Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Quilting a Panel




Have you ever quilted a preprinted panel? When my old sewing machine ceased to work a couple of weeks ago I was part way through quilting a beautiful panel as a display item for a Sydney retailer*. Quilting a panel has proved to be a great way to improve my quilting skills. All the outlining was completed using a regular sewing foot with frequent stopping and pivoting, not free motion, as I wanted to follow the lines precisely and have even stitch length, something I wouldn't have been able to achieve on my old machine with a darning foot (which jumps up an down as you sew). However I'm thinking I may be able to work towards this on my new machine using one of the free motion quilting feet - with practice.




A genuine free motion quilting foot has also made this loopy pattern very workable. On my old machine I would have had great difficulty producing a finish I was happy with. Until now I had only quilted using stippling, outlining and straight lines. This Owl panel has many little corners and small areas for quilting so I was hoping to try something loopy if possible. It seems my old machine died at the ideal time. Although not perfect, I am very happy with the overall effect of the small loopy quilting.




Another unexpected little surprise feature on the Janome 8900 is the 'clasp stitch' which has proved ideal for one area on the Owl quilt. I'm thinking there may be other stitches which lend themselves well to quilting applications too. If you have any suggestions I'm very keen to hear them.








This quilting has been very time consuming, particularly the outlining, but also very helpful in pushing my skills and quite enjoyable too, especially as I'm learning how to use various features on my new machine.

There's just a matter of completed the binding, knotting and burying the last of the quilting threads, and a hanging sleeve to sew and attach before the final reveal. Then there is another rather different panel awaiting my attention for which I have some more quilting ideas to try.


*Creative Sewing Centre, is an independent haberdashery supplier and Janome dealer located in Seven Hills, Sydney. Their new showroom just opened yesterday! I would love to be close enough to visit and see their amazing range of threads, fabrics, beads and so much more.


Sharing at WIP Wednesday.

33 comments:

DeborahGun said...

what a great project for trying out your new machine. Your quilting is beautiful :-)

Stephanie said...

How lovely and colorful and your quilting is wonderful :)

Have a great week!

Linda said...

So cute! Glad the new machine is working out.

Marijke said...

Great work, well done!
I so hope my sewing machine will break down soon… ;-)

Liz said...

Oh wow! How gorgeous. You are so clever.

I find myself wishing I could finish my hand sewn quilt which took the back burner when I became a single Mum and had to return to full time work so many years ago (17 years to be exact). And since my car accident, I haven't had the ability to pick up the quilt and do the fine work. It's just gathering dust now.

Lisa said...

Your little loopies are fabulous - and that clasp stitch is a keeper for sure. Who doesn't love a cute little star?!!! Adorable!

Oman said...

Beautiful piece of work :)

diane b said...

I can't imagine the time and skill necessary to produce such beautiful work. Just amazing.

Unknown said...

Hi Karen
What a wonderful idea! It looks
so colourful and the motivs are so nice.

Hugs
JetteMajken

Fun60 said...

I love reading your posts that explain how you manage a number of your amazing quilting skills.

Erin said...

Woo hoo! Thrilled to hear details of how you are enjoying your new machine:):) Well you'll have to send a delegate to take pics for you:)

Susan said...

What a pretty project you have been working on! That clasp stitch is adorable!

Maryse said...

I have never been much of a fan of these panels, but I must say this is a great way to work with them, it's wise of you tu use these panels to practice FMQ and all the different features with your new machine...Thanks for sharing this, It's quite lovely actually! :)

Kim said...

You are having oodles of fun with that new sewing machine of yours, aren't you. This quilt is lovely. Love that clasp stitch.

chica said...

Sempre inspirada e lindos trabalhos! bjs,chica

Gone Country said...

Such beautiful work!

I just tried free motion quilting last week. Needless to say, I have a lot of practicing to do before I will be happy with the results. (I ended up hand quilting part of my project - a quilted Bible tote bag).

Mary Huey said...

Such a pretty piece to play on, Karen -- glad you are exploring the new machine thoroughly!!

SarahZ said...

Oh my goodness! The stitching looks amazing! I think I must have a new machine also! ;) I just love to think of you enjoying, and becoming fast friends with your new machine!!!

Anita Johnson said...

Your work is just beautiful!

geanina said...

the colors are wonderful!

marcella said...

Cute! I like using single decorative stitches like the clasp stitch to "tie" a simple quilt. I've also used other decorative stitches like the feather stitch with the walking foot to quilt an entire quilt. Stitches that move mostly forward work better for this. I have a 6600 but I'm sure your beautiful, new and fancier machine can do the same thing.

Anonymous said...

This looks like a fun panel and your quilting is just beautiful! Glad you're having fun playing with your new machine :)

Jocelyn said...

I love my 8900! And I use that "clasp" stitch to "tie" lap duvets. It's such a pretty stitch and does the job nicely, making the duvet look nice & poufy. I'm still learning my machine but I just love sewing on her.

Ruth said...

Very pretty result - love the outlining so perfect. sounds like a great idea to practice. I have a Christmas Penguin panel I must dig out!

Nilya said...

Lovely quilting, I especially love the Change of Color of the threads - cool

Elise Lea said...

What a beautiful quilt. Quilting a panel is genius! I never thought to do that but on what I can see of your panel the results are stunning and it is a great skill builder! Looks like I might have to make a few of these in the future!

Anonymous said...

Your quilting is beautiful, the clasp stitch is a really nice detail

Renee said...

I love how the quilting adds so much texture and personality! It's such a sweet quilt.

Anonymous said...

Practicing FMQ on a panel is a super idea--bypasses the time of piecing and the time all goes to the quilting. And some lucky child will get a quilt who otherwise might not have.

Anonymous said...

Wow quilting a panel is an excellent idea and it looks fantastic - well worth the time and effort you're putting in to it!!

Rosemary said...

Congratulations on your new purchase! The colours of the quilt pieces in your photos are so bright and cheery, like a birthday celebration :)

Lisa Gordon said...

Your work is always so beautiful, Karen, and it sounds like you and your new sewing machine are becoming fast friends!

Have a great weekend.

the momma said...

fabulous!! I've often thought that quilting a panel would be an excellent way to increase my skills, but I haven't made time to do it yet...

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