Local quilt show: observations

You've got me thinking now. This is actually an element of quilting I don't have a lot of confidence in my creative abilities. :-) Since I don't like to stitch in the ditch, on most of the handquilted ones I stitch 1/4 line *away* from the seam, then for borders my favorites are feathers or cables. (I'm thinking this would look weird on a 1 inch log cabin, what do you think?)

The biggest reason for this is that I have never found a method to mark the quilt yet and again, don't have the confidence to just wing it without marking first. I drug out some antique quilts to have a look yesterday. They're allover patterns. Crosshatch seemed to be big, as was Baptist fan pattern. And some just tiny stitches in long lines very close together. One "echo" type. No rosettes there!

I have a quilt top that I was real pleased with but it has been in a drawer for nearly a year. Because I'm waffling about what to do about quilting it. If I take a pic of it, do you think I could get some suggestions (from all) ?

Sherry

And that would probably be due to the fact that it's more difficult to hand quilt across seam lines -- a limitation that doesn't exist (usually) in machine quilting.

Hi Sherry,

Just for the sake of discussion ('cuz I'm learning quite a bit about quilters, if not quilting, from this one ;-) what about the (admittedly lesser) creative process of finding/designing a pattern that will compliment SITD quilting? When we first started quilting, we began with SITD for the obvious reasons. We found that (agreeing with you) it's not appropriate for every layout, and (disagreeing) we had to put a little effort (creative process) into finding/designing layouts that *did* look good. It may be "quick & dirty", but we happen to like the "pillowy" effect it produces; it's not trapunto, but in some cases it can emulate it to a degree, depending on the piecing. It's also warmer than stitch-dense patterns, as there's more dead air space (higher "R" value) between top & backing. We've advanced beyond it in the course of the journey, but since we do actually like it, I still like to design tops specifically intended for SITD. ;-)

Doc

John, You started this thread with a disclaimer that you had no intention of offending anyone. It has been interesting to read through folks thoughts on the actual quilting we do. Looking at your quilts and beautiful woodworking it is very easy to see you are a perfectionist. I confess I probably take a more slap dash approach though my work not terrible. LOL Yep, there is room for all of it and we can enjoy what we do. Thanks for opening up the discussion. Taria

I agree that some designs call out for feathers, intertwined rope links, fans, or rosettes. Those sorts of things are long standing ideal elements of quilt design that are found in the best of quilts. But, and this is the thing, they are mostly found within the confines of borders, in large open areas, and other places without any pattern piecing, underneath them. You wouldn't do a feather pattern on top of a log cabin square of piecing. You might do it in another area of the quilt that contains the log cabin pattern, and place the feather, ect, in the open spaces of the design. If you look at hand quilting as an example, you never see, or should I say I have never seen, overall design of random squiggles, done by hand, on top of a pieced pattern where you would run across the stitching seams of the pieced square, with that rosette, or fan, or whatever. . That, and only that, is what this whole dust up is trying to clarify. And once again, anybody who loves doing that sort of thing, then you have my permission, as if it was needed, to continue enjoying your chosen style choice. Just don't expect me to get excited about it, as if that really mattered either.

John

25+ years on Usenet has taught me that that *usually* means, "A whole lot of people are likely to be offended by what I'm about to put down, BUT..." :-)

If John isn't "quilt police", he's most certainly a "quilt snob" (not that there's anything WRONG with that... :-) Actually, after reading his last missive on being self-taught by the books he's read, I think I understand it now. Often, we're strongly influenced by the first exposure we have on a particular subject, and when seeking out further information, some folks tend to gravitate toward those that agree with or build upon the precepts of that first exposure. Other folks get a lot of different perspectives, decide what they agree with/like because of the people they are, and build their libraries on those precepts. I'm not trying to cubbyhole John or imply that either applies to him - I don't know him that well. However his journey progressed, it seems apparent to me that the books he's read seem to be of similar schools of thought (I say that only because I have read books with differing views, so I know that they're out there.) There's nothing wrong with any of that either.

I'm not offended by anything here; I'm LMAO at a lot of it. What I'm getting from John though, whether his intent or not, is: "Do whatever you like, but if you intend to enter it any show that I'll have any say about the judging in, either make it *exactly* the way I think quilts should be made or don't bother entering it, because I'm not going to brook any of that nonsense." What I'm having trouble discerning though is his *attitude*; I can't tell if he's sincere about the way he's putting some things or if he's being facetious.

As I said before, "I had no idea something like this would be such a big deal..." I can respect John for sticking to his guns (and I'm really tempted to add, "even if he is completely wrong and talking out his..." but that would just be my being a horse's patoot again). Opinions can't be wrong - only different.

Doc

John,

Thanks for bringing up this excellent and pertinent (at least to me) topic :-).

Due to physical limitations, up to this time I've sent my quilts out to a professional longarm quilter. Due to financial constraints, I've only had them do one of the simplest all over patterns. While I have been delighted with getting a finished quilt, I have also known that the end result was not optimum. Given the quality of my patchwork, that did not bother me too much, though this issue was always in the back of my mind.

