I don't know where April went, but I didn't get the FWQ Challenge done last month and had some catching up to do. April's tutorial was by Don Linn using a technique I haven't tried before, to make a quilting pattern from tulle.
I don't know if you can see my quilting pattern in this photo. I must admit that I did not enjoy the process of making this tulle pattern. Tulle and I don't get along and I think it's a tactile issue...I just don't like working with it.
I worked hard at following the lines as best as I could, and then branched out and did some fun free motion quilting to fill in the spaces - veins in the leaf shapes, a spiral in the center, some curly vines in the corners...that felt so much better to do free motion quilting versus following a line!
May FMQ challenge included a great tutorial by Leah Day. The videos are packed full of great information and are interesting to listen to, even if much of the info is a refresher course. She has such great energy about her and I enjoyed listening while I practiced with my pencil in my sketchbook, and while I was preparing my fabric and batting to start quilting. I have already done the railroad tracks design on a lap quilt, so this time I wanted to try quilting the "foundational line double stippling". I tried a bit of quilting with the feed dogs up, and then with the feed dogs down as Leah suggested, and I was definitely happier with them down...much more moveability and freedom of motion. In this photo you can see the Janome quilting foot I am using on my Brother sewing machine...I just like it better than the one that came with my machine. This month I quilted one of my hand painted fabrics (Setacolor paint with salt) that matches the flowers in my garden! And I LOVED this quilting design! It is not my favorite in terms of how it looks, but it was so fun to quilt! If you want to see the other months, here they are: March February January
This reminds me that I need to get cracking on this month's challenge. I think your April challenge looks great. I didn't do so well at following the lines, but I want to get better at it. Sometimes I just want a more "formal" look to the quilt. This month's challenge looks fun. I need to get it done before the final hour--literally! I've been the last link added on the past 3 months of challenges! Can you say "procrastination"? : )
I love your work! especialy the hand dyed fabric, so pretty. I want to learn to do more of that! I also had fun with this months' challenge, it leaves a lot of room for interpretation. Love, Cathy @ thehappygreenfrog
I tried a bit of quilting with the feed dogs up, and then with the feed dogs down as Leah suggested, and I was definitely happier with them down...much more moveability and freedom of motion. 
This reminds me that I need to get cracking on this month's challenge. I think your April challenge looks great. I didn't do so well at following the lines, but I want to get better at it. Sometimes I just want a more "formal" look to the quilt. This month's challenge looks fun. I need to get it done before the final hour--literally! I've been the last link added on the past 3 months of challenges! Can you say "procrastination"? : )
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job on both pieces....and I love your dyed fabric...beautiful colour
ReplyDeleteI must admit, I should and need to practice this! Your pieces look fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI like this technique...fills in nicely and very squirmy!
ReplyDeleteThe tulle looks nice too and will add new dimension to the piece.
I love your work! especialy the hand dyed fabric, so pretty. I want to learn to do more of that! I also had fun with this months' challenge, it leaves a lot of room for interpretation.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Cathy @ thehappygreenfrog