Overall quilting design for Birds in the Air

[Renata L.]

Nancy, long time since you've been on the Forum (or have I missed something?) In any event, so glad to see you again! Wish I had quilting advice but I'm the one who's begging for help on quilting these days... :lol: Just wanted to say hi!

[Margo C.]

[Margo C.]

Nancy, long time since you've been on the Forum (or have I missed something?) In any event, so glad to see you again! Wish I had quilting advice but I'm the one who's begging for help on quilting these days... :lol: Just wanted to say hi!

Hi Renata,

I've been around, just reading a lot more than writing. Admittedly, I felt that I was spending way too much time online and made a conscious effort to cut back. Also, since I didn't participate in this year's TQS BOM--which seemed to dominate the Forum this year--I skipped past most of those related blog posts. I've enjoyed seeing all of the different interpretations of the BOM and look forward to the 2013 BOM.

[Margo C.]

Hi Margo,

Thanks for you suggestions. My machine quilting skills are very limited, so my quilting will also be limited and not very dense. However, I might incorporate some of your ideas.

Thanks again!

[Margo C.]

WOW! Some really neat stuff going on here.

I wonder if you could use transparent plastic sheets, like we used for overhead projectors when teaching? You could just place the picture down on a flat surface, and then tape the top of the plastice sheet and draw the quilting possibilities with an wipe-away marker, like the ones used on white boards?

[Margo C.]

You can also use clear vinyl to lay over the actual quilt (not a photo) and audition designs with a dry-erase marker. Get the vinyl (sold by the yard) in the upholstery department of stores like Hancock's and JoAnn's. Be sure to mark the edges (I use blue painter's tape) so that you won't accidently mark on the quilt. It does NOT wash out!
Also, there is a more narrow product called Quilter's Preview Paper designed for long-armers to audition designs when a quilt is mounted on the frame that works well.

http://www.handiquilter.com/product/...preview-paper/

Here is a video showing how to use the preview paper, but Michelle is using a Sharpie Marker, which is permanent.

http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/?id=18

http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/?id=17

[Lois B.]

Wendy I love that little quilt. The quilted feet are adorable and I might have to use that idea sometime if you don't mind? Thanks for the photos. I posted a photo of my finished primitive quilt in the show and tell area if anybody wants to have a look at it. Here's a link: see-quilts/show-and-tell-quilts/

It's strange the way I was able to come up with a quilting pattern for that one but I just couldn't think of what to do for the Birds in the Air one. I have it batted now and hope to start quilting tomorrow. Pictures to follow...

That's great work. I am glad you are keeping it! I would too! Good job!

Twiglet, I love your baby quilt. The quilting designs are so much FUN!

[Pamela O.]

You can also use clear vinyl to lay over the actual quilt (not a photo) and audition designs with a dry-erase marker. Get the vinyl (sold by the yard) in the upholstery department of stores like Hancock's and JoAnn's. Be sure to mark the edges (I use blue painter's tape) so that you won't accidently mark on the quilt. It does NOT wash out!

Thanks, Margo, I have all those supplies. A good reminder.

[Rita C.]

Thanks Lois.

[Kathryn S.]

I also write "TOP" on the front of the plastic sheet, so I can tell which side has the marker on it...... If I can read the word, I know that the marker side is facing me and not against the quilt top. Even when you clean it off there might be some residue
Kathy

[Rita C.]

I have just finished my Birds in the Air quilt! Thanks Margo for the quilting suggestion. I modified it because I didn't want to have to stitch in the ditch around all those HSTs. I found it very difficult to stitch back directly over the curlicues. But I had got better by the end. :roll: Thanks to everybody for your suggestions and encouragement.

[Margo C.]

WOW!!! Rita, it looks amazing!!

[Margo C.]

WOW!!! Rita, it looks amazing!!

What she said

[E.M. T.]

me ,too !! Love how the back shows off!

[E.M. T.]

My, oh, my, Rita! I love it! You must be so happy with how it came out!

Great suggestion, Margo!

So much talent gathered here!