Yet, I have not worked in a vacuum. I've taken a glance at a book called something like, "Quilting Makes the Quilt" at a book store and that book really demonstrates that the actual quilting can make a great difference in the final look of the quilt -- dramatically so. I've also seen beautiful quilting at shows, in magazines and other books. I bought some of those quilting books, even though it is unlikely that I'll actually do any quilting, except on small wall hangings.

I've been seriously considering making a Dear Jane (DJ) or Dear Hannah (DH) quilt (or some other complex sampler quilt). Quilts like these need a bigger commitment than quilts that I have made in the past. It seems to me that if I do make one of these quilts, then it would deserve more consideration regarding the quilting than I've done in the past. Given that all of the pieced blocks are different, then such quilts would ideally have each block quilted separately in a manner that enhanced that individual block. This would cost considerably more than the simple, overall quilting designs that I've previously had done on my quilts and needs to be considered in the funding of the project.

Please don't get me wrong. I don't mean to imply that simpler pieced quilts don't also deserve beautiful quilting -- one only needs to look at some of the gorgeous wholecloth quilts to debunk that :-). Personally, I find great beauty in wholecloth and simple patchwork quilts. I only mean that if one puts so much time and effort into the patchwork side of a quilt, then it would seem a shame to not use the same level of consideration with the quilting.

Regarding the crossing of seams when quilting, I'm far from an expert :-) and I tend to break the "rules". I take my quilting perspective from applique. There are times when applique does not cross block lines and others in which it does. It all depends upon the desired effect. If a patchwork quilt's design is best enhanced by staying within the seam lines wnen quilting -- great. On the other hand if its design is better enhanced by sewing over seam lines, then IMHO that's the best way. Given that applique is more pronounced than a quilt thread, I do think that one would have to be careful in the way quilting crosses seam lines. I also agree that an overall quilt design is most probably not the best design for a quilt, but it may be the quilter's only option at the time due to monetary, time and other constraints.

BTW, while this is "critcism", it is "constructive criticism". This is how we improve our work so I want to thank you again for your comments.

Bev in TX

Oh, yes, I *would* do a feather quilting pattern on a Log Cabin! Imagine a very subdued Log Cabin block in beautiful neutrals. Then an outrageous feather quilting pattern- beautifully executed- with tons of detail in a glorious thread that really stood out... and maybe some yummy beading to really set off the quilting design. (Now this is a dream- I am not capable of doing quilting of that caliber!)

The block setting could be the long diagonal rows of color (can't think of the name of that setting- furrows???) with long curvy feathers down the length following the diagonal. Or the diamond Barn Raising setting with the feathers confined to each diamond shaped area. Oh yeah. There's room for anything and everything in quilting.

But make that Log Cabin in small florals and prints- ugh- no feathers. No way!

Leslie & The Furbabies >

I agree that some designs call out for feathers, intertwined rope links, fans, or rosettes. Those sorts of things are long standing ideal elements of quilt design that are found in the best of quilts. But, and this is the thing, they are mostly found within the confines of borders, in large open areas, and other places without any pattern piecing, underneath them. You wouldn't do a feather pattern on top of a log cabin square of piecing. You might do it in another area of the quilt that contains the log cabin pattern, and place the feather, ect, in the open spaces of the design. If you look at hand quilting as an example, you never see, or should I say I have never seen, overall design of random squiggles, done by hand, on top of a pieced pattern where you would run across the stitching seams of the pieced square, with that rosette, or fan, or whatever. . That, and only that, is what this whole dust up is trying to clarify. And once again, anybody who loves doing that sort of thing, then you have my permission, as if it was needed, to continue enjoying your chosen style choice. Just don't expect me to get excited about it, as if that really mattered either.

John

I finally read this thread today and find everyone's opinions very interesting. FWIW, I tend to lean towards John's outlook. I'm not a terribly experienced quilter, only quilting for the last 8-10 years. I guess I would consider myself a 'traditionalist' with respect to quilting. I machine piece (mostly) and hand quilt only. Most of the quilts I have made have all been queen or king quilts. Most are very traditional piecing patterns. My personal preference seems to be alternating plain blocks with pieced blocks of varying patterns. I have also done a quite (to me) contemporary 'watercolor' quilt with a gazillion little seams. Surprisingly, on that quilt I did a very meandering quilting design over the body of the quilt because it seemed to call for it. But then, the traditionalist side of me roared her head and did cables and other typically traditional patterns in the various borders, all (I thought, at least) very complimentary of one another. I like the opportunity that the plain/solid blocks give me to show the actual quilting designs. I find SITD very painful so have migrated to outline or echo quilting where the blocks are pieced so as, IMO, not to detract from the piecing but where the quilt sandwich needs to be held together.

