Another deadline . . . .

I'm getting better at using self-imposed deadlines to motivate me to finish quilts.  I've been working on this quilt for my daughter's re-do of her guest room over the past couple months.  So I'm using the "deadline" of heading over there for a visit in a couple weeks to motivate it's finish.

I'm employing the techniques of breaking the quilt into sections which I learned from Marti Michell several years ago.  The quilt is in three sections at this point because it's easier for me to manage the bulk (the weight) of the quilt.  Section one is under the needle today.

Her book, Machine Quilting in Sections, was a ground breaker for me and I find when I'm showing folks quilts that I've finished this way, they realize they already own the book but have never had the courage to try the technique.  

Since it's nice here today, I dragged a few of the (monster) quilts I've finished using this approach outside for new pictures.  I did this Kaleidoscope in four sections.  Each was the size of a crib quilt!  Once I figured out the quilting design, each section only took one afternoon at the machine.
Zoom, zoom!!

I shared this basket sampler with you HERE -- my sections were more complex as I worked in diagonal  bands and added the border after the quilted center was finished.

This feathered star is without a doubt the biggest quilt I've tackled in sections.  All the borders you see at the "bottom" of the quilt are also above the feathered star center.  The quilt is Marti Michell's Feathered Star Medallion.  I quilted the center section -- feathered star with top and bottom pieced star bands.  Then the borders were added one at a time using a stitch and flip technique.

It's been a while since I quilted this one but I must have used tissue paper tracings to do that lovely leaf design in the kites -- it's too consistent!  I'll have to add this picture to my "quilting" ideas files for future reference!

It was interesting to read Lori Kennedy's post a couple days ago at The Inbox Jaunt -- she admitted to suffering from the same mental panic when starting a big quilting project that I experience.    She does such a consistent job of coming up with new free motion designs that I was surprised by her admission.  That makes me feel so normal.  

 

Those lines running down through the lightest zigzag were suppose to be interrupted with bubbles but when I got to the first one, I froze.  Change of plans!  Arcs are my comfort zone and so the bubble became a leaf -- arc down to the left, arc back up to the right and continue the straight line through the ellipse to the next spot -- leaves!!

The inspiration for the large leaves are my collection of Charley Harper posters which decorate my studio.  Holes in leaves are part of his art!

I need to quilt at least three bands each day to meet my deadline.  I'm excited enough about what is emerging at this point that I think it will happen more quickly!

 

Blessings to everyone for a peaceful Easter weekend!

 

Mary Huey

 

 

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