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For this wall hanging, I used 2 layers of Quilters’ Dream 100% Polyester Mid Loft Batting. It was not my intention to use 2 layers of the same batting; I set out to use one layer. When I opened it up, though, this batting was very, very thin so I opted for 2 layers. This resulted in a very stiff quilt. (I mean very stiff!) The quilt has some nice texture, but I won’t be repeating this batting choice because of the stiffness:
As always, I first outlined all the applique pieces with Monopoly Invisible Thread by Superior Threads. This is my first spool of the newest version of Monopoly and I think it may have less sheen. (This is a good thing, since you really don’t want people noticing this thread.) Then I drew soap lines of curves that would represent spine guidelines for head feathers. Sometimes, you can increase the amount of “interaction” between applique shapes by quilting something that “marries” those shapes in some way. The head feathers are my attempt at that:
Once stitched, they will create a design that’s reminiscent of an asymmetric heart, so it kind of gives the idea they’re in a relationship. Here they are stitched:
…and here they are hyperquilted:
(Those plumes are so small that I probably shouldn’t have hyperquilted them, but hindsight is 20/20.) Next, I needed to get the tail feathers stitched, because you can’t do any background quilting until all the major figure-quilting is done. Here is a gentle soap line for a tail feather spine guidelines:
And here are the tail feathers stitched:
Kind of hum-drum and disappointing. Once the feathers are stitched, you can do all the background quilting and use that time to decide whether or not you want to add hyperquilting. I ended up hyprquilting them with the single curly cue design:
Like always, I regretted doing it, but a few days later, I’m glad I did it. (I seem to have a pattern of regret and then reversal of regret!) This quilted wall hanging will be donated to the mini auction at the Asheville Quilt Guild Show on September 28-30, 2012. If you’re anywhere near western NC during those days, this is always a great quilt show, loaded with lots of rich color and design.
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Oh my heart smiles seeing those beautiful birds chirping FMQ feathers. There is something about your quilt designs and FMQ that just sing a special song to my heart. Love, love, love it.
Sorry the double batting came out stiff. I wonder if this might be a plus for quilts at a show, wallhangings? Still, I think every batting sponsor should be knocking at your door to be your sponsor.
SewCalGal
http://www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com
What marker did you use here? School chalk, soapstone…….?
Love the soap marking. Don’t know why I forget about doing that! Love your little birdies with all that special plumage!
I like the hyperquilting on the head feathers. Brings out the heart effect you wanted. 🙂 This is lovely.
Love the hyper quilting….it really makes the design pop. That stinks that the batting was stiff….doesn’t sound good…but like SewCalGal said….it might be just the ticket for behind your booth at shows.
Smiles,
Kelly
I personally don’t think the quilting is over the top …it adds to the ‘ Fantasy’ feeling.
It is a good idea to stand back from your work sometimes to realise how differently you might have done it and tuck the ideas away for next time.
Dorothy
Where are you Patsy???? We miss you!