in the Quilting Studio, no. 37
This time of year as the weather turns, there is simply no better way to spend a cold, rainy day than with a quilt. Making a quilt or cuddling under one - it’s all good! My longarm sewing machine has been busy this fall humming over your beautiful projects. Unpacking client quilts tops is so often a fantastic surprise. The colors, shapes and fabrics are a delight to see in person. How lucky I am to take part in their transformation into textured, cozy quilts! Come see what I’ve been quilting lately.
Medallion quilt by Esther Probst
You can imagine my delight to unpack this beauty made by Esther Probst @MyPrettyWildLife. It is her own design, created medallion-style from the center out.
She used exclusively Carolyn Friedlander fabrics and solids, which gives the quilt a natural unity. Isn’t it a beauty!
When designing the custom quilting treatment, I began at the center as well with a pretty quilting pattern to accentuate the rounded medallion. Esther wished for a simple, modern style custom quilting, so I suggested the chain quilting pattern for the main body of the quilt, with the exception of the whirling pinwheel blocks.
I love all the diagonal movement in Esther’s quilt design and the way that the custom quilting highlights key elements for a light, modern finish.
Windows Quilt by Isis Pluut
When I unpacked this quilt, I immediately thought of an English cottage vibe. The colors are cozy and the pattern looks like windows with pretty drapes, if you look at it just the right way.
Isis made this quilt for her father and his wife, who she felt would appreciate a floral quilting patten. We chose Daisy quilting, which has a fanciful, elegant vibe, just like the floral fabrics themselves.
Check out the quilt back! Isis created an oversized applique motif with fabrics from the quilt top. Nice idea.
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Dear Jane by Jeannette
Have you heard of Dear Jane? It’s a famous patchwork quilt sewn in 1863 by Jane A. Stickle. It’s since been turned into a book for those intrepid souls who wish to recreate the intricate quilt.
Well, when Jeannette said that she wished for me to quilt a needlepoint version of Dear Jane, I was totally intimidated. Needlepoint is often delicate, with long threads that can easily be snagged. What if I damaged the quilt during the process. What a terrible thought!
Well friends, it turned out to be a cross-stitched Dear Jane quilt. Aha, that’s much more durable. And quilt it I did - - -
Ta da! A big round of applause for Jeannette! Cross-stitch is a great idea for enjoying the geometric wonder of Dear Jane without all the tiny, fussy patchwork. I can see the appeal for sure.
The “blocks” are amazing. Quilting over them with another texture would take away from the beautiful elegance of this work, in my opinion. Thus, we decided on simple straight line quilting between the “blocks” to securely connect the layers of the quilt (Dear Jane cross-stitched top, batting and cloth backing).
The borders were another matter. I came up with this pattern of diamonds and swoops to enhance the edge with quilting texture. I think it turned out rather splendid, if I do say so myself! Thanks for the opportunity to quilt this special project, Jeannette.
Boomerang quilt by Alison
Here’s another lovely quilt, in a more modern style. This is the Boomerang quilt pattern from Jaybird Quilts sewn by Alison.
I like how Alison’s version combines the fresh, angular patchwork with a restful neutral palette and florals. It was unexpected to me, but in quite a good way.
I suggested a few quilting options and Alison chose Cotton Seed. The rounded shapes and simple style of Cotton Seed pair well with her quilt design choices. Looks cozy!
I’d be happy to finish your projects with a modern quilting texture too. My services are available to those who live throughout the European region. Please be in touch if you have any questions or start the process off by placing your order. I can’t wait to see YOUR quilt!
