Thursday, April 23, 2009

A Productive Day


I was so tired Tuesday that I didn't do much. Yesterday though I had my pep back and I decided to get some more quilting done on this one. You can see I have tables for support behind the main table as well as to the left side. This supports the quilt so it can't ever fall over an edge while I am quilting.
A couple weeks ago I mentioned that my ditch quilting along the parts of the blocks wasn't straight as it traveled through the next block where there wasn't a seam to follow.
I decided to do the wavy lines that I have been using for years between the rows of stitching. The 2 rows are kind of parallel and sometimes even cross over to the other side. Here are the rows just sewn in one direction.
I got a few rows done in the other direction. Now I have to decide if I am going to put a row down the center between the 2 ditch lines.
I finished the last 2 blocks for the basket quilt. I was going to pick a fabric just a little darker than the outside blocks for the setting triangles but now I am considering one even darker.
I like the block patterns in this quilt but I'm not happy with the colors. They just aren't MY colors. I will probably have to make another one that is in all creams, yellows, golds, pinks, reds, and purples. It won't be anytime soon though. I have a couple other ideas brewing first.

17 comments:

Susan said...

I love that coral/red/yellow quilt, and the wavy lines are perfect -- they add curve and gracefulness to the square regularity of the blocks.

I know what you mean about "not my colors." Soldier on, though -- we have to stretch, right? It's a beautiful quilt. I think you're right about even darker setting triangles; then the center will glow out even more.

Dolores said...

I have a question. How do you hold the three layers together when machine quilting? I didn't see any pins, basting or those little plastic things that the gun shoots out.

Vicki W said...

I love the basket quilt - they are my colors for sure!

Millie said...

I love the red quilt and the wavy quilting lines is perfect. I like wavy lines more than straight lines and you can not mess it up.

Terri Stegmiller said...

I really, really, like the addition of the wavy quilting lines.

Beena said...

The wavy lines really add an impact to the overall design. Nice. And look at all those baskets! So many. Even if you aren't happy with the colors at this point in your basket quilt, I'll bet once you find that perfect fabric for the triangles and a border you'll feel differently. There's so much color in the blocks it ought to be easy to bring out a predominant color of your choice by selecting the right border fabric. I can picture some purplish and pinkish batik there since you have some of that in the baskets.

Cathi said...

I love that first quilt -- makes me think of strawberry shortcake! And the curvy lines are a wonderful addition!
The basket quilt is gorgeous. I think it's stunning -- so soft and glowing. I think the darker setting triangles will really make it glow!

Browndirtcottage said...

OH...OH...machine quilting just seems soooo...oh...FAST!!!...*LOL* so far I am just still hand quilting!!! Yours looks really good thought...I'm impressed with the colors!!

Eva said...

I think the basket colours are very touching! So subtle and worn. They look like aged clothing, not like bought fabric. This is charming.

Rebel said...

Yeah, I think the trick is, if your lines aren't going to be even - make sure they look like they weren't supposed to be even in the first place. I love love love that pink quilt btw.

Jane Moxey said...

I particularly love the basket quilt with it's chain block on point. How big are the blocks please? I wonder if the blocks with the blue might look good all together rather than sprinkled throughout the quilt? It is hard to work with colors that don't feel like "you." But I think this one is gorgeous!!

Unknown said...

The bright pink and yellow quilt is just one of my favorites. I really like the quilting on this one and can't wait to see a picture of the entire thing completed. As far as the basket quilt goes, sometimes we just make ones that we aren't so crazy about. But then we definitely use that as a learning experience for the next time. I actually do like this one.

Barbara Strobel Lardon said...

If you are not happy with the basket quilt I will be happy to take it off your hands! :)

Unknown said...

I think the wavy lines are just perfect!!

Vicky F said...

Oh, my. You don't like the basket quilt? Let's put our name in a hat and you can "donate" it to one of us! It is gorgeous (to me).
I know what you mean about working with colors that are not you, though. One time I made a baby quilt for someone who had grey walls, the same grey carpet through the house, and wanted the baby quilt to be muted mauve, grey and muted blue (matchy matchy). Bleah! I never did like that quilt (and I didn't sign it either).

I dub your wavy-quilted piece "strawberry lemonade". So cheerful.
Vicky F

Purple Pam said...

I like the basket quilt so far. No, it is not your usual bright colors, but it is a beautiful quilt just the same. I agree with Vicky F. You could put all our names in the hat and pick one of us. I am sure any one of us would love to have this quilt! Whaddya think?

jacquie said...

love that quilt under the machine! when i move i'm looking forward to setting up my studio with support tables for my quilting. i think that would help me so much.