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| "random" quilting line spacing - eek! |
The Carolina lily is a fairly large quilt at 97" by 86" (2.43m by 2.14m) and is going to be awkward under the sewing machine. I use a Bernina 440 and the throat is not large. So I am going to mark every quilt line beforehand - tedious but am guessing it will be a relief when quilting.
First I made a block template to mark all the trapunto wreaths - easy to trace through this plain fabric
This was the point at which the size of this quilt gave me a scare. Not panicking, of course, but trying to take control of this quilting project...gulp.
The original antique quilt shown on the pattern had a grid quilted across the blocks and parallel lines behind the border vine. So that is how I'm doing it too - and hoping it is relatively easy to manage.
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| Marking the grid on the trapunto blocks |
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| Extending the grid to meet across the Lily blocks |
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| Trapunto wadding already stitched behind some of the wreaths |
When the trapunto wadding is all stitched and the quilting lines are all marked then it will be time to sandwich the quilt and pin baste ready for quilting. I am planning on starting the quilting by stitching with the walking foot in the ditch along the seam lines between every block just to stabilise the whole thing. See how careful I am being?
Wish me luck!
I think you're doing the right thing. All that preparation will save you from spending time with the unpicker.....it's all just part of the process. And goodness it is a very big quilt.
ReplyDeleteAll your prep work will be a life saver for you I'm sure! Good luck--you're going to be so happy with your results.:)
ReplyDeleteAlways such a treat to see your beautiful Morrell quilt - thanks! I am in awe that you can quilt such large quilts on a domestic machine. I'm sure all of your careful preparation will more than pay off.
ReplyDeleteI love your work !
ReplyDeleteGreetz from the Netherlands
Sis
Your Caroline Lily is such a beautiful quilt and deserves the extra time and care you're taking. It's treat to see your Morrell quilt too!!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck. The extra time you are asking will be worth it.
ReplyDeleteYour certainly putting in the prepping effort Hilda. It's going to be one beautiful quilt.
ReplyDeleteGood luck.
That will be so beautiful !!
ReplyDeleteYour quilt is lovely and I am so impressed by all your machine quilting. Can you tell me what you are using to mark the quilting pattern? Celia in England
ReplyDeleteI too like a lot of marking - whether I'm hand quilting or machine quilting.
ReplyDeleteYour marking came out so neatly!
looks lovely and I can't wait to see it quilted.
p.s. what marking tool are you using?
ReplyDeletelooks like crayola markers?
I think that you do your own quilting on your quilt is fantastic!!! that you do your quilting on a domestic machine really and truly is fantastic. Marking the lines is a way to make sure it turns out how you want it to. I have only tried to machine quilt a couple times - your marking first is something I will remember - I know I won't be able to hand quilt forever. I love your Morrell quilt even if you say it is not perfect - it is done and that is what counts doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteI think doing all your marking ahead of time is a very good plan for this quilt where the grid lines will really show. Machine quilting one this large is daunting to be sure, the last one I did of this size took 2 1/2 months of machine quilting - two to four hours each day. But certainly worth it in the end! Have fun!
ReplyDeleteI understand about taking your time and rushing. I have a few home machine quilted quilts that I adore or not because of my quilting!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you are doing a fine job of taking your time and getting it right.
All your prep work should pay dividends - beautiful quilt and I'm sure the quilting will be beautiful too.
ReplyDeleteIt is going to be so beautiful you are not going to be able to stand it!!
ReplyDeleteAll the pictures of your Carolina Lily quilt are beautiful! From what you've marked it's going to be amazing quilting!! Thanks for sharing your process.
ReplyDeleteIt's going to be awesome when you're done. With all the premarking, the quilting is going to be fun.
ReplyDeleteHi Hilda - I think your Morrell quilt is beautiful and if the quilting is less that perfect (in your eyes) I think it adds charm! Think of it as a learning experience. The Carolina Lily is so pretty and I agree with the others that given its size and the amount of work that you've already invested, that marking the top will be time well spent so that the process of quilting will be as stress-free as possible! I'm really looking forward to following your progress on this one!
ReplyDeleteGood luck! This is going to be a beautiful quilt - as is your Morrell Quilt. I learn something from almost every quilt I make and have to admit I have to learn some lessons more than once! Oh, well.
ReplyDeleteI know the feeling about not taking the time to mark properly. I have learned my lesson the hard way also. Not sure if a light bulb went off, or I have just gotten wise. It is worth all the effort! Maybe I realize I don't have forever to get to my goal of a great quilt, so now I put more effort into each quilt I make.
ReplyDeleteI love your Morrell Quilt, imperfect quilting lines and all! However, I do think your time spent marking your Carolina Lily quilt will be so worth the effort, I think the quilting will stand out more on the white fabric so you do want it to look great! Good luck, you are a braver woman than me, quilting a giant like that on a domestic machine!! Can't wait to see the finished quilting!!
ReplyDeleteYour work on the Morrell quilt is so lovely - and your Carolina Lily with the trapunto is incredible. Everything looks meticulous in preparation!! I also sew on a Bernina 440QE and do like the way it quilts. It is built for that kind of demand. My Pfaff used to get really warm when machine quilting:o(
ReplyDeleteWill enjoy watching your progress