When it comes to developing skill, practice is really the only rule. You can take classes every single day but you don't learn until you do. And you have to "do" a lot. Also, by doing you learn that you aren't nearly as bad at the skill as you thought!
I had 2 reasons for working on this particular quilt. Primarily I wanted to see if I could successfully quilt a quilt from the back so that I could feature more of my tie dye backs in my own quilts. Secondly I wanted to improve my skills at free motion fillers. I've never been very comfortable doing free motion fillers. I know that sound stupid because they should be easy, but I don't think they are easy at all.
I am appraching this quilt with a different filler in each spiral band. The practice is really helping me but I have learned one more valuable lesson.
What looks wonky, lopsided and weird up close
looks absolutely fine at a distance.
I really need to step back from my work more often and leave it alone!
So join me in skill building and work on a project that will help you develop a new skill. Don't sweat it, jsut work on it. You will be glad you did.
It looks just fine up close too!
Posted by: margaret | July 25, 2012 at 02:23 PM
I'm thinkin' it looks pretty darn terrific! The quilting looks pretty good to me. Way to go!
Posted by: Lynne in Hawaii | July 25, 2012 at 02:32 PM
I have a quilt basted and ready to quilt that I am planning to quilt from the back. The front is all hot rods and muscle cars and the back is flame fabric. So I thought I'd quilt flames.
Posted by: paula.thequilter | July 25, 2012 at 03:08 PM
It looks wonderful!
Posted by: Becky in VA | July 25, 2012 at 03:38 PM
It looks great....you are soooo right about the practicing. :)
Posted by: Yvonne | July 25, 2012 at 03:50 PM
Looks great! I need to get more practice in. My problem is not being able to see what I'm doing well because of how my machine is designed.
Posted by: Patricia L. | July 25, 2012 at 07:10 PM
It is going to be AWESOME!!!!!
Posted by: Cindy Is Crafty | July 25, 2012 at 08:25 PM
We are most critical of our own work. You see lopsided close up and I see perfect quilting. I'm really excited to see the full reveal.
Posted by: Stephanie | July 26, 2012 at 07:29 AM
Wow! I couldn't agree with you more, practice, practice and more practice makes all the difference. I also find that visualizing helps me. I sort of repeat the pattern in my head. Yes, step back is the key. No one will look with a magnifying glass to see the quilting. Well, I hope not! ;o) I even have another rule. Do not take rip out your pattern until you've walked away from it for a bit. It always looks so much better when you've taken a break. You machine quilting is fabulous! Thanks for sharing! Cheers
Posted by: Carole | July 26, 2012 at 08:32 AM
Yes, practice, practice, practice--true in all things. Thanks for the reminder. I think your stitching is just awesome. Thanks for sharing. Have a fun day.
Posted by: Fannie Narte | July 26, 2012 at 09:37 AM
The filler on the green band looks great! I use a version of that design all over for quilts. Please show the other filler designs you are using in the othe bands - I could use some inspiration!
Posted by: patty | July 26, 2012 at 12:02 PM