Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Quilting Commences

I was just about to write a post yesterday when Pokey knocked my tall glass of water all over the computer keyboard. Aiyee. Thank goodness it's not a laptop, so shaking the water out of the keyboard and letting it dry out for a day has done the trick.

I know, I know it's my fault. I left my waterglass unattended around my demon water kitty. geeze. And no, still haven't gotten sippy cups, so I am doubly at fault. After the water went sploosh and I'd frantically mopped it up while baby stood in the midst of the spill happily lapping it up, I retired to the recliner with a book. Pokey curled up on my lap, sweetest baby ever, butter wouldn't melt in her mouth. She just knows she can get away with murder.
At the moment I'm listening to the Tour de France, so you're not getting my full attention. I will endeavor to be coherent.

This is a photo from two days ago when I'd just started quilting on America With Flag. I was standing back to take a look at it and of course Lily had to jump into the pic.
I'm quilting with 100% cotton white quilting thread using a large-eye size 10 between needle. With such thin letters in this quilt, I knew perle cotton would be overwhelming. I was even worried that this much quilting might be too much.

I kept quilting, hoping it was okay, but I did double check yesterday by hanging the quilt up, standing back from it, and taking a photo. I can still read "america" clearly and this is after the quilting has gone above the letters:
The hand quilting with perle cotton is definitely more noticeable on Blue With Stars. Well, maybe not in little pics on tiny computer screens, but it's apparent to me when I look at these pics blown up.

In fact the perle cotton is almost too much. Keep telling myself I like this much emphasis on the quilting. I use embroidery needles size 10 to quilt with perle cotton thread - more details can be found here. The white stars measure 1.25" across.

By the way, I am using a flexi-curve to mark the lines for quilting. [Thanks, Jan, for reminding me I own this tool.] I want undulating lines to make the quilt look like it is blowing in a gentle breeze. When I've tried quilting this pattern freehand my lines just keep getting flatter and flatter and flatter. So yes, I "cheat" and mark them. Not making them exactly the same and I'm using thick chalk to mark with, so they still look freehand.

Pokey, taking advantage of me putting the quilt down for marking:

Pokey has decided the flexi-curve is a toy and keeps attacking it. And Bibi has become fascinated with the quilting thread and want to sit on my lap and paw at it. Silly cats.

18 comments:

Andi said...

Your quilting is beautiful! What fabric do you have on the back?

McIrish Annie said...

I really like the undulating lines! thanks for telling us how you do it. now if i can find my flexi thingamabob I might use it for just that purpuss!!

Anonymous said...

Heidi

What an interesting quilt! I have just started quilting and I was told to check out the website www.willowberry-lane.com. You do beautiful work! Thanks for the tips.

Unknown said...

Tonya - I LOVE those wavy lines - they don't look too much for that quilt at all - Magnifique!!!

Diane said...

You have wonderful needle skills!

Joyce said...

The wavy lines look perfect and I think it was a good decision to use the finer thread on this one. Nice stitching. I am green with envy.

Mary Johnson said...

The quilting looks great - I like the wavy lines and your stitches look wonderful.

I recently quilted my Patriotic String Star and wanted that same feeling - I used a pantograph but I think it worked.

Candy Schultz said...

That looks like a handy tool. I really like the wavy lines. Oh boy must go to the store. I just got a tool to do arcs. I am getting a vintage top ready to quilt and I want to do those on it, thanks to your inspiration.

Sassenach said...

I like the fan quilting across the bunting -- looks like fireworks or falling stars.

Elaine Adair said...

Your stitches are so beautiful! Even ly spaced. Lovely little America piece. You didn't say how the letters are made. Are they pieced? I am familiar with your wonky letters, but these are so perfect.

I so enjoy your posts and photos of your travels. Kitties? I don't have any cats, darn it.

dot said...

This is really nice. I like your concept of the wavy lines. What a great Patriotic quilt.

jmb_craftypickle said...

thanks for showing the flexi-curve..I have often seen one and wondered what it could be used for...I needed the visual. I like the wavy quilting and the fan quilting on the other piece is great.

Lily Mulholland said...

Maybe the cats aren't so silly - they're trying to quilt too!

Love the flexi-curve - what a good idea. And the two quilts are looking great too.

Judy said...

My goodness you've been busy while I was away for a few days! The quilting looks great...I still think you have the most even stitch of anyone I know. The choice is perfect. Love seening the kitties!

The pics of France are fabulous too!

Anonymous said...

i like to see the hand stitching close up. and that tool is a great idea!

Holly said...

The wavy lines are perfect for this quilt and your stitching is the best of the best. Your kitties are the most loved, too :)

sewprimitive karen said...

Those darling cats. The ocean-wave quilting is just wonderful.

Quilts And Pieces said...

I love, the wavy line quilting! What a perfect idea!