Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Mid Month UFO Update

Quilting is going full steam ahead on the Scrap Dance Tango.
machine quilting - see the pretty backing fabric?!?
The first step was my usual vertical and horizontal grid to stabilize the quilt. I stitched on both sides of all the sashing strips for a total of 22 straight lines.
And while I was quilting those lines, I was studying the quilt and thinking of quilting designs to add once the grid was finished. The possibilities are endless and limited only by my imagination, motivation, and purpose of the quilt.

Even though it is very popular now, I am not a fan of densely quilted stiff quilts that don't feel cosy and snuggly. 
AND there is a whole closet full of UFOs here so I don't want to spend too much time quilting complex designs. 
PLUS this UFO has been going on for 3 months now! 
I just needed to make a decision and get going!

I finally decided that the next step would be to quilt a straight line through the centre of each block (one horizontal and one vertical). I tried sewing right across the sashing/quilt but didn't like how it looked, so that got ripped out. As a result I decided to make 40 lines, which is a lot of stops/starts. That's okay... it had to be done.

marking straight lines with the Hera marker
And then I got a great idea for a continuous line within the block but it would be tough with twisting and turning the whole quilt to sew with the walking foot on. So I had to try it with the free motion foot. It's hard for me to quilt a straight line with the feed dogs down and without the traction of the walking foot. I decided to draw the lines with a Hera marker (doesn't leave any ink, chalk or pencil, just an indentation in the fabric)  to help me quilt the lines a little straighter.



It's slow going.
That's okay because I really like how it's turning out. It's "just enough" quilting for my liking.

One block done, 19 more to go!

10 comments:

MissPat said...

Oh, I do like how you are doing the continuous line quilting on the blocks. Good idea. I really wish I could use rulers for that kind of thing, but as far as I know, they don't make a ruler foot for my 30 yr old Bernina. I like using the Hera marker too, for making straight(er) lines. I have one of the Scrap Dance quilts that needs finishing up, too.
Pat

sue s said...

I also don't like heavy quilting. I think what you are doing is perfect! Alas, my scrap dance is still in the downloaded-instructions phase, but I may use your idea for quilting it.

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

Wow, looks fantastic!! I have some of that same backing print!

Lisa J. said...

I am like you on liking sparser quilting although I do hear the denser quilting does soften up.
Is it really the middle of the month. It can't be I don't have enough done.

Miaismine said...

I so agree with you - I want my quilts to be snuggly, like my crocheted afghans. My daughter taught me to use a fluffy batting, which I like. I'm also in love with flannel/minky backings, though in southern New Mexico, they can be a bit warm. Your quilting is lovely and, in my humble opinion, just right for the design of your quilt top! Thank you for sharing!

audrey said...

I'm on the same page as you, not liking the over-quilted effect. Looks like you have found the perfect compromise!

Louise said...

This quilt is looking really great! I'm glad you've hit on the quilting design that sings to you :)

moosecraft said...

Perfect! I'm a huge fan of simple straight line quilting. I think it's highly under appreciated! ;-)

Jene Fox said...

Your quilting looks fabulous! Straight lines are always pleasing to look at, and the crossings through the blocks add such a lovely effect, without detracting from the piecing!

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

I don't like too much quilting either. Quilts are made to be slept under, and you can't sleep very well if it is stiff.