I'm about a third done quilting my Organic Chemistry Quilt. I decided to do a simple grid all over the quilt, but also wanted to use hexagons on it. After looking all over the Internet for ideas, and pretty much coming up with nothing, I decided to create my own.
One great thing about this quilting design is that just about anyone can do it with a walking foot. All I did is to use the same cereal box template that I used to make the appliqued chemical hexagons, and used a plastic pot scrubber (my makeshift "Hera marker") to trace the outline of the next shape to stitch on.
Hopefully this give you an idea of how I am quilting it. I tried to use chalk marker at first, but the white is almost impossible to see on such a light background, and the few I did in a peach colored chalk didn't easily "erase" with water or a lint roller. I've had colored tailor chalk stain previous quilts, so immediately stopped using it. This "Hera marker" leaves a crease that lasts just long enough to guide my stitches over!
It'll take a while to do this, but I find that I really really like this design. I bet it'd be super easy on a long arm machine too.
Of course now that the design is taking shape, I may not be able to resist free motion quilting inside some of those "empty" hexagons ;-).
Great marking idea!! And a perfect quilting choice - thanks for sharing your techinque!
ReplyDeleteTop marks for those molecules, Becky!
ReplyDeleteCool! I will have to try that.
ReplyDeleteThat is a hilariously awesome quilt. I love the hexagon quilting, too. It will be so worth it when you are done.
ReplyDeleteHexagon quilting fits great! Love it!
ReplyDeleteWow, great idea. You have chosen the perfect quilting design for this quilt and I do think you should free motion a little too. Can't wait to see the grand finish...
ReplyDeleteAwesome tutorial! Can't wait to see the whole quilt!
ReplyDeleteI love the practicality and pragmatism of your quilting designing! The hexagons look really good.
ReplyDeleteNifty idea, both the quilt pattern and the way you mark it.
ReplyDeleteFabulous quilt! Great idea and so original! I'm not sure it would be that much easier on a longarm machine though. Aside from having a larger visible work space (which is great) it would be just as much a challenge to keep the stitch lines straight. You would have to mark the quilt and use a straight edge to guide the machine for sure. You're doing great on your home machine.
ReplyDeleteoh my - that looks like SO much work Becky!!! I ditto what Alia wrote.
ReplyDeleteI love your chemistry quilts. ; )
oh where oh where the heck is spring!?
Monika K.
Saskatoon
This is SO clever! It's perfect for your quilt of course!
ReplyDelete