miaismine said...

I'm glad you let us in your mind regarding your quilting process! That is how I am learning - from the wonderful quilters who let us learn how they they think!

I am mostly a "checkbook quilter", but my daughter is beginning to quilt on her domestic machine - I gladly support her efforts! She is so creative and brave! I'm forwarded your post to her (with the suggestion that she follow you) so that she can learn from you. :)

I remember reading about the twins quilts! You gave me a great idea - using that same pattern with my Christmas scraps! I know geese fly to warmer climates for the winter. I thought of families all over the world "flying home" to the love and warmth of family. Thank you for inspiring me!

Your post is much appreciated!

Kate said...

I love those pink flying geese! That's going to be such a fun and pretty quilt for a little girl. I don't quilt myself, but it's nice to hear your thought process. It helps me know what kind of guidance is helpful to Trudy when I send her my quilts for finishing.

Susan said...

Great choice of quilting designs, and yes, there are many way to quilt a quilt! Thanks for sharing on Midweek Makers