On the quilting front, I managed to finish machine quilting the last of my UFO pile, Fairy Garden. Last year, while waiting for Penelope to show up, I had managed to complete 8 (eight) tops. The pile is now empty!
I decided to use a dragonfly panto. Gosh, this is a hard one to master. You come in by one antennae and out by the other.It's not perfect, but as a whole, acceptable.
Yesterday, while on our way back from a friend's house, Jennifer asked when was I going to start doing more custom quilting. It seemed that all I did was pantos.
It's certainly been the case the last few months. I will admit, pantos are quicker for me to do than custom quilting.
I've come to understand that some quilts speak custom and others panto/edge to edge quilting. All of the tops I had completed spoke the panto language. Until I complete a quilt that speaks custom quilting, such as Midnight Silhouette and Sprig Rose, I guess pantos are what I will be doing! lol
I'm curious as to how you come to decide on the type of machine quilting you will do? Do you plan the machine quilting prior to piecing a quilt top? That's what Ricky Tims does; everything is pretty much determined at the planning stage. Or, do you decide once the top is completed? Myself, I let the finish quilt top speak to me.
Yesterday, Jennifer and I went to a friend's house to help un-clutter and clean her home. Jo Ann will have some major surgery done on her back some time this week and will not be able to do anything for quite some time. It was important to both of us that Jo Ann be able to rest and not think of cleaning etc.... It was quite the job but oh so satisfying. It's a great feeling knowing that you're helping a friend. So, if you could keep Jo Ann in your thoughts/prayers this week, I would be much obliged.
As always, thank you for stopping by. I do enjoy reading your comments! Keep well!
12 comments:
Ha! I don't even have my borders planned before I start peicing (as evidenced my my large UFO pile) much less the quilting!
How sweet of you to help your friend clean the house.I am no expert in quilting :( I hope the year 2009 will be good for you dear Carole.
Happy New Year to you as well Carole. That is a beautiful quilt, congratulations on a great finish. Wow no more UFOs, I can't imagine.
I really want to branch out and learn more quilting - right now I pretty much meander everything. I love the look, don't get me wrong - but sometimes I feel like a one trick pony. Need to sign up for some classes *s*
I started out doing more custom quilting and towards the end I did more panto quilting. I always loved doing meandering, mostly because it's easy and also I love the look of it. I like lots of quilting and I like it even so meandering worked for me in those respects. Whatever floats your boat, that's what you should do!
How nice of you to help a friend. It's very satisfying isnt it?
And about the quilting...I've yet to do some custom work. I love love love doing the panto's. I have so many of them and love each one.
missed you and am glad your back.
Hugs
Hi Carole....glad to see your back! What you did for your friend will be remembered and treasured more than a bought gift...you gave of your time and there is no better gift. I send her my thoughts and my prayers.
As for quilting...the quilt will speak to you. If it is a busy quilt than custom quilting wouldn't show up very well so a panto is perfect. However, if there are lots of open spaces that can "show off" custom feathers or something similiar than I think it looks better. But then what will the quilt be used for? Again, that would be taken into consideration. A panto is perfect for a quilt that will be used and washed alot. Then there is custom and how dense will custom be? If it is very dense than it doesn't make for a nice cuddly quilt because it makes it too stiff and to have all that work in it....ultimately decision is up to the quiltmaker. :-)
Another thought too....if your doing longarm for a business a panto is less expensive for your customer than custom work.
Your dragonfly panto is adorable on that quilt....and I thought perfect!
Happy new year. May your blessing be numerous this year.
I always decide on my quilting design after I am finished. I can't imagine doing it any other way so I find Ricky Tims approach interesting.
JoAnn will be so appreciative of all that you have done to help her out. That was such a generous use of your time and talents to assist her in that manner. I will keep her in my prayers for a successful surgery and a quick recovery.
That dragonfly design is really cute! I wait until I'm ready to quilt a top before I plan what I'm going to do.
I'll keep Jo Ann in my prayers. I know that must have blessed her so much to have you guys clean and organize her home. What a sweet gift!
I let my quilt speak to me after it it pieced. I haven't done much custom quilting either. I still, for the most part, like the pantos and edge to edge all over designs. I am not trying to make award winning quilts. Just quilts to use and enjoy. Custom quilting is not really my style. But, like you say it does depend on the quilt. :~)
Prayers and (((Hugs))) for your friend!
I think a quilt needs to speak to you when the top is completed. I don't get much quilting done because that's not my favourite part.
You are so kind to help a friend by giving of your time, that will always be remembered. I hope Jo Ann is back on her feet soon.
The dragonfly quilting is gorgeous!
The quilt turned out very nice.
Happy New Year!
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