Here's a reminder of what I'm going to be quilting on very soon:
Here is the question. When you have a wide variety of colors like this, what is the best way to choose thread color? Do I just pick one of the main colors in the quilt and go for it knowing that it will be high contrast in some places? Or do I try to choose a neutral cream or tan that isn't going to contrast so much?
I was going to try and do the motif I was practicing that I learned from Vicki but I'm a chicken and not at all confident it will look good. I haven't really practiced it on a quilt sandwich, only on paper.
What would you do? I would truly LOVE to hear how you would choose to quilt this. Both thread color and motif. I'm tempted to just do the stipple because I know I can do that. Or possibly just a cross hatch, but wanted to branch out. Please help me make a decision!
Linking to:
Cute squares. I would go with the neutral beige/tan. Having just done a quilt with 5" squares and done a cross hatch(www.mypurplepatch.com), I think that would look a bit flat on these variety squares. How about the orange peel pattern - this could be quite easy if you begin in the centre and work round the central once first and move out progressively. Look forward to seeing what you do.
ReplyDeleteI like neutral thread and for square patch quilting I like stitching a quarter inch on each side of the seams. It's simple but neat and orderly. :)
ReplyDeletepretty colors....have you tried an off center concentric circle? or a spiral. I would go with a off white or neutral thread also. You might try a hot pink or turquoise on your test and see if you like that effect.
ReplyDeleteJanice, a good way to audition thread is to take a couple yards of it and pool it on the quilt to see what it looks like. Think about auditioning a light grey too. Can you do the hook swirl pattern, it seems to look great on anything!
ReplyDeleteI did a fair few like this for Project Linus and really you can't go wrong with thread colour. I have used strong primary colours, light neutral colours, variegated thread and even gold. They all work! As to design I would suggest an all over stipple - it's a really nice of pulling a scrappy quilt together. Having said that if you want to practise something new go for it!
ReplyDeleteThese are all GREAT suggestions, keep 'em coming! I'm going to sit down with mom and between the two of us, we should be able to figure out which route to take. These are all great ideas. :)
ReplyDeleteJanice, I agree on the cream thread like the others. How do you feel about straight line quilting and crosshatching through the intersections of the squares. But you came out of the gate an excellant machine quilter, I'm sure you could to the new motif!
ReplyDeleteI think I would do it in a very pale green thread with some sort of all over design.
ReplyDeleteThe last time I did a simple patchwork like this, I quilted a different motif in each square of a given fabric, and matched the thread to that fabric. So you could do one thing on the teapot fabrics in medium blue thread, another motif on the polka dots in cream thread, etc. It was a great way to try lots of different FMQ styles! But in the end, the fabrics were still really the stars and the quilting blended into most of the busier fabrics. So don't get too worried about practicing something that you aren't confident about yet! A quilt like this is very forgiving.
ReplyDeleteAn overall motif is also great for this kind of scrappy patchwork. I agree with Vicki that you could unspool 8-12 different thread colors across the whole quilt top and see what looks best. You might be really surprised! I've convinced myself that only yellow thread is going to look right on a quilt, but then the pale green or pink was the one that made me go, "YES! That's it!!" :)
I usually use a neutral color, and sometimes like Louise said different colors for the areas. Once I thought clear thread was a good idea...Even with my 30+ years' sewing experience and a quality machine, it still knotted up and broke. So,that was a no-go for me anyway, lol.
ReplyDeleteI agree with most of the other comments. A fairly neutral thread would probably be best here, nothing too bright (like white). Or you can maybe try a verieated thread. I love those for scrappy quilts.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the motif goes, I would go for the one you want to try. You are very talented and if it is a design that speaks to you, I am sure it will look great.
My first thought without reading any of the comments is why don't you divide it into four quadrants and do a different all-over in each? I'd do a feather meander in one, your go-to meander in another, the new one from Vicki you mention, and the cross-hatch, or hey! go crazy and try paisley all-over (see Leah Day's 400+ FMQ) or try swirls Angela-style! As for thread, I usually match but on this particular quilt, just as on my currently as I type under the needle Freefall quilt, I went with a pale grey, this one is 2600 Aurifil, but I've used an off-white/cream or pale grey rayon by Sulky or poly by Isacord and have been pleased with both that they sunk in nicely. If it isn't an heirloom quilt, which clearly this one isn't, since it's scraps that were given to you mum, then sometimes you have to just do it! Just had another thought: do your go-to meander but every once in awhile break into Vicki's motif to try it out. Just my take, and my philosophy is much like Angela Walters' finished is better than perfect. I add if you want perfect get it computer-quilted and that's not got the human touch then right?!
ReplyDeleteIf you have rulers, an orange peel would look good, set in each four-square block. Or, for patchwork quilts, the standard straight-line stitching outside of each seam line is a great alternative. Makes for a nice, soft quilt. As for thread color, what color is your backing? Since you have so many colors playing on the top of the quilt, maybe you could choose a color to blend in with the backing. Otherwise, I'd probably choose a basic cream. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Barb...what color is your backing? I would use a neutral on top and a stand out on the backing. To me it's like getting two quilts! Either way, it will be so pretty and fun! Visiting from Moving It Forward Mondays at Em's Scrapbag!
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