Sunday 14 October 2012

UFO Sunday #8

Thanks to Leah Day for answering my question re the amount/density of quilting on my little 'cat' wall hanging on Question Thursday #35 on the Freemotion Quilting Project. That was very helpful, particularly re the need to quilt the border a bit more densely. I was wondering about that...now it is just a matter of working out what design to choose.

I did make a start earlier in the week and microstippled the area around the house and yes, the sun (and moon) popped out nicely.


This took a while to do but was a great warm-up. I then outlined the cats underneath it...not sure whether I will leave it like that or whether I might do a bit more on that area, but I thought it needed some variation, rather than microstippling every single area.


Next, I pondered over the cats above the house and finally came up with this


 
 
Here is a bit of a close-up

I did not want to microstipple again and thought I just follow the wood grain lines...now those cats just about jump out of the wall hanging. Great 3D effect with the wool batting. This is also a design Cindy Needham had demonstrated on the  SewCalGal Freemotion Quilting Challenge during June. I had not tried this before and must say, what a great way to flatten an area quickly and effectively (yes, I am a bit of a lazy quilter). Like Leah had suggested I outlined the cats and heart first then started the lines in the left hand corner moving one by one across each section, i.e next to the left cat first, then moving on to the section between the heart and the cat from top to bottom and up again the other side making my way around to the other cat. Too easy...lines are not straight, I just followed the wood grain feature loosely and it looks great.

Also stitched out my motif again...not totally freehand. I wanted a stitched out decent sample of this, so I used Golden Threads paper with the motif drawn on it and stitched over it. I love doing that...the noise of the needle going into the paper provides an excellent rhythm to the stitching and I always produce very consistent stitches with the paper. Like it. No major problems with the sweeping curves and the feathers came out decent enough, just have to make up my mind whether I use the backtracking method or just backtrack across the top. Got a bit confused at times. If you can imagine this as a quarter of a motif this actually would look quite nice and there are several possibilities in orientating this. Also would work as a border motif with just two of them either up or down next to each other.
 

I am really enjoying just 'playing' around a bit with different things at the moment as usually I am under some self imposed pressure to work on a major project. This year has been good in that I have been able to truly concentrate on developing my skills in FMQ and to let go of the need to produce quilt after quilt. Mind you, I have spent last weekend washing a whole lot of fabric ready to start a quilt using the 'Sweet Gumleaf' block I was talking about last Sunday. This might be my major project for the next half year if the block works out.

Linking up to UFO Sunday on the Freemotion Quilting Project 


Until next time

Karin

14 comments:

  1. I love your cat wall hanging. I think your quilting really enhanced the design. Your feather came out great! I need to practice more. Just need to find the time!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, the continued FMQ practice definitely has made a difference. Time is also an issue for me as I work close to full time. This has meant for this year that I have not worked on a bigger quilt project just concentrated on my practice.

      Delete
  2. The cat house is adorable and your stitching is very nice. You have such a perfect stitch length, I wish I could get it just so. Off to some more practice.....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks...was in the zone when I did stitch this. Sometimes comes out really good and other times just cannot get the rhythm. But agree, as they say...practice, practice and more practice

      Delete
  3. Your 'project for the next half year'? You are anything but lazy! And your quilting is gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks Sharron. Probably should have said 'impatient'...always looking for quicker ways to finish something. In terms of a project taking me half a year...this is because I work and if I make a bed size quilt this is on average how long it takes me to finish it.

    ReplyDelete
  5. You are doing such a great job on this! I hope to achieve your skills someday.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Very nice! I like how the quilting you chose enhances the piece. I hope you will post the finished project--your feather is great.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, almost done...should be able to start the binding by next Sunday

      Delete
  7. I love how you have quilted the cat quilt! Great choices!! Concentrating on FMQ has paid off!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, it is getting easier and I must say I am also getting more confident in just trying out things.

      Delete
  8. Great job quilting the house and cat quilt. Love it.

    Your feather block looks awesome too.

    ReplyDelete

Hi...thanks for stopping by and commenting. Very much appreciated! I will endeavour to answer all comments via email. Please check that you are not a no-reply blogger as there is no way of responding to you (other than by reply on the blog). If you need help with this issue, please head for Tutorials for a link on how to fix this issue.

Popular Posts