Pin Basting Dresden Rows
I'm working on machine quilting it on my Bernina. It's been frustrating.
First, what color thread to use? The backing is chevron stripes on a white ground. On a test sample, I tried brown thread in the top and white in the bobbin. I ended up with white thread showing on top and brown showing on the back. Definitely not OK. I tried brown in the bobbin. It was OK on the top, but I hated how it looked on the back, so unflattering to the chevron stripe fabric.
So I'm using microfilament invisible thread for both the top and the bobbin. Problem #1 solved.
I started with SID between the Dresden rows and the brown. Lots of pivoting, but so far so good.
I knew I wanted stippling in the brown areas. After some tension issues and some ripping, I was able to FMQ the brown areas.
Next, I wanted to follow the linear shapes of the Dresdens in the rows, but I couldn't work out a way to do it with the walking foot, and my FMQ skills are definitely not up to the challenge. I sketched what I thought would work. I tried - and ripped out - three different attempts to try to quilt those shapes in linear patterns. Have you ever tried ripping out invisible thread?
I ended up going with simple chevrons across the Dresden rows. It requires marking the pivot points, so I made a template for the dots. The stitching is very slow going, lots of pivoting which means wrestling the bulk under the machine every two inches. But, problem #2 is solved.
Chevron Quilting in the Dresden Rows
I have two of the Dresden rows done. Now, I'm almost out of thread. I've had it for years, there's no label on the cone, I have no idea where I got it, and I need more to finish the quilting. So this project is on hold until I can find more thread. Wish me luck in solving problem #3!
Even though there have been a few setbacks with the quilting, I still like this design. I'll find the thread and get it finished soon.
Linking up with Lee at Freshly Pieced for WIP Wednesday - check it out.
Dresden rows, very cool. It never would have occurred to me to make non-circle dresdens. Good luck finding your thread!
ReplyDeleteI'm pound of you for forging on. Usually when I hit too many snags I give up. I thought maybe you had used the chevrons on the back to stitch the Dresdens, but I can imagine it would not have lined up so nicely.
ReplyDeletePersevere - it will be a wonderful quilt when it's all finished. I love the dresden rows. That gives me another idea for using my dresden template. Yay!
ReplyDeleteGreat perseverance! It will all be worth it- it already looks wonderful. PS, love your blog name ;-)
ReplyDeleteI only used monofilament in the bobbin once when it knotted up too much. (Of course, that was a very shiny thread, probably not a good brand.) Now I prefer YLI Wonder. Let us know when you figure out which you are using.
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