Free Motion Quilting Challenge & Heart Quilt Has Borders!

Second Heart Shape Trailing Leaves

 
I have done two samples of the Heart Shaped Trailing Leaves. I used the same fabric on both. The difference in color is the exposure. Frances Moore did the presentation. You can view the video by clicking on the Free Motion Quilting icon being held by SewCalGal. Frances suggested that we draw our design first before FMQ. I have a sketch book where I will be keeping a journal on the FMQ designs and any notes that each presenter will offer. It will be handy to pick up when preparing to FMQ a quilt.

First Sample of Heart Shaped Trailing Leaves FMQ Motif

Other differences between my two samples are the color of thread used and the type of darning foot used. The one above I used an open toed foot that does not hop. The stitches were more to the inch and did not glide quite as well as with the hopping darning foot that was closed and smaller. I used Mettler 100% Poly Sheen thread #40 on the top and a #50 Star white cotton in the bobbin. I used a size 16 needle. The larger needle made the back stitching look better. I also placed a magic bobbin washer in the bobbin case to cause more resistance. I was fortunate to win a pair of "GrabARoos" gloves at the Charlotte Modern Quilt Guild's December meeting. They were wonderful for keeping a grip on the fabric. I used a Free Motion Supreme Slider as well.

The other difference between the two samples is the spacing of my Trailing Leaves. The second one is more open and has larger motifs and the first one is the opposite. I had gone back to review the video and realized that I filled in more space than what Frances Moore did in her video. I like both and will most likely will use the tighter leaf background for the quilt I will be making out of my samples. I will be adding decorative touches to each one. Each section will be a different size. This will be the largest section which is 12.5" x 16.25 inches. This will be a quilt as you go project and the end result will be a wall hanging 42" x 24." I am using Nature-Fil Bamboo batting.


Do you pile your quilts on your bed during cold spells? I do!  I crawl in bed and proclaim to my hubby, "I love my quilts!" There is something special about being under the weight of them and seeing all the colors and various block designs. Fortunately, the weather has been cooperating so that I can have several quilts piled on high, but it isn't going to last. Today it was in the 60s.  Is this winter? The closest to winter I am going to get is looking at this winter picture for awhile.

 I am looking forward to my RedWork Book that should be arriving in the mail in a day or two which happens to be winter scenes. The snowmen designs are so cute! It has been many years since I last did any embroidery work.

Friendship Heart Quilt

This evening after eating Chinese, hubby was so sweet to pick up dinner on the way home from work, I completed adding borders to my friendship heart quilt.  It would be nice to have it finished by Valentines Day.  

While working on it  I watched a couple episodes of "The Quilt Show". The  guest on the first show was Camille Ross Kelly. I love her wonderful fabric that she has designed, especially Ruby and Vintage Modern both in colors of red and aqua. It is quite yummy and fresh looking!


The second show featured Susan Cleveland who has won many awards for her quilts. Her demonstrations were about mitering corners on blocks in a manner that gives great appeal. She also makes these fantabulous prairie points! 


Good night all! It has been a full day and I am looking forward to crawling under the quilts!
"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, 
that we should be called children of God! 
And that is what we are!" 1 John 3:1