WOW Its like riding a bike!

Once upon a time I did a lot of machine quilting.  I am having to relearn my skills.  I could blame a luv that matches quilting in mixed media art but...

One of my first quilts actually intimidated me. I scanned an old photograph, one of the two I have of this quilt.  I did quilting in the ditch for the improvisational pin wheel blocks and some free motion leaves in the corners.  Then I tackled the borders of this queen size quilt.  I drew in a double spine and then I free motion quilted every flower I could visualize and I clustered them like arrangements in a basket . They are in groupings as the spine curves from edge to edge.  I was in some kind of zone and it all happened wonderfully.  The quilt was a gift to my SIL and BIL for their 25th  (1997).  The show theme was seasons and it was called Life Through the Seasons.  It won a third at the guild show and then a first at the Red River Exhibition. I think the deadline for the show made me 'just' do it!  :)   I'm not sure if it even survived hard use as it was done in variegated rayon thread.   :O  But when I think of it I consider it a tough act to follow and perhaps that is why I have kinda avoided doing more.  Which is silly!  So...

I am climbing back on the bike.  I did some straight line and some echoing.  Not enough.  I'm going back and outlining in the ditch.  Not enough.  So...

I'll be doing a continuous free motion curve inside the triangles and then I'll take a big breath and go for a free motion vine in the valleys between those triangles.  I do like doing leaves.

Each of these monthly wall hangings will be a challenge to add more and more quilting.  Spring was a good start because I think of spring as a more simple, almost minimalistic season.  I also need a stiffer batting for wall hangings and this is a thermal batting that once was an ironing station.  I saw an idea for a envelope style finish so I hope it works as I'm feeling like the chains have no beginning or endings.  A few missing links but.... ;^)

The Needle & Thread Network is wonderfully encouraging and has fine examples of quilting that pushes the traditions in using the quilting stitch.  Actually my April Showers idea may need some hand quilting.  Now there is a real challenge as I been there, done it and got a stiff neck.  LOL It is also why I embraced machine quilting!  ;~)   Check out the links in the TN&TN chain, why don't ya!!!

Good

I looked out the window this morning because all the sparkles caught my eye.  Not sure if the zoom captures them but all the bits of glitter in the trees remind me of Faerie lights!  I've never seen them so big and bright and plentiful.  How is that for goodness!

The floor is beyond good.  It had its third coat very early this morning and looks so wonderful!  Tomorrow it will be back to painting the trim and I want to consult the girls about my options for the furniture that will be going back in.  Great minds and all that!  lol  I have deliberately waited to repaint any pieces until I can evaluate the finished room and those reupholstered chairs.  Everything else is good but can definitely be made better.

I MQ'd the lap quilt. I rebasted it and I'm glad I did.   I decided against the circles as I decided to make a wonky cross hatch from the wavy lines.  I definitely got better as I neared the end!  ;^)  I also am seeing a fair amount of distortion.  :(    I am deciding whether or not to add one more each way to make a four patch design inside each section.  Blogging and studying the photo helps me make that decision.  Good may become better!  :)

I am pressed for time and I'm deciding if this quilt should be the one to try the binder I bought during the big Bernina sale.  I'm not sure learning how to do it will be worth the time saved!   But I do want to get the binding on today.  The backing is an old floral from my stash and the binding looks like it'll work for both sides.  Good enough??? 

Things are looking good and I bet they'll be even better tomorrow!

Walking before galloping

 I have doubted myself.  I had pretty much relaxed with my free motion quilting abilities.  The basics I had and I could push those limits.   Then Nina arrived with the Bernina Stitch Regulator as part of her arsenal.  Surely that much money and that much technology must be right.  But I have found the BSR awkward and well, intimidating.  I think I will go back to what I knew to do all by myself.  But first I have to find it!    I can't find my old foot so I may be purchasing a new one.  Drat.

In the mean time, I'm beginning to restore my confidence with some walking foot exercises.  And actually, I do like the channels and the straight lines.  I considered the backings as I thought about design.  The centre runner is the channels.  Easy Peasy. I moved the needle position because I like wide channels and I use the edge of the foot for guide lines.  The narrow piece on the right is a spiral. The centre of the log cabin block is off centre and I like that contrast to the even spacing of the quilted line.  The larger quilt on the left had sashing so I emphasized that and then did the centre square of the block and echoed the shape.

The faster speed of Nina makes this a real pleasure.

The wide space under Nina's arm makes turning a breeze,

even with the larger size.

Walking fine! Now perhaps a trot (?) canter (?) but perhaps not the gallop.
Same horse, different gaits.
Same foot, different  paths.

Next comes the binding and the walking foot absolutely shines at bindings!