The thing about waiting until the last minute to do March's challenge {I was the third-to-the-last to link up} is that I still had my stuff out when the April challenge came on-line and I was still in the mood to do a little FMQ. Plus, if I hurry, I can be second to link up this month!
I had everything on hand for Don's tutorial, except for the embroidery hoop {just had to dig a little for some fine-mesh tulle}. I didn't want to make a trip out to get a hoop so I tried a glue stick first to see if that would work instead. I put a very thin layer of glue across the entire template, which held the tulle in place very nicely. When I was done tracing, the tulle came off easily. To transfer the design to my quilt, there was enough friction between the tulle and the fabric that I was able to hold the tulle steady and in place while I marked the quilt.
When I started this challenge, I envisioned the optional quilt as a sampler and I wanted the different types of quilting to really show. I decided to use darker threads on my off-white fabric to make that happen. I know that every mistake really shows, but the trade-off in being able to see the quilting is worth it, I think. I didn't do so well with the echo feather in February when I was practicing, so I picked a much lighter thread than I'd originally planned to quilt it. It still shows every single imperfection, but I can live with it. And I decided that I really do want my quilt to showcase the different quilting. If this were a “regular” quilt, I would not have used these dark colors of thread for the April motif. But I wanted it to highlight the pretty flower I saw in the shape. Imperfections not withstanding, this was a fun exercise.
For those who are not doing the challenge, this is Don Linn's tutorial for marking a quilt using tulle as your tool.
You did well!! Isn't that a neat technique with the tulle? I haven't watched the video yet but I read the transcript and thought it seemed really original. I may be one of the last stragglers this month, but I'm looking forward to it. I love how the flower design came out in yours. It looks like a trillium.
ReplyDeleteComing back to watch that tute when I have time!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea with the glue!
ReplyDeleteGreat quilting! Thanks for the idea of using a glue stick. I used a hoop but may want a bigger design at some point. ~Jeanne
ReplyDeleteClever idea on the glue. And great job too!
ReplyDeleteGood job! Mine is in process. The tulle is such a good idea for marking. Like you, I had to "make do" for some of the supplies.
ReplyDeleteGreat job! Such a neat idea for transferring design!
ReplyDeleteLooks great with the dark thread. Good job!
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