All of my worrying about the possible outcome soaked up my extra energy that I usually use for quilting in the evenings, so I haven't accomplished much this week.
There is some information on line about quilting baptist fans by hand and special rulers to use for long arm baptist fanning, but there is not much information out there for us regular machine quilters wanting to try the fans. Perhaps that should be a clue to me that it's too hard?!? The most helpful information I found was on Mary's blog in 2009. The idea to try the baptist fans on this quilt just won't go away, so I'm planning to just dive in and try it. I would prefer if all my fans curved in the same direction, but I might have to give up on that...we shall see!
I have the backing, batting and thread and can't wait to get started. I hope to get the quilt pin basted and the quilting started this weekend... wish me luck!
Good luck with your quilting. It's great to a hobby that helps you relax after a hard week.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you deserve a nice relaxing weekend after a hectic work week. I was doodling gantlet fans during a training sessions yesterday and they alternagedvdirections as well. I guess you'd have to start each row fresh to make sure they were all lined up.
ReplyDeleteI actually like them going both ways... it adds interest and texture. I also like the way some of them are different sizes. Quilting today is less about "perfect" and more about filling the space with fun and visually appealing designs. I think you are going to love it!
ReplyDeleteKathy, your baptist fans are looking good. I do the same, draft in pencil before I start. Bonnie has a nice tutorial on how she does them. http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2010/05/questions-on-fans.html
ReplyDeleteHave a glass of wine before you start, put on some nice music and just go for it. :)
I love your practice free-hand baptist fans! I think if you want them all the same directions I think you will need to start on the same side of quilt for each row. But you can do them like you've doodled and call it an all-over freehand B fan. And now that it has an "official" name it is completely fine for them to go as you please! The over all effect will be wonderful.
ReplyDeleteYou have a tough job sometimes. Thank you for doing it.
I hope you have a great weekend and get some time to recharge.
Oh, wow! I just finished my second FMQ class yesterday and this completely blows me away! I couldn't even draw it, much less quilt it! In doing some searching on the web I saw quilts with the fans going in different directions and I thought they looked good. If you do it, I hope you will show the finished product.
ReplyDeleteBaptist fans are one of my favourite quilting patterns. I am only doing them with handquilting but I would really love to be able to do them by machine.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the work you do - it is very important!
I have been contemplating being more creative with my quilting - it's so easy to just slip into the 'meander mode' I have always loved Baptist Fans. Your post has given me a little confidence to give some free hand fans a chance. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI had the same feeling about the fans but doing it Mary's way, from the bottom up, made it really easy. And, starting your quilting from the same side for each row keeps them going the same way. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteI just saw this post..... Here's another brief explanation with some drawings that describe how I do the fans.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.maryquilts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Freehand-Baptist-Fans-by-Machine.pdf