While I've read with great interest the trials and tribulations folks here have had perfecting their MQ skills, it's just not something I'm interested in doing. I like handwork of all types and quilting for me is very relaxing. While I can certainly appreciate a beautifully machine quilted quilt, I tend to agree that the all over, meandering type of MQing just does not have as much appeal to me. A MQ'd piece where the quilting truly enhances the design of the piecing or the overall quilt is my personal preference. If that makes me one of the 'quilt police' also, so be it.

Kim in NJ

That sounds gorgeous, Leslie. Not too terribly long ago, I made a pretty scrappy (for me ) Northwind quilt. I was completely stumped as to how to quilt it and finally ended up doing long diagonal rows of feathers in the entire thing. It turned out really well, and the young couple to whom I gave it loved it. :) I think feathers -- a traditional quilting pattern -- can look beautiful in some very unexpected places.

That said, I don't plan to quilt feathers on the challenge quilt I'm making for my guild. ;)

Sandy, I accept that hand quilting across seams is probably more difficult than across plain cloth and batting. But I am sure that those people I have seen, that have hand quilted all the seams with SITD quilting, I will say, that at least for some of those people, it is not to difficult. But, you are probably right, that is the reason that most people don't do that who hand quilt today. But along with that reason for those that hand quilt via the SITD method, and do not do random stitch pattern, across seam lines, I think that esthetics play an might play important part in their decision making. My whole take on this is just because the modern machine allows someone to do this, with ease, Is not in and of itself, something that should motivate somebody who is appalled by the finished product, to "Give her a try". It all boils down to esthetics. Like I said at the first post, if you like doing it, "git her done" that way. I just won't be spending any time oohing, and awing over the finished result. Just as some who do that type of quilting, may quickly pass by my traditional style. Choices, Ain't they grand?

John

Me too, Taria. I am much more casual about it. I started quilting to keep myself from going insane after losing the ability to work outside the home. It's like a crossword puzzle. I love the *doing* part of it, even if I have no use for the finished product. I love the quilts but I love the process more. Idle hands, and all that. If I obsessed over whether every quilt was quilt-show-worthy, I don't think it would be fun anymore.

Sherry

I was thinking something along similar lines. I've done feathers on a Trip Around the World -- really my first attempt at free-hand feathers, so they're not the greatest. But it's a big quilt, so I got lots of practice. :) I liked the quilt a lot better after quilting than I had before.

Julia > Oh, yes, I *would* do a feather quilting pattern on a Log Cabin!

You wouldn't do a feather in a single piece of a log cabin block, or waste your time doing a design in the whole block. Most log cabin blocks have light and dark sections and when put with the rest of the blocks those lights and darks form a design, the whole quilt then becomes about the interplay of those lights and darks, not about the individual blocks, so to then go and quilt something individual in the blocks wouldn't be respecting the quilt design, but to quilt a feather design in areas created by the block pattern would be stunning, but would also cross lots of seam lines.

Cheers Anne

When I started free motion quilting (domestic machine) I felt compelled to stay within seam lines, but that requires a tremendous amount of stopping, starting, hiding threads, etc. I finally got brave enough to try one larger free motion technique in an entire block, instead of in the smaller parts of a block. Ta-dah! It made the quilting much faster, and it was creatively freeing, if you can understand that. Nowadays, while I still don't ever do an overall meandering or an overall pattern for a whole quilt, I will often do a design that wanders deliberately over seam lines, but in a planned way

- if that makes any sense at all.

Carole D. - Retired and loving it in the foothills of NW Georgia

My quilts, crafts, QIs, and more -

"Flimsy" last week and "gitterdun" this week. I'm pleased to enrich to your vocabulary. :)

Nann who believes she also coined TSWLTH some years ago (The Store We Love to Hate, aka Joann Fabrics)

Howdy!

Stitch in the ditch: why bother? Esp. w/ handquilting. All those layers of fabric in the seams to sew into, hiding the very stitches that make handquilting such a joy - why? Stitch in the ditch- utility, just a way to tack the back to the front. YMMV

btw, it's been a long time since I heard someone proclaim that machine quilting isn't "real" quilting, or that machiners aren't real quilters. Also been a long time since I heard people in the LQS go into shock because men came into the store for supplies for their own quilts. It's a big ol' wide-open world for quilting.

R/Sandy - I like it when pe> >

I was thinking I'd really read somewhere--but I can't remember where--that all over stippling used to be done traditional hand-quilters. So apparently, this isn't a new phenomena.

Best regards, Michelle in Nevada

All "art" is subjective. Sheesh! There are incredibly valuable paintings hanging in art museums (The Scream comes to mind) that I wouldn't hang in my garage. ;-)

As for quilting, my first love is scrappy quilts, because it is what I was exposed to as a child and I associate them with a grandmother's love. Now, in magazines I often see beautifully done picture quilts. I am awed by the craftsmanship. However, truth be known, they don't really seem like quilts to me. I don't get that warm fuzzy feeling from them, so it's almost like another medium to me.

Best regards, Michelle in Nevada

Ooh, that quilt is just yummy, Julia! I love the colors, and your free-formed feathers look great!

Michelle > I was thinking something along similar lines. I've done feathers on a