We have had precipitation on 65% of the days in 2017. That is more than every other day. Since it rained over night, and again just now, I am starting to feel washed away. The flowers are fairly happy. This is one of the post on my patio. However, the tomatoes would like way more sun. They are seriously stunted.
So, with all this rain, I obviously need to learn something new. So I borrowed a book from the Quilt Group Library.
One of my friends had recommended it, so I am trying it out. The first thing the author tells you to do is make a test piece to get to know your foot. She suggests you use muslin. Since I am not good at following directions, I used a couple of 10" squares for my box of large scraps.
I discovered that my needle is not in the middle of my foot.
I quilted three straight lines, two using the left side of the foot as a guide and one using the right side. The foot sits a small but noticeable bit to the right of centre. While I can't do much about the foot, now that I know this, I can figure out where to place the needle to be able to use either side of the foot as a guide.
Next up, I quilted across my lines, to make sure the foot was feeding the fabric evenly.
That looks perfect! At least I don't have to adjust for that.
I decided to use a bit of my new knowledge to start quilting my New Brunswick piece. I echo quilted around the maple leaf in the middle.
That looks pretty good. Not perfect, but better than some of my past efforts. You can see the maple leaf on the back.
One of the things the author suggests is making marks on your walking foot to aid in knowing where to turn, so your lines are even. She suggests using nail polish. Good, because I have lots of that.
You can get these where Sally Hansen Nail Polish is sold. It is a fine point marker, with nail polish.
I have a pile of quilts in need of quilting, so I can practice the different ideas in the book on lots of UFO's. This book might be just what I need to get some of them done!
Have fun experimenting. That's an interesting nail polish product.
ReplyDeletePretty flowers! Walking foot quilting is very effective, I like the results.
ReplyDeleteRain, rain go away come back another day! Would love to get some warm summer days.... Your quilting looks like you are having fun. I can add a few more quilts to your pile, if you want. Trying to get the tops quilted.
ReplyDelete