See Reverse (one side)
48 x 57
See Reverse (another side)
Which is the front?
This quilt started several years ago when I bought a bundle of Lakehouse fabrics. It seems that I finished the top and dyed the backing in July 2010 but I think I cut out the quilt as early as 2007. The dyed backing was one of my early attempts at color matching and, I think I did a pretty darned good job!
I have no idea what I will use the quilt for. I think it's a bit big for a baby quilt but it could be a toddler play mat or I could just hang it downstairs near Willie and enjoy it myself for a while.
What brought it to the forefront to be quilted is that I have a large quilt that I want to quilt from the back but I was not sure if my planned method would work and decided to try it on this smaller quilt first. It worked a treat! When I load the larger quilt I'll take some photos and show you what I did.
I also thought this would be a great opportunity to practice some filler quilting and I certainly did get a lot of practice.
Overall I am very happy with the quilt. I was hoping that the different colors of the quilted spirals would show more in the pieced side of the quilt. Aside from the dark pink, all of the other colors blend in. In the end that might actually be better but I know the next time to choose a darker thread if I want the quilting to show better. I meticulously matched the thread to the spiral and the pieced fabric colors and, of course, the result was a lot of blending in. I know that's not a surprise to anyone except me!
I quilted 5 filler stitches. There were days when filler quilting drove me insane and other days when is was the most relaxing thing int he world to do. The first one I did was this paisley and I enjoyed it.
Next I did this echoed hook. I liked quilting it OK but it's the least favorite effect on the quilt. The threads for the quilt are an assortment of Superior Highlights, Superior Artist Colors, Superior Bottom Line on the pieced side (bobbin) and, in the needle, an assortment of rayon or acrylic or polyester embroidery threads that I picked up at a great price several years ago. I have about 75 colors and I use them a lot. THe pink was the only one that gave me any trouble at all.
I did the orange spiral third. I love the effect of the quilting but I never felt like I got a good rhythm going. One thing I did learn through the process is that I have to quilt slower....which isn't really slow at all. I have a tendency to move too fast. It messes up the tension and I tend to make more mistakes. By slowing down I did very little frogging on this quilt.
Surprisingly this design turned out to be my favorite. I loved quilting these little Baptist fans.
In the purple I quilted one of Leah Day's designs, the Pointy Paisley...thanks to a blog comment. I was saved from pebbles and I really like the effect of this design. If you are interested in free motion quilting and you have not yet visited Leah's website then leave here and go there now. She has an amazing amount if information and loads of design ideas.
In the end this was a perfect project. I learned new things, improved my skills and another UFO is done!
This just turned out beautiful! I really love the tie-dye spiral, and the effort you've made to quilt with different fillers. What a great job on a great project. Well done!!
Posted by: Becky in KCMO | August 15, 2012 at 03:49 PM
I like all the stitches you chose. What a great exercise!
Posted by: Linda Evans | August 15, 2012 at 04:18 PM
Enjoy it. It's a beauty. I love the various quilting designs you've chose.
Posted by: Stephanie | August 15, 2012 at 04:20 PM
I love the colors on the pieced side and your spiral is fabulous. Also looking forward to your larger quilt using same method.
Posted by: Carol G | August 15, 2012 at 04:40 PM
Fabulous! I think the spiral should be the front..it's way cool!
Posted by: Deb Levy | August 15, 2012 at 04:51 PM
This is marvy - the idea of quilting your spectacular spiral was genius. I wonder, thinking about your process - was your backing fabric the usual 3 inches bigger to give a place to attach to the rails and side clamps? So did you baste the top on first, right side up and flip the package?
Posted by: Cheryl K. | August 15, 2012 at 04:55 PM
Cool! Very cool!
Posted by: Sharon MLS | August 15, 2012 at 05:00 PM
It's beautiful!
Posted by: Terri | August 15, 2012 at 05:18 PM
You did a super job on this, Vicki. Both sides look great. I'd hang it up and enjoy it!
Posted by: elle | August 15, 2012 at 05:51 PM
Thanks - always on the lookout for other FMQ ideas :)
Posted by: Kate | August 15, 2012 at 07:01 PM
It is awesome! Again, when you get tired of it I will be happy to give it a happy home! :O) I think it is killer!
Posted by: Cindy Is Crafty | August 15, 2012 at 08:22 PM
Love love love it!! I can't believe you could quilt from the back like that!!
Posted by: Alycia | August 15, 2012 at 10:34 PM
That's turned out wonderfully! I think it would make a great mat for a small child - so bright and cheerful!
Posted by: Captain StitchyPants | August 16, 2012 at 08:36 AM
The back matches the front perfectly. THe quilitng looks great. If you don't know what to do with this quilt I can send you my address! (ha ha!)
Posted by: patty | August 16, 2012 at 08:54 AM
WOW - You never cease to amaze me!
Posted by: Amy | August 16, 2012 at 01:33 PM
This turned out great and that backing is just perfect. I like all your fills but I'm not sure I would have been brave enough to quilt them from the back without seeing where they'd end up on the front.
Posted by: Mary | August 16, 2012 at 09:33 PM