So this is my latest hand quilting project. It was a Laundry Basket pattern that I made using a mix of my hand dyed fabrics and commercial fabrics. My purpose for making it was to show how well the two can go together. The pattern is quite traditional, however, with the colors I have chosen is it definitely a contemporary quilt. I wanted the quilting pattern to also have a contemporary feel as well. I chose to do lines... they would be easy and go quickly, having them go diagonally would add interest, and so many art quilts have linear quilting it would add to the contemporary feel. I am also using a variety of thread colors randomly, again, breaking with tradition. When I do linear quilting by machine, I don't mark them but I do I try to move in a straight line. However, just like drawing straight lines, they are not perfect. I like the imperfection... it adds a human touch, it let's the veiwer know it is done by hand. I wanted that same feeling in this hand quilting project. However, I'm not as good at quilting straight lines by hand as I am on my machine. I used the masking (drafting) tape to help. I have been using masking tape in my hand quilting for years, works wonderfully. However this time I didn't measure it to make sure that the tape stayed straight and true, I just put it down. I'm getting close to the finish and like what I have done. What do you think...Does the quilting enhance the quilt? Do you think the imperfect lines detract? Should the lines have been straight and parallel? Do the changes in thread color add spark or detract?
Helpful Hints:I love using leader/ enders when I am chain piecing. It was an idea from Bonnie Hunter. Instead of using a scrap piece of material in between chains, use two small blocks. You can work on two project projects at once! I keep a pile of 2" scrap squares next to my machine for this reason...Happy piecing!
Resources:Pro Chem
Dharma Trading West MI Quilt Guild National Quilting Association American Quilter's Society Surface Design Association International Machine Quilter's Association, Inc Modern Quilt Guild Some of TEACHERS I HAVE LEARNED FROM: |