QUILTsocial | Issue 03 Spring 2015

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However my common sense ran completely out of the window when it came to density. I realized that the quilting was way too dense for a lap quilt. I didn’t like the density at all. I spent a week ripping out the quilting. GASP! (I have totally wiped that week from my memory bank!) They say that negative experiences like this are character building. Hmmm – let’s just say that I built a LOT of character as I patiently took that quilting out. Yes – the quilt was almost done when common sense took hold of my brain. In order for all of us to learn and become better free motion quilters, here are some tips to help you with your free motion quilting – especially choosing a design! Ready to start quilting Quilt is supported on the left by the extension surface of the quilting table Quilting design from the front Tips for successful free motion quilting Density – this is a personal taste, but I love very densely quilted quilts. If the quilt is to be used as a table runner or wall hanging, dense quilting is great. But a too densely quilted lap or bed quilt doesn’t drape well and isn’t cuddly. Think about the end use of the quilt as you contemplate the density of the stitching you’re planning. Overall designs – while overall designs are great and can be expertly done on a domestic sewing machine, be careful. The area in which you’re quilting (around the needle) is small so it's harder to get that sweeping motion for a loose design. It can be done, but be very careful. Check often – are you happy with it? Quilt in sections – it is super easy to break a quilt down into sections (visually – not physically) and then quilt section by section or block by block. So you need to consider how you can do that on your quilt. My problem was – I didn’t want to break it down in sections. Practice – doodle your design on paper before you start to quilt. Do you have the flow? Can you travel from motif to motif? Try to doodle in the size you need on your quilt. Too dense, not dense enough? Thread – pick your thread colors wisely. While the thread doesn’t have to match exactly, the more it blends in, the more any mistakes are disguised. Busy backings – a busy backing will disguise a whole multitude of sins. The good news I’m happy to report that although my quilting skills were a bit lacking – I had no problem working on this size of quilt on the Ruby Royale. There were no skipped stitches and the stitches were well formed - a bit too well since I had to remove them all! The Ruby Royale was a lot of fun to quilt on. Another question that I frequently get asked is how to deal with the bulk of the quilt under the arm of the sewing machine. We tend to think of how much space we have to the right of the needle. In this case, the Ruby Royale has 10" of space. 28 Q UILTsocial .com ● spring <strong>2015</strong>
Sew Fancy Inc. Quilting design from the back By pushing the quilt UP, I still have 10 inches of space to the right of the needle However – we forget that we also have lots of room in the HEIGHT of that space. As you’re quilting, if you push the quilt UP – you’ll still have the entire space (10") to work. There is slightly over 4" of clearance between the bed of the Ruby Royale and the top of that space. That's a lot of space to push a quilt up into. The second piece of good news Because the quilting design that I wanted was very specific, I quilted the What’s Good the Gal, is Good for the Guy challenge quilt on the long arm. Would I try another quilt on the Ruby Royale? You bet – the sewing machine did NOT let me down. My lack of skill for this type of design needs some work. Next time, I'll try a smaller piece and break the design down – just like I used to and had much success. There's ample space to maneuver a quilt on the Husqvarna Viking Designer Ruby Royale. No skipped stitches, excellent tension, and the ability to lock that screen, made the quilting job easy. Secure ordering at www.sewfancy.com sales@sewfancy.com 519.824.4127 by appointment in Guelph, ON Your Premier Source for Specialty Sewing Supplies Tatting Threads Needles Shuttles Instruction Books Patterns Doilies Hankies Fine Threads Finca Floche Lizbeth Madeira Silk Rajmahal Valdani Supplies for Sashiko Quilting Goldwork Punchneedle Hand Embroidery Silk Ribbon Embroidery Heirloom and Smocking Unique Notions & Tools Snaps that stay on Whimsy Sticks and lots more… www.TheNeedleworkPages.com the find a local shop! 9 listings 9 reviews 9 events 9 new products 9 free patterns 9 blogs & more! pages Q UILTsocial .com ● spring <strong>2015</strong> 29
Page 1 and 2: Q .c Spring 2015 • 7 quilting des
Page 3 and 4: Editor's letter scissors measuring
Page 5 and 6: 48 36 c o n t e n t s Jennifer Houl
Page 7 and 8: What’s good for the gal, is good
Page 9 and 10: Pieces ready for sewing with the qu
Page 11 and 12: I like to glue my first fabric piec
Page 13 and 14: Hour glass block added to design Ex
Page 15 and 16: Lots of hexagons Cut shapes along t
Page 17 and 18: Sewing the applique shapes After sp
Page 19 and 20: The denim 'corner' pocket sewn on t
Page 21 and 22: good for the guy... Constellation Q
Page 23 and 24: good for the gal... Elaine Theriaul
Page 25 and 26: Get more quilting fun in A NEEDLE P
Page 27: Prepping the Ruby Royale I installe
Page 31 and 32: Next up was to add some mortar to t
Page 33 and 34: Choosing the lettering was easy as
Page 35 and 36: Quilting on the message on the back
Page 37 and 38: skill level intermediate finished m
Page 39 and 40: Q UILTsocial .com … eat, sleep, q
Page 41 and 42: Happy Spring Banner Cheryl Stranges
Page 43 and 44: 3. Remove the fabric and stabilizer
Page 45 and 46: picking fabrics Flowers are a breat
Page 47 and 48: 6 5 4 Tulip Template Trace 3 of eac
Page 49 and 50: BANNERS OF F Visit our booth and: V
Page 51 and 52: Finish up some quilting projects...
Page 53 and 54: Pressing using a pressing sheet Art
Page 55 and 56: Closeup of machine stitching on the
Page 57 and 58: Now to sew on the binding Now that
Page 59 and 60: Only Spooling Around Nancy Devine N
Page 61 and 62: Quilting the Only Spooling Around t
Page 63 and 64: Canada’s most trusted notions bra
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Page 67 and 68: cr cr eativ 100% cotton thread thre

QUILTsocial | Issue 03 Spring 2015

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