This is the backing (above) for my bargello quilt that I'm finishing up. Is that not the cutest fabric you ever saw? I even have some leftover for, for ... labels?Today was beautiful, windy, 72 degrees - needed a drive. This is on a county road about 10 miles outside of town. We must have made a wrong turn, because the road ended in someone's back yard, complete with BIG DOGS. Very embarrassing, but no human was home.
Notice, NO TREES.
Early this AM I watched my Patsy Thompson CD - mine is Vines and Leaves. She has numerous free downloads, and short excellent demos on each CD she offers. She is available at www.patsythompsondesigns.com
She demonstrates machine quilting on a domestic sewing machine, which is what I use. I am finally liking what I've been accomplishing on my DSM. Gosh, every time I watch that CD, I come away full of energy, motion, softness, fluidity and inspiration. I like this CD so much I ordered yet ANOTHER one. One thing I'm finally learning is about thread. The visual space a thread takes up. Do you want it to be important, or do you want it to do the job, somewhat out of sight? This particular thread is a blend of tan and cream (2 plys - is that the word), that blends but also leaves a design. I've been practicing about 2-3 years and am pleased with my progress. So, gals, with shakey hands, little courage, get practicing! YOU CAN DO IT!
I have Vol 1 of both the Vines and Leaves and the Feathers, and like you I just am so jazzed to quilt after I watch them.
ReplyDeleteElaine,
ReplyDeleteYou did great! That seems like the perfect thread and pattern for the space. Job well done!
~Joan
You did a beautiful job there! I've never heard of Patsy Thompson, thanks for the link; her site is packed with good stuff. I'm going to order one of those DVDs for myself!
ReplyDeleteVery nice, makes me want to try.
ReplyDeleteyou continue to amaze me. Wish I could have shared the drive, although I am not much with dogs of any size.watched the CD and had a cuppa of green tea, and then maybe learnt a thing or two from you. hugs
ReplyDeleteVery impressive quilting, especially knowing you did it on a domestic. I gave it a try and it's harder than it looks. I had the most trouble with starts and stops when you have to reposition the fabric and your hands. I have some of Patsy's dvd's, and they're excellent.
ReplyDeleteThat is really pretty, Elaine! So smooth flowing. Very nice
ReplyDeleteThe quilting is lovely - very impressive indeed. Does your machine have a stitch length regulator? I don't have on mine and wonder if it would make the process easier. Or maybe that's a good thing to blame LOL!
ReplyDeleteThat backing is really cute. I think the back of a quilt is as important as the front. We always turn the quilt to see the back.
ReplyDeleteI love the backing fabric! I always use a different fabric for the back, I think it adds interest.
ReplyDeleteHey, have you ever tried the quilt as you go method?? I'm thinking of starting that.
dawn
Your quilting is so beautiful, you give me hope. I didn't miss the part about practicing for 2 or 3 years, so I don't expect to be able to sit down and create anything as exquisite, but maybe I can do something acceptable with some practice. I think that I need to visit Ms. Thompson's website and put in an order. Great job. Having been born in Nebraska, I sure do enjoy your pictures.
ReplyDeleteCute, cute fabric. Your DSM quiting is soooo good. I want to be you when I grow up! Yeah, I know...Practice, Julie, practice......
ReplyDeleteI'm basting away on those chaotic stars. Geez, all those seams are a pain!
You've convinced me! I'm going to order a quilting DVD right now - the beginner one. I viewed her 10 min. preview and it looks very interesting!
ReplyDeleteWow, your quilting is gorgeous! Is that really humanly possible? I'll have to check our her DVDs.
ReplyDeleteI love what you've done on your quilting!! Wasn't really interested in the Vines/Leaves DVD until I saw what you created ... now I have to add that to the 'want' list. Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteElaine, your quilting is fantastic!I wish we were 72 degrees!! Enjoy it. The backing fabric is so cute.
ReplyDeleteI keep meaning to order some of these DVD's since seeing Helen's quilting on her blog. The vines look great.
ReplyDeleteThat machine quilting is amazing -- someday I will overcome my fears and try that :0). I LOVE your kaleidascope quilt and the recycled quilt project. Both are a lot of fun!
ReplyDeleteWow! Your quilting is very impressive! I'll have to go check out her website. Those sound like great learning tools. Oh yeah, and the practice part. Just like learning piano, huh? Your quilt looks fabulous, and I love your backing fabric!
ReplyDeleteOOh. Such lovely quilting! How big is your quilt? My friend and I were just talking today about whether we wanted to even attempt our fairly large quilts (single bed sized?) on a domestic machine or not. My friend says "you do it first so I can see if it can really be done." One of us should attempt it otherwise we're going to keep asking quilt after quilt "Can it really be done?" You are inspiring!
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