Today’s Quilting Studio update is all about a special custom quilting project. I recently longarm quilted a large bed quilt for one of my most prolific quilting clients, Primrose Bohne. Would you like to see how the quilting plan developed and quilted out?

The DEsign

Earlier this spring, Primrose messaged to let me know that a new project was on its way to my quilting studio - a quilt made with the Glorieta pattern from McCall’s quilting. This 100” square medallion quilt features a large on-point star center and detailed patchwork in the cascading borders. According to Primrose, it is a challenge for an experienced patchwork piecer due to the instructions, just FYI.

Once the quilt arrived, Primrose and I began exchanging quilting ideas. Custom quilting! More curves than flowers. Oooh, a monogram at center! Primrose’s clever monogram idea suits the large star center so well. We used the monogram of the couple for whom the quilt is intended.

My longarm is computer-guided, so I design a quilting plan right on my longarm computer. I designed from the center out, starting with the motif for the large center star. In the image at left, you can see that I laid the foundation for the quilting plan with star block placeholders. This helps orient everything realistically. After Primrose approved the center motif, I presented her with options for the surrounding blocks and borders (image right).

So it goes, working out to the edges of the quilt. I aim to create a cohesive mix of patterns with relatively consistent quilting density. The contrast between curved and straight patterns highlights different repeating elements.

I appreciate the act of faith that it takes for a client to give the go-ahead at this point! It is difficult to imagine how it will look on the patchwork in real life, even with a computer mock-up. Entrusting your quilt to a longarm quilter takes trust, and I hope to always make good on it.

The Result

Presenting Primrose Bohne’s lovely Glorieta quilt in classic blues and creams! It falls beautifully on my queen-size bed.

I think that the custom quilting compliments the patchwork elements, without getting dense or fussy.

And the monogram is genius! It’s a thoughtful, individualized touch, but doesn’t take over the quilt in any way.

I’m pleased with how the Decatur quitting motif works on these classic Sawtooth star blocks. It swirls out from each star center with elegance.

One of my favorite details, though, is the straight-line sunburst pattern on the half star, triangular blocks. Those straight lines look so pretty bursting out from the wide cream floral border.

This entire quilt was quilted with a soft blue thread. I used my go-to So Fine! by Superior Threads. I always use the same kind since I know how it performs with my machine and can achieve an attractive stitch from front and back.

So! That was a lot of design work and a lot of time spent custom-quilting, but the finish is worth it. Some quilts really deserve custom quilting, and this was one of them. The complex, traditional-style patchwork looks even prettier when accented by elegant quilting.

Thank you, Primrose, for entrusting me with so many of your lovely quilts!

I’d be happy to finish your projects with a beautiful 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 collaborate on YOUR quilt!