Friday 12 March 2010

Quilting Dilemma

I'm on the home stretch on Halloween Houses, or should it be Haunted Houses. Save that little problem until later.

I'm just about to start quilting round the outside borders.  The letters are multi-coloured.
 
I found the fabric ages ago and you can see my dilemma by clicking on this link to see the fabric.  It's really curtain fabric, but put through the washing machine a couple of times it washes up beautifully and is great for Wonky Letters.

So how do I quilt it?

I've started stitching the ditch round the letters on the black fabric only and it's taking an age.  I've only done two and that took me most of yesterday (sigh).

I then thought about doing Freehand Fans, but if I do those with black thread won't the stitches show up?  Or how about clam shells, but still in black?  I'm using quilting thread (no floss or perle - they are too thick).

I really want to get this finished.  It's been hanging around too long!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.


5 comments:

Victoria Findlay Wolfe said...

Swirly floaty ghostly patterns?? You'll know what to do! you always do! have fun with it!

Elaine Adair said...

I don't know why it's taking you a long time to go around letters ??? Maybe you are using a walking foot. It it was me, I would use my Machine Quilting foot - yes, you can do this!, drop the feed dogs, use black thread and kinda meander around the letters. Just go kind slow - no need for speed. If you wiggle a bit, it will only add to the effect.

For the rest of the area ... if it was me, I would (again) free form, triangles, all over the place, in and out, over and around, crossing as necessary, until you have the area quilted (do them evenly - not too close together or else you have to do then ALL close together!). I guarantee, by the time you are finished with this 'lesson' you WILL be experienced at machine quilting. Black thread on black fabric is almost impossible to see so your 'wobbles' or imperfections will be almost invisible. Have fun! Cute Quilt!

Tonya Ricucci said...

I'm a little confused. don't you WANT your stitches to show up??? are you just talking about what design to use for your border or for the whole thing? I'm remember spider webs but was that for something else? need more details pls cuz I only got a little brain.

Laurel said...

I was thinking spider webs, too.

Browndirtcottage said...

I would vote for spider webbs too...or large swirls going everywhere!! It's going to be great when you are finished though!!