Ahem.
When I originally made this quilt it was as a class sample.
The shop owner asked me to keep it simple. You’re probably not going to be surprised to learn that this is simple quilting. The thing
is, by breaking it down into the basic parts, it is simple. One stitch at a time. This quilt has lots of blank space so coming up with a variety of motifs
As with most quilts I worked on each block individually, letting me focus in on the features of that block. I used the fabric to give me clues as to what to stitch. I was still fairly new at feathers so any opportunity to stitch them made my day. I stitched in designs that I Know newish quilters can do with a deep breath, control of the machine and a bit of patience. A glass of wine helps too. I’d recently watched Gina Perkes on The Quilt Show demonstrating how she stitches out orange peel – curved arcs along a straight edges/lines. The lines are the only thing I marked on this quilt and those marks are still there, left on purpose by a teacher who wants her students to know that they can do this too.
I explored a lot on this quilt.
The motifs were chosen because they are motifs that at the time I wanted to and needed to Practice.
Let me repeat that.
I wanted and needed to practice.
Whether I’m working on a quilt that has a purpose that is public or private it is an opportunity to spend time at the sewing machine getting to know more and more what I can do with it. I learned to hear the machine, when to oil it, change the needle and when I was speeding. (Psssst this is why I issue “speeding violations” in class).
I love to quilt.
I know that’s a statement of the obvious.
I love to explore
and Ponder
and Dare.
I love to work through something that’s challenging so i can share it with another quilter.
Coming up tomorrow: How I stitched out the feathers on the left.
Black Dupioni Silk with Superior Twist.
Happy Quilting!
Teri
I’m forwarding this post’s link to a bloggy friend who is struggling to get beyond the comfort of meandering. We’ve all been there, hmmmmm? Love the dupioni feathers. I’ve got a challenge piece due in May and need a major piece of Azure dupioni so will, hopefully, pick that up next week in Rochester (MN).
Your posts are always inspiring and encouraging……..thank you so much!!!! Hugs……………………
You’re quite welcome. I think next week I’ll show some quilting on “Bob’s Quilt” It’s downright awful! But, it’s quilted with love and that (underline that) is the most important thing EVER!
Thank you for forwarding it. I can’t wait to see the azure dupioni!!