So this week was spent basting, quilting and binding. Here is the finished quilt.
I knew this would be a perfect time to practice my feathers. I've only done them one other time and wasn't thrilled with them. First I got out the paper and pen to practice. I particularly like the method used by Lauren at Bold Notion quilting show in this YouTube video.
Even after practicing, I forgot what I had intended to do. As you can see in this doodle, the feathers both start at the spot away from the corner on each leg. On the quilt itself, I didn't do it that way. I quilted one side of the feather all the way around the entire quilt and then the other side all the way around. It took me a while to figure out why the quilting didn't look like my doodle (which I like better). But all in all, it's ok and its still better than my first try. I also need more practice on the traveling part. I'm too impatient and need to slow down and try to stay on the line better.
I used a pink tone on tone for the back.
Also, this week I finished a block for the lone Stash Bee I am in this year. Whew! So much better than doing three. I learned my lesson last year. Here is Ann's requested block for February.
Today, I am meeting up with a friend about an unfinished quilt made by her great grandmother. So we'll be talking about that next post! I'm looking forward to it and am hoping we can solicit some advice for her about how to proceed from all of you experienced quilters out there.
That's it for this week! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Linking to:
That is a gorgeous improv piece! The balance is asymmetrical and works so well. I wish I had it hanging on my wall.
ReplyDeleteJanice, it came out so great! I haven’t had the nerve to FMQ feathers on a quilt, yet, but I practice them a lot. I finished a doll quilt this evening, too. I’m using them to practice machine sewing my bindings. So far, so good. Looking forward to hearing about this next quilt!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're also joining in the doll quilt fun! Yours is really pretty. I love that big bold floral in the borders. And your feathers look great! I never end up doing anything like my doodles, either. It's like something switches in my brain between the pen and the sewing machine :)
ReplyDeleteThe improve piece appears to be a railroad car...or some such toy. 2 wheels at the bottom...funny what we see. Great feathers.
ReplyDeleteYour improv dolls quilt is so pretty and as always I am amazed at how good your feathers are. there're not many quilters who would use feathers on their first ever quilting but I remember you did and it was wonderful. I always think it is such a shame you don't do more FMQ as you appear to have a natural talent for it.
ReplyDeleteLove the way the binding fabric ties it all together. Your feathers look great!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great means to practice some FMQ! The doll quilt is beautiful, as is the quilting!
ReplyDeleteJanice, thanks for the link to the feather quilting tutorial. I haven't had the guts to try this but I really want to learn - yours look great. I totally get the part about traveling and turning corners. I get all mixed up sometimes. This is so nicely quilted.
ReplyDeleteGreat feather quilting, so proud of you Janice!!
ReplyDeletePractice is what it takes in this game, and you're well on your way! And great idea about only being in one swap. One year I did three, too, and it was two too many, lol! I still haven't made up any quilts from the blocks I received from them....
ReplyDeleteThis quilt is just so sweet!! And I love how you did your feathers even if you didn't plan them that way. They just flow! Good idea to use a tiny project for practice. Don't you think there's a little gremlin in us that says "Go, go, go" when we are FMQing? And the swap block!! Just goes to show, no scrap is too tiny to pitch. (Scary but fun thought!)
ReplyDeleteI think that turned out great! I like the greens and bright pinks together. Great job on your quilting, too!
ReplyDeleteAwesome looking feathers. You did a great job.
ReplyDeleteGreat little quilt for a wonderful cause!
ReplyDeleteYou are WAY too hard on yourself. Those feathers are extraordinary!! I would give anything to be a natural with talent like that! :)
ReplyDeleteHello Janice,
ReplyDeleteThe doll quilt is lovely, and the feathers are great. Don't fret too much if you find the quilting doesn't follow the same path as the drawing. It never does for me. Let the quilting take you on its own journey, and often it turns out to be far more interesting.
Thank you for linking up with Free Motion Mavericks!
Love, Muv
Large scale prints like you used in your border are so beautiful. And the colors of yours really draw me in. Your feathers turned out very well. Thanks for elucidating your technique. Drawing ahead of time helps clarify the design although it still took me a while to notice your differences. I like them both but think the way you actually quilted it was easier.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking such an inspiring post with AHIQ.
I love the border print, and the larger scale of some of other fabrics too. And I like that you have used them in a tiny quilt; it's a great balancing act and you really pull it off.
ReplyDeleteThe doll quilt turned out beautifully. With the fabrics you used and the style, it reminds me a lot of a Victorian Crazy quilt, perfect for a doll quilt.
ReplyDeleteJanice, your feather came out perfect on that doll quilt. Love it.
ReplyDelete