Statement Quilting

This is a quilt I finished that was made from a book published by That Patchwork Place.  It is a Tennessee Waltz quilt.  I put some statement quilting in the "rest the eye" blocks.  I was pleasantly surprised by the way it enhances the arches that are an optic illusion created by the pattern.  All the pieces are straight lines but, when combined with the angles that join the blocks it looks like they are curved.

On my horse quilts I made for my girls the quilting is not statement quilting, it helps to enhance the horses on the quilts.  On Chelsea's Japanese Horse Quilt, I let the background fabric design the quilting and went around the squiggles and grass for the quilting.

Well, I did it! I got the Horizon...

Yes, I took the plunge after reading all the latest blog reviews and will let you know if I totally agree with them or not.

So far, the only real draw back is the dual feed.  The Janome Horizon 7700, has one, but, it's a major hassle to attach.  Compared to my Pfaff which is simply pulled down into position.  This creates a pretty even feed stitch on my Pfaff.  I'll be able to tell soon, if it's necessary or not on my Janome.  FOR $3,000.00 IT SHOULD NOT BE.  But, there are so many other features that I think I'll enjoy, making it worth the money, I think.  In the next few days I'll detail them out for you.

My other "toy" is still set on ready, waiting for a spin.

If you like to make puzzles your will like quilting...I think

We quilters don't usually shy away from a challenge.  It seems our little grey cells are in constant need of stimulation.  Which for us is manipulating fabric into designs.

This can be a daunting thing to do.  When you go into a quilt store, you are not looking at little pieces of material all cut up and sewn together in a "test block".  Nope, you have to see in your oh so powerful minds eye the mostly 2X3 inch pieces, in this case, that will become a Tennessee Waltz quilt block.  Then you have to imagine the snowball block to go along side it.

Here is my attempt at joining those colors in fabric to make quilt blocks to be sewn together, soon.  Who needs a Birangle.

Tennessee Waltz tips

I'm still working on the pattern that requires a Birangle.  Improvising, I've made the bias strips for the sharp points, notice they are mirror images.

Trim off the ends then measure the width of the blocks to cut.

Next line up the points for cutting.  I'm not sure this method is all that fast, but, it's the first time I've tried this, so I'm all in.  All quilters find their own methods of enjoyment.  Some might not like the way others choose to make quilts.  Quilt making is a highly personal process and they take a long, solitary time to make.  So, you must find the method that suits your personality and enjoy the process.