Saturday, September 19, 2015

Machine Quilting Organic Lines...???

Organic Line Quilting...aka... wonky 'straight' lines aren't as easy to stitch as they may seem...especially when your machine isn't working with you!  I had a heck of a time with the Pfaff Grand Quilting midarm!  UGH!  My thread kept fraying (my needle thread)...and for no reason that I could figure out!  I got out my list of trouble shooters...yes, it has done this before but not for a long, long while!  Just long enough time to pass for me to forget about the pain and frustration of it all...(those of you who are mothers can relate to THIS...haha)

I did everything...some twice and three times...changed the needle, adjusted the tension , rethreaded the whole machine more times than I can remember, cleaned and oiled under and around everything, adjusted my rails...even got out the level to make sure the quilt wasn't wonky and was perfectly level!!  The only thing that remained the same was my thread...I was down to my last cone of SO FINE! (Superior) off white...the only kind of thread my Pfaff enjoys eating!  I was down to the last quarter of the quilt when the machine started performing...Hallelujah!  What a difference it makes when you can concentrate on the actual stitching rather than watching the machine stop and start, stop and start, stop and start...*&$#! Yup there was lots of that going on too!  BUT like childbirth...all the pain is forgotten...POOF!  And you are left with your baby to cuddle and stoke...and admire!  SOOOO cute!!  Yes, she has all her fingers and toes, no folds or wrinkles...certainly not perfect but she is all mine to love and cherish!  Come to mama!



I was worried how the Minkie would look with straight line quilting...love it!  I think the secret is to stitch in one direction, then return in the opposite.  That way there is less stretching.  
 And some close-ups...



The quilt finished at 66" X  89"...or there abouts!

                           

Now for the binding (I'm thinking red but I will audition other colours too :o)... and definitely some BIG hand stitching, to go here and there!  I can't wait to do that!

Hey, is it Saturday ALREADY?!!  Gawd, September is whizzing by!  I better get out and see what kind of mischief I can get into today!  Got any suggestions...?! :o))

Have a super Saling Saturday and Happy Quilting!~P

20 comments:

  1. Looks awesome--so sorry you had trouble with that dang machine again--you were on a roll!

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  2. Do you have a new camera, Paulette? Your photos are really beautiful today. Of course, it's hard to go wrong with that quilt as the subject! It is glorious! I think you are becoming a modern quilter after all...

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  3. That is just beautiful! Too bad about the machine troubles......you are soooo funny with the childbirth comparison......come to Mama! :)

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  4. Just so gorgeous! Your quilting looks perfect with the quilt. Sorry you had some issues, but all is forgotten now, right! Love it!

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  5. Lovely! Those red HSTs make the whole quilt sparkle! I think a red binding would be perfect!

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  6. You just crack me up!! ;O)
    I think your baby, er quilt, turned out just beautifully! Great job!!!

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  7. Love how you varied the width between your quilted line Paulette. It looks great.

    When you interview your binding I'm wondering what a lighter shade of the green you used with maybe a visual texture would look like? I think it might make your reds really pop! Have fun with the finishing details.

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  8. Ahhh...the pain was all worth it in the end! I am surprisingly inspired by this soothing quilt and the "organic" lines are perfect! I'm so inspired I've done some peeking about on those links you so graciously shared. It's so out of my usual realm, but I love it so!

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  9. Love this quilt! Definately a Bold Red binding!

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  10. The quilting is perfect for the quilt. I love the combination. It's sweet and fun.

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  11. That is a perfect quilt! If I looked at it and had to guess who made it, I would never guess you! It's so modern and far away from what you usually do! I absolutely love it!

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  12. Did you ever figure out what was causing the breakage? My Nolting was doing the same thing today. I think it was the thread I used. Sometimes I buy a spool of cheap thread because it is such a nice color --this was a great shade of deep blue. Although labeled quilting thread, it was not very strong. I should know better!

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  13. one of the neatest quilts I've seen...love it!!!!!!

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  14. The straight enough lines work well for the quilting on your trees quilt. I like this one very much.

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  15. I think red or black or sawtooth would look great. Love your Quilt

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  16. It's looking great. Sorry about your Pfaff not playing nicely, they do that sometimes.

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  17. I totally LOVE this quilt!!! A beautifully improv setting and such fun blocks and filler sashings. Sorry your machine was having such a bad day - most annoying, but way to get your Boss hat on and power through it!

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  18. I know well the pain of frayed quilting threads! You got there in the end though and its looking good.

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  19. Hurray! The quilt looks great quilted with the free spirited lines...and thread mishaps, what mishaps?!

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