Advice Needed - How Should I Quilt This?
#1
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Hi Everyone
I have just finished my second quilt which is for a friend in the UK. I wanted an African feel so have used fabric based on the shweshwe design. I was going to have it long arm quilted with a floral design in purple thread so that it would stand out against the white and help tone down it's 'starkness'. Now that it's finished though, I feel that maybe flowers would not fit in with the geometric design. Should I do straight line quilting on each side of the stitching lines instead? I.e. squares and then a diagonal following the direction of the purple and white HST's. The finished HST/block size is 8.5". Would this kind of quilting be adequate? Opinions/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.![Smile](https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/smile.png)
Many thanks!
I have just finished my second quilt which is for a friend in the UK. I wanted an African feel so have used fabric based on the shweshwe design. I was going to have it long arm quilted with a floral design in purple thread so that it would stand out against the white and help tone down it's 'starkness'. Now that it's finished though, I feel that maybe flowers would not fit in with the geometric design. Should I do straight line quilting on each side of the stitching lines instead? I.e. squares and then a diagonal following the direction of the purple and white HST's. The finished HST/block size is 8.5". Would this kind of quilting be adequate? Opinions/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
![Smile](https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/smile.png)
Many thanks!
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Reno, Nevada
Posts: 794
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To me, the white HSTs are crying for some echo fan shapes which would soften the hard angles without disrupting the overall design. As for the rest, I think in the ditch would do nicely. I bet you can do this yourself and save some $ for more fabric. Let us know how you decide and pic's of the final product. Very nice quilt.
#3
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Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,340
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Wait, your second quilt? Ever? That is just beautiful and you've done a great job! If i were having someone that is experienced in FMQ (I'd be too scared to try it myself), I'd do straight line quilting on the colored fabrics and I agree with Jo, an echo fan or something would be perfect. If it were me, I think I'd use white thread on the white fabric so that it will give texture to the areas but not draw away from all the beautiful blocks.
#5
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What a great top! Love the colours!
Hmm, I could see kind of a square spiral in the blocks, but that is a lot of stopping and turning. Or just go with the geometric feeling and echo quilt the "stairs" of the blocks. (Hope you understand what I mean, if not, ask!
)
Also check out this website, you'll find loooads of ideas to quilt with your walking foot!
Hmm, I could see kind of a square spiral in the blocks, but that is a lot of stopping and turning. Or just go with the geometric feeling and echo quilt the "stairs" of the blocks. (Hope you understand what I mean, if not, ask!
![Smile](https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/smile.png)
Also check out this website, you'll find loooads of ideas to quilt with your walking foot!
#6
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
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In general, it's a good idea to add curved lines to a geometric quilt. It's like using contrasting fabric -- adds interest. I think your original idea of a floral quilting design is fine. Feathers would work too, as would a Baptist Fan design.
#7
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Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Southern California
Posts: 19,127
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I realize this is your second quilt so if your comfort zone is with straight stitching, then I would stitch a 1" to 1.5" echoing the 90 degree in the triangles with matching thread. I would use white thread on the white and what ever color looks best in the check. I would also STID around all the squares in the quilt. When you feel confident, then it will be time for you to attempt some free motion quilting. Good Luck!!
#8
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I LOVE the echo fan quilting suggestion! Unfortunately as I am only a beginner, I still need loads of practice with free motion quilting to reach the stage where I will feel comfortable to use it on an actual quilt. (I have been practicing on small quilt sandwiches). I definitely agree that the white HST's need 'something'. I will have a look at the website that Cathy77 suggested though as I might find something that I am comfortable doing. All the input has given me a lot to think of, especially creating texture in the white areas with a matching thread instead of a contrast thread. Doing my own quilting would definitely save me $'s and the idea of spending the money on fabric instead, is of course VERY appealing.
Thank you to all of you for the very positive and helpful comments. I am feeling inspired and raring to go for quilt number three!
(I wish I'd discovered quilting years ago! So much lost time!)
P.S. this pattern is so quick and easy and I absolutely loved making it! The pattern and tutorial is by Amanda from Jedi Craft Girl and can be found here http://www.jedicraftgirl.com/2014/08...riar-rose.html
![Smile](https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/smile.png)
![Big Grin](https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/biggrin.png)
P.S. this pattern is so quick and easy and I absolutely loved making it! The pattern and tutorial is by Amanda from Jedi Craft Girl and can be found here http://www.jedicraftgirl.com/2014/08...riar-rose.html
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01-28-2013 08:29 PM