One thing I learned from making this quilt is how significantly quilting can change the look of piecing. I made the background of many different pieces, with complicated curved piecing. Then I quilted over it with different colored threads, but I did not pay attention to the piecing lines as I did the quilting, as you can see in these closeups. This blurred together the piecing. I think this could be a nice effect in the right quilt, when you want to obscure the lines. But in this project, I think it is a little disappointing. Next time I'd like to try to accentuate the piecing, rather than overpower it. I'm really happy with the way the project turned out, and I'm not trying to nit-pick it, just analyze it to see what I can learn for next time.
Another thing I learned was how to make my feathers more flowing and graceful. They certainly improved over the course of this project!
The edges of this quilt are really wavy, as you can see! I did block the finished and quilted top before putting on the binding. I used the method Ann Fahl explains in her book "Threadplay", in which you hold an iron just above the surface of the quilt and steam it. I think it helped a lot, but maybe next time I should do it to the top before quilting. And maybe I will try blocking it by getting it completely wet.
I'm linking up to Off the Wall Fridays and FMQ Friday.
I love your positive attitude! And your quilting ain't bad either! I'm so proud of you, you've come so far. Make sure you bring things to show at our next retreat.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful piece, beautiful quilting! Good job!
ReplyDeleteohhh Great finish - I love the play with the curves - it has such movement. And yep - I learned the same way you did that the pretty fancy FMQ can get lose on a complex background.
ReplyDeleteAng, your quilting is wonderful! I can't believe you can do that kind of quilting with a little Bernina. I would have thought only with a long arm. Well, you have given me hope. I'll have to oil my HQ 16 and get started.
ReplyDeleteWonderful quilting and a beautiful quilt. The quilting make the quilt more beautiful. Good choices. I love it.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, you are incredibly talented. And I love, love, love trees, so this goes straight to my heart of hearts. Your stitching is unbelievable!
ReplyDeleteThe quilting is gorgeous, I'm sorry you feel like it obscured the piecing- it's pretty irritating when it doesn't come out like you want. The whole thing is just lovely though and has a very soft flowing feel.
ReplyDeleteI'm a tad bit intmidated by curved piecing, but should give it a try... Your quilting looks fabulous! Well done...
ReplyDeleteHi, Angela. Well, of course I'm a fan of your tree quilt--great movement and beautiful quilting. I think I'll do more hand work to tame the buckling in my tree. There's no way that steam can help me!
ReplyDeletebest, nadia
Angela, so much work packed into one quilt! The quilting is fantastic.
ReplyDeleteCongrats! This is so great! You might try another blocking method, I have done the thing where you spray it with a spray bottle and pin the corners square into the carpet while it dries. This is a quilt I really want to see in person!
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