Saturday, April 4, 2015

Machine Quilting Heartfire

 
Hello Everyone,
 
I'm busily working my way through my to-do list.  Borders and machine quilting Heartfire was toward the top of the list.


 
This is how she looked by early morning with her borders attached.
 


My feathers and I were stuck in the same rut.  All of my feathers were looking the same, so it was time for a change.  But, I had to ask myself if this the right time for an experiment?  This quilt is going to be hanging in the Marcus Fabrics booth at Spring Quilt Market next month.  Do I want to take a chance and quilt something I haven't quilted before?  I decided to GO FOR IT!!

First I marked then stitched partial circles across the length of the border.

 
Then I went back and filled them with feathers, beautiful feathers.  I really had to pay attention with this border and not let my mind wander.  Machine quilting has a way of giving both sides of my brain a real workout!  Now if quilting could work off a few calories, I'd be a happy camper.
 

 
First you circle around one way and then you circle around the other way......ying and yang. I don't think I've reached perfect balance with my ying and yang, but I'm very pleased with the look overall.
 


I'm quilting a tight stipple in the triangles between the blocks.  Then I go back and stitch in the ditch inside the blocks. 
 
Labor intensive, but worth every minute.  You know it's funny, when you are piecing a quilt, you are always looking at the back of the fabric.  When you are quilting, you are totally focused on the front of the fabric and see every single detail up close.  I absolutely enjoy looking at the wonderful detail in the Hint of Print fabric combined with Spice Palette, both from Marcus Fabrics. Together they make beautiful music.
 


Our family with be together for Easter brunch and our annual Wilder Whiffle ball game.  I don't know how this got started, but it has become a tradition to try and run around the bases after a big meal. If we were smart, we would play first then eat.  Oh well, can't mess with tradition.  I hope you all have a Happy Easter and are able to spend it with the ones you love. Wish me luck getting to first base (and I don't mean with the ruggedly handsome Mr. Joe!)

Soon,
Lynn

19 comments:

  1. Amazing. I think those of you who do this amazing quilting have an incredible way to envision a finished quilt. I don't have that vision. I wonder if it can be developed? Thanks for breaking down the process for us! Happy Easter!

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  2. PERFECT!! NOTHING wrong with your ying and yang! LOVE this quilt~! Absolutely LOVE it!!!

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  3. Well, there you are Lynn!! It's a work of art.
    Happy Easter to you, your family and everyone on your blog!

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  4. Love the border fabric and how it accents all those hexies! Your machine quilting is beautiful, as always, Lynn! The final product will be stunning and will be a real show stopper at the Spring Quilt Market! Happy Easter to you and all your fans!

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  5. I wish you success getting to first base both on and off the field!!! *wink*

    Your quilt is stunning and Marcus will be so proud to have your quilt hanging at Market with them!!!

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  6. Just love, love ,love! Happy Easter and good luck with the running.

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  7. I do believe I'm sitting here drooling.....your feathers are just stunning, Lynn! The transformation from flimsy to machine quilted is always so amazing. I have a feeling that Marcus Booth might want to put out many boxes of drool tissues when it hangs in their booth! Happy Easter to you and your family and good luck the Wiffle Ball tourney after dinner!
    Cheers!

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  8. I just love this quilt....the fabric is stunning......and your feathers are perfect.....

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  9. STUNNING QUILT !!!!! HAPPY EASTER !!

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  10. An AMAZING Quilt. The quilting looks beautiful.Have a great Easter.

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  11. Those byoo-ti-full feathers resemble those that I had hoped to see on my Country Charmer! This quilt is soothing, like comfort food! I'd have to change its name to Heart Warmer! Enjoy your Easter...ours will be quiet, (postponed) cuz I have a sniffle in my whiffle.

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  12. Oh, my! I just did two of those feathered borders on one of my quilts--have the third one marked and ready to quilt. I find it absolutely fascinating when two people in far apart places decide to do something very similar at nearly the same time--radar frequencies for quilters!

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  13. Those feathers are amazing!! I can't believe that you just decided to try that one and are so good at it already!!! That is going to be a drop-dead gorgeous quilt!! And good luck at getting to first base (whichever 1st base you want to get to!!!) LOL Have a wonderful Easter, Hugs, H

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  14. I'm certain that you had no trouble getting to first base Lynn. Your quilting is beautiful, as usual; the folks from Marcus Fabrics knew what they were doing when they asked you to making and quilt this one for the show. Happy, Happy Easter!

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  15. Woww, your Ying and yang feathers are beautiful.As for making it to first base, good luck, it sounds like hard work after a big meal, bbut I'd be happy to sit and cheer you on from the sidelines!

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  16. Amazing way to do feathers, can't wait to give it a try! Beautiful as always!

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  17. Happy Easter Lynn! I agree with Quilt Sue. Running after a big meal is not my thing but I applaud you and wish you well,lol! As always your quilting is beautiful, love ,love those feathers! Perfect finish for a lovely quilt.

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