Going straight

I started quilting ‘All Together Now’ with a meandering line, and I thought I knew exactly where it was going.

Wandering aimlessly

This quilt has been very particular from the very beginning about what it wants, but I was just starting to feel that we were becoming friends now that we’ve reached the outer sections. The quilt waited until I had done a fair few meandering lines before telling me that was very wrong and not what it wanted at all. Quite a lot of unpicking and tutting ensued. The second attempt is now well under way, and everyone seems to be happier. I’m now working very simple diagonal lines across each of the 6” blocks.

Diagonal quilting lines across 6” blocks

I couldn’t sew a straight line if my life depended on it, so I use quilter’s masking tape. It’s one of the best things ever invented.

Quilter’s masking tape

I confess I am slightly disappointed not to have more expressive quilting lines to create. It’s one of my philosophies of life that there are already enough straight lines in the world and now here I am, adding to them. There is, however, quite a lot going on in this quilt – there are a lot of colours to manage, with a lot of seams and some very busy seed stitching – and keeping the rest of it simple I think is the right thing to do.

Author: Karen

Textile and mixed media artist

14 thoughts on “Going straight”

  2. I think that it’s beautiful, Karen. I hope to be able to create something like this too one day. You’re doing a wonderful job, keep going.

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  3. Quess took a liitle meandering to find a better road. My lines always taken a dip down with each stitch. These colors with that sheen and light just grab me.

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    1. Early morning sunlight creates a lovely sheen on fabrics. Always like to see how quilting can be a metaphor for life. I *think* I’ve found the right path now 🙂

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  4. I like that the simple lines let your wonderful piecing draw the eye … I’ve settled into straight line stitching without any guides, but most of my favorite needles are bent, so it’s challenging

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    1. Ha, the challenge of the bent needle, I know that one too. I always end up veering off on a tangent when sewing a straight line. Same happens in real life, of course 🙂

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    1. I’ve learned over the years it’s usually the best way. Quilts generally know what’s best for them 🙂

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