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Thursday, February 7, 2013

How will I quilt this?

I sometimes put a quilt on the frame with no idea what I will do.  There is no idea to inspire me as I prepare to quilt.  I just know that I am unique with this problem.  When I was in my high school art class I can remember looking at that blank canvas terrified of the first stroke of the brush.  It was so intimidating.  I knew that the world wouldn't come to an end and I wouldn't even flunk the class if it wasn't quite right, but I was still frozen.  I would gather my courage and tell myself I had to begin.  When I would receive a compliment on my work, it was hard to accept gracefully because all I could see was my mistakes.  This quilt is another one of those "blank canvas" projects.  The lady that made it does beautiful work!  I worry about her opinion of my choices.  She must like what I do, because I have been quilting for her for many years now.

I knew I had to get started because I have several more customer quilts waiting in line.  Still not knowing what I was going to do, I started the machine. 



I managed to work my way across the quilt, even though I still had a very vague idea of what I was doing.  I think it turned out well and hopefully my customer will be pleased.

The back is minkee.  As much as I love the feel of this fabric, I don't like to quilt it.  My first and foremost objection is the way those soft little fibers want to pull through and pop up on top of the quilt.  This is a problem when you have a very dark fabric on the top and a pastel on the back.  My second reason is the static it can create.  A friend of mine that works at our local quilt shop told me that they had a problem with the stitch regulator breaking.  The repairman asked if they worked a lot with minkee backs.  He went on to explain that they tend to create a lot of static electricity.  I am just so happy it is done!


11 comments:

  1. Looks like you did a beautiful job.
    That is good to know about the Minkee!

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  2. Looks like you came up with a beautiful plan for quilting, I would really be stuck trying to make each quilt look different. I have never worked with minkee on my domestic but it looks beautiful seeing the back! Thanks for sharing.
    Freemotion by the River Linky Party Tuesday

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  3. It turned out beautifully! I agree that quilting on minkee can be a headache, but don't you just love how the design stands out? I quilted words on one for my daughter and it makes me so happy that you can read them.

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  4. You did a great job quilting this project! I know that "haven't got a clue how to quilt this" feeling. Happens to me all the time. The best cure I've found is to just make that first 'brush stroke" and see where it leads.

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  5. Love the color of blue and yellow so I really like this quilt.
    And yes getting started is a big hurdle to get over! I had the same feeling and thoughts when I was ready to start a quilt, of course, it was my first FMQ and also it was my quilt to make for a gift. I still hesitated because I didn't know what design to do. But, I had to get started!
    [I am new at commenting, so hope this isn't a duplicate reply on my part!]

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  6. Gorgeous! I didn't know that about the minky. I know a couple longarmers who work with it all the time - I wonder if they've found strategies to work around this. . . Will have to ask!

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  7. That's very pretty, Gail! You did a great job with the quilting. Whoop whoop!!

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  8. My mom did this quilt and it turned out gorgeous! Gail, your work is amazing!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Odette! I just realized it is you! Every single quilt your mother makes is beautiful!!! I think she does the best applique work of anyone I know!

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