Spring's First Blush - Part III

The Quilting

Since this piece is relatively small, approximately 8" wide by 6" tall, the quilting went rather quickly as I didn't have to fill huge areas. I wanted to do a few different styles of quilting, so I divided up the piece into smaller section and did some smaller scale work.

I started with the gold double lines that separate the left section from the middle section. Once the gold double lines are stitched, then I was able to fill in with an overall circular pattern. This was done with free motion stitching and a Sulky shiny poly thread that matched the fabric. After adding the other gold lines, then I could fill in the diamond quilted area. Once that was done, all I had left was the flowers and filler in the left section. The flower stems and leaves were quilted in a green shiny poly Sulky, while the flowers were quilted in a pink Superior Glitter.

After tying off any extra threads and remarking the outer edges, I stitched close to the acutal stitching line and then trimmed off all the excess fabric except for a narrow seam allowance. This left me with the actual shape of the piece.

Here is a close up of one of the edges:


Next: Beading!

Tomorrow the children and I will be taking a trip to NYC. I should be able to finish the puzzle quilt on the bus and be able to show that all finished this week sometime and a few pictures from our trip.

Parting Shot: Gladiola. Last weekend, the play I've been working on was performed. At the last performance, I was given a few little things, among them was this red gladiola. (It wanted to lean oddly, so you're actually see it better in the mirror!) The play was fun, but as with all major performances, sort of took over my life for the last week. It turned out very well, and I know every one is happy to be on vacation